Lead-Safe Painting in Newton, MA
About 84% of Newton homes were built before 1978, so lead paint is the default assumption, not the exception. We're EPA RRP certified and have followed Massachusetts' strict lead paint regulations since 2017.
About 84% of Newton homes were built before 1978. Lead paint is not rare - it is the default assumption on any pre-1978 Newton property. Massachusetts has some of the strictest lead paint regulations in the country, and we are trained to follow them.
Our Lead-Safe Painting Process
"Do you handle the lead paint?" Yes. Here is our 4-step process for working safely in older homes:
- Assessment: We determine if lead paint is likely present based on the home's age (pre-1978) and, where needed, recommend testing.
- Containment Setup: Plastic sheeting and barriers go up before any work that could disturb paint begins.
- Lead-Safe Work Practices: We use wet scraping methods, no dry sanding, and HEPA vacuum cleanup throughout the project.
- Careful Disposal & Documentation: Waste is disposed of per EPA RRP requirements. For landlords, we can support documentation toward a Letter of Compliance.
Understanding the Rules That Apply to Your Home
Massachusetts homeowners and landlords face requirements that don't exist in most other states. We know both sets of rules, which matters if you're comparing us to an out-of-state or unfamiliar contractor.
- EPA RRP is a federal rule that applies to contractors working on pre-1978 homes anywhere in the US. It requires certified firms and lead-safe work practices.
- Massachusetts Lead Law (MGL Chapter 111) is state-specific and goes further. It requires owners of pre-1978 homes where children under 6 live to actually correct lead hazards, not just work safely around them.
- CLPPP (Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program) is the Massachusetts DPH program that administers compliance.
Have an older home?
"We were worried about the lead" is a common concern. We provide free estimates and explain our lead-safe process.
Get a Free EstimateLead-Safe Painting for Homeowners and Landlords
For Homeowners
Peace of mind for families, especially with young children. We perform EPA RRP certified work on any pre-1978 home to ensure your family is protected during the painting process.
For Landlords & Property Managers
The Massachusetts Lead Law applies to rental properties with children under 6. We can support documentation toward a Letter of Compliance. This is relevant across our Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown rental markets as much as Newton.
Lead Paint Encapsulation
Encapsulation is applying a specific MA DPH-approved encapsulant product over lead paint. This is the legal standard in Massachusetts for covering lead hazards. It is not the same as just painting over lead paint.
Lead Paint Questions We Get Often
Lead paint is often found on exterior siding and interior trim. We serve all Newton neighborhoods.
Example Project: Lead-Safe Exterior Painting in Newton Corner
Example only — illustrative rendering, not a photo of a completed job.
The Home
A two-family home in Newton Corner built in the 1920s, with young children in one of the units, prompting the owner to confirm lead-safe practices before any exterior work began.
How We Built the Estimate
- •Confirmed the home's age and pre-1978 status, treating lead paint as the default assumption per Massachusetts guidance
- •Walked through containment setup and cleanup requirements given occupied units and nearby play areas
- •Discussed EPA RRP lead-safe work practices with the owner before any prep work was scheduled
- •Written quote separating standard exterior prep/paint from the additional containment and cleanup work
Cost Breakdown (Example)
| Line Item | What's Included | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exterior prep & paint | Power wash, scrape, prime, two coats | $7,200 |
| Lead-safe containment & cleanup | Plastic sheeting, barriers, wet-method scraping, HEPA vacuuming, waste disposal | $1,400 |
| Total (example) | $8,600 |
Lead-safe jobs typically run 15–25% more than a comparable non-lead exterior repaint, reflecting the added containment and cleanup work required under EPA RRP.
The Process
- 1Lead Risk Confirmation — Treated the pre-1978 home as a lead-safe job by default.
- 2Containment Setup — Plastic sheeting and barriers around the work area.
- 3Lead-Safe Prep — Wet-method scraping and HEPA vacuuming to control dust.
- 4Painting — Standard exterior prep and two-coat application once containment was in place.
- 5Cleanup & Clearance — Full site cleanup and disposal per EPA RRP requirements.
Timeline (Example)
- Days 1–2: Containment setup and lead-safe prep
- Days 3–6: Painting
- Day 7: Final cleanup and walkthrough
Why It's Worth Doing
With about 84% of Newton homes predating the 1978 lead paint ban, lead-safe containment isn't an upsell, it's the correct baseline for most exterior jobs in this city.
Get a Free Lead-Safe Painting Estimate
This is an illustrative example showing how a typical project like this comes together, from estimate to finished job. Costs, timelines, and photos are representative of typical Newton projects, not a specific completed job.