RRP and homeowners

[OldRedFord]

Even tho I work in the remodeling field, if I buy a pre 1978 house..can I work on it my self as a DIY'er or would I have to be certified to work on my own home?

[Mike(VA)]

You can work on your own pre 1978 home all you want. Keep in mind, that most jurisdictions require permits for work even if the HO is doing it. If you flip houses, you can't do the work in some places unless you are a contractor.

[Allrounder]

The short answer: Yes, if it is your own home, you can basically do what you want, assuming you pull permits, etc.

Consider this though: "If" there is lead paint present, and you disturb it without protecting yourself or the surroundings, you can bring that dust home to your family. You could also leave traces of it behind to possibly make a future homeowner or their families sick. So there's a moral aspect at play here as well.

[OldRedFord]

The short answer: Yes, if it is your own home, you can basically do what you want, assuming you pull permits, etc.

Consider this though: "If" there is lead paint present, and you disturb it without protecting yourself or the surroundings, you can bring that dust home to your family. You could also leave traces of it behind to possibly make a future homeowner or their families sick. So there's a moral aspect at play here as well.

I agree. I would want to deal with it properly. Going in with Sawzallz running is not a good idea at all.

On a aside, if a house is sold from that time period it is disclosed that the house has led paint. If it does, correct? (at 24 Im still green behind the ears when it comes to home buying...but doing things the right way...not so green)

You can work on your own pre 1978 home all you want. Keep in mind, that most jurisdictions require permits for work even if the HO is doing it. If you flip houses, you can't do the work in some places unless you are a contractor.

Also true. Im not one of those flipping houses types.

[IHI]

My grandfather was a contractor from 1946 and retired in 2008. Many of us have family members in the same scenario, they worked with the lead paints, remodeled and were in the midst of the lead BS their whole life. They "brought it home" to their families everyday their whole life....gramps is 86yrs old and still dabbling in the trades with no ill effect.

IMO, nothing but a HUGE scare tactic to give a justification for the mindless so they can accept why we have to pay more out to meet gobbernment standards. Make the scenario seem DIRE, though it's been around for decades with no major problems, and people will "buy into it"

Bunch of chit, no other excuse or reason...mo money mo money is ALL is boils down to.

[SLS-Construction]

As a HO you can do all the work on your primary residence without getting certified by the EPA. However, if you buy some rental properties or something similar, you will need the firm cert & renovator cert. This also applies if you rent out part of your house to.