Denver, CO — A local painting company's recent adoption of EPA Lead-Safe Certification highlights growing attention to federal lead paint rules that affect homeowners across Colorado and the nation. Harmony Painting has applied the new EPA certification standards to its work on Denver's century-old homes, underscoring why lead safety matters for any renovation project.
For homeowners living in houses built before 1978, understanding these federal requirements is essential before starting any renovation, repair, or painting project. The EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) requires contractors working on pre-1978 homes to follow specific lead-safe work practices to protect families from dangerous lead dust.
Lead paint was commonly used in American homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978. When this old paint is disturbed during renovation — through sanding, scraping, or demolition — it creates lead dust that can settle on surfaces throughout the home. According to the EPA, even small amounts of lead dust can pose health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant women.
Not sure if your home is affected? The DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit gives you certified, accredited-lab results in days — no inspector needed. Simple DIY sampling, mailed to a lab, clear results you can trust.
Shop the kit — $35What the EPA Lead-Safe Certification Means
When a contractor holds EPA Lead-Safe Certification, it means they have been trained in lead-safe work practices. These practices include:
- Containing the work area to prevent lead dust from spreading
- Using proper cleaning methods after work is completed
- Following specific disposal procedures for lead-contaminated materials
- Providing documentation to homeowners about the work performed
Homeowners should always ask contractors about their certification status before hiring them for work on older homes. In Colorado and across the country, certified contractors must follow these rules by law.
Why Denver Homes Face Higher Risk
Denver's housing stock includes thousands of homes built during the late 1800s and early 1900s. These century-old properties often contain multiple layers of lead-based paint on windows, doors, trim, and exterior surfaces. The city's historic neighborhoods — including Capitol Hill, Washington Park, and Park Hill — feature many homes that predate the 1978 lead paint ban.
When homeowners in these areas plan renovations, kitchen remodels, bathroom updates, or even simple window replacements, disturbing lead paint becomes almost unavoidable. Knowing whether lead paint is present before work begins helps homeowners make informed decisions about hiring certified contractors and taking proper precautions.
Steps Homeowners Should Take Before Renovating
If you own a home built before 1978 and plan any renovation work, experts recommend these steps:
- Test for lead paint first. Before any work begins, identify whether lead paint is present in the areas you plan to renovate.
- Hire only EPA-certified contractors. Ask to see their certification and verify it is current.
- Get documentation. Certified contractors must provide homeowners with information about lead-safe work practices.
- Plan for proper cleanup. Lead dust can linger on surfaces long after work is completed if not cleaned properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Denver home has lead paint?
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, but you cannot tell by looking at it. The only way to know for certain is to test paint chips or dust samples from surfaces in your home using a certified laboratory analysis.
Do I need to hire a professional to test for lead before renovating?
No. Homeowners can collect their own paint chip samples and send them to an accredited lab for testing. This DIY approach provides the same certified results as professional testing at a lower cost.
What happens if my contractor is not EPA Lead-Safe Certified?
Contractors who disturb lead paint without proper certification can face EPA fines. More importantly, improper work practices can spread lead dust throughout your home, creating potential health hazards for your family.
Before starting your next renovation project, homeowners with pre-1978 homes should consider testing painted surfaces for lead. The MycoTest DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit makes it simple to collect samples yourself and receive certified lab results, giving you the information you need to protect your family during any renovation.
Related reading
- Why EPA Lead-Safe Certification Matters for Your Home Renovation
- EPA Lead-Safe Certification: What Denver Homeowners Must Know
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. MycoTest DIY kits are screening tools. For confirmed contamination, consult a certified environmental professional.
Sources
Harmony Painting Applies New EPA Lead-Safe Certification to Denver's Century-Old Homes — The National Law Review, August 21, 2026