Remodeling an Older Atlanta Home? What You Need to Know About Lead Paint (RRP) Rules
- Blue Juniper Construction
- Jun 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 3
Are you planning to renovate a charming older home in Atlanta? If your home was built before 1978, there's a chance it contains lead-based paint — and that's not just a health consideration, it's a legal one.
Federal law requires that any renovation disturbing painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home follow specific lead-safe practices. This requirement is known as the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule — or RRP for short — and it applies whether you're updating a single bathroom or taking on a whole-home renovation.
At Blue Juniper Construction, we believe informed homeowners make smarter remodeling decisions. Here's what the law requires, why it matters for your family, and how to make sure your contractor is doing it right.
What Is the RRP Rule?
The RRP Rule is a federal regulation enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It was created to protect families, especially children, from the serious health risks of lead exposure.
If your home was built before 1978 and your project disturbs more than six square feet of interior paint (or 20 square feet of exterior), your contractor must:
Be certified by the EPA
Use lead-safe work practices
Provide you with the EPA's "Renovate Right" pamphlet
Maintain documentation and proper cleanup
Why This Matters for Atlanta Homeowners
Many of Atlanta’s beloved neighborhoods like Virginia Highland, Ansley Park, Grant Park, Candler Park, Kirkwood, and Decatur are filled with homes built before 1978. While they offer character and craftsmanship, they also come with the responsibility of safe remodeling practices.
Lead exposure is especially dangerous for:
Children under 6 years old
Pregnant women
Pets and elderly residents
Beyond the health risks, the EPA can fine homeowners and contractors up to $47,000 per violation for non-compliance. Choosing an RRP-certified contractor isn’t just smart—it’s legally and ethically essential.
What a Lead-Safe Remodel Looks Like
So what should you expect when remodeling your pre-1978 home?
A certified firm like Blue Juniper Construction will:
Test for lead-based paint before starting work
Use heavy-duty plastic barriers to contain dust
Use HEPA vacuums and wet methods for dust suppression
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
Clean thoroughly before the area is reoccupied
Document the entire process per EPA standards
How Blue Juniper Construction Keeps You Safe
We are a certified lead-safe firm with hands-on experience remodeling historic and mid-century homes across Atlanta. Our team is trained to:
Follow all RRP documentation and cleanup procedures
Communicate risks and mitigation plans clearly with homeowners
Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient jobsite
Your health and home value are too important to gamble with unqualified remodelers. We bring craftsmanship and compliance together.
Warning Signs Your Contractor Might Not Be RRP Compliant
Not all remodelers are playing by the rules. Here are a few red flags:
They don't mention RRP or lead safety when bidding a job on a pre-1978 home
They avoid using plastic sheeting or containment
No "Renovate Right" pamphlet is provided. To download the pamphlet click the following link: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renovaterightbrochure.pdf
You see no special equipment used to clean or vacuum
Don't be afraid to ask: Are you RRP certified? If they can't show documentation, walk away.
Don’t risk your family’s health or your remodel’s legality. If you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home renovation in a pre-1978 home, make sure your contractor is lead-safe certified.
Call Blue Juniper Construction at 404-594-4469 or schedule a consultation to discuss your Atlanta remodel today.
FAQ
Q: What is the RRP Rule?
It’s a federal law requiring lead-safe practices when working on homes built before 1978.
Q: Do all contractors need to follow the RRP Rule?
Yes, if disturbing painted surfaces in older homes. They must be certified.
Q: How can I tell if my contractor is RRP certified?
Ask to see their EPA certificate or verify it on the EPA’s website.
Q: Is my 1970s home likely to have lead paint?
It may, especially if built before 1978.
Q: What happens if RRP is not followed:
Risk of lead poisoning, fines, and potential legal consequences.