Remodeling Your Charleston Home? Why a Lead-Certified Contractor is Non-Negotiable

In Charleston, SC, there are so many unique opportunities to remodel, add on, or otherwise renovate a fantastic existing property. Breathing new life into an older home is incredibly rewarding, blending historic charm with modern functionality. However, for homes built before 1978, a crucial hidden factor could exist: lead-based paint. While exciting, any renovation in these older properties demands a specialized approach to ensure your family’s safety.

The Silent Threat: Understanding Lead-Based Paint

Before 1978, lead was sometimes a common ingredient in residential paints, valued for its durability. The danger arises when this paint is disturbed—through sanding, scraping, demolition, or even just chipping from wear and tear. When disturbed, lead-based paint breaks down into microscopic dust particles, invisible to the naked eye. These particles can be easily inhaled or ingested, posing significant health risks, especially for young children, pregnant women, and pets. Lead poisoning can lead to serious developmental problems in children and long-term health issues in adults.

Commonly found on windows, doors, trim, staircases, and exterior siding, lead paint, if not handled properly, can turn your dream renovation into a hazardous environment.

Why Professional Expertise Matters: The EPA RRP Rule

This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a federal mandate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule to protect residents and workers from lead-based paint hazards. This rule requires contractors working in pre-1978 homes to be Lead-Safe Certified. This means a contractor has undergone specific training and is committed to strict containment and cleanup protocols.

There are a great deal of remodeling contractors who are not lead-certified. Check this list to find a contractor who is. As a lead-certified contractor in South Carolina, Stono Construction is fully compliant with the EPA RRP Rule in South Carolina. Our commitment goes beyond mere compliance; it’s a core part of our dedication to client safety and quality craftsmanship.

Stono Construction’s Lead-Safe Promise: Our By-the-Book Process

At Stono Construction, we understand that renovating an older home demands exceptional care and expertise. When it comes to lead-based paint, our approach is strictly “by the book.” Communication is paramount in our business, and that extends to how we handle potential lead hazards.

Before work begins, we discuss the potential for lead paint and our mitigation steps. A lead paint test will be performed on any parts of the home that are planned to be disturbed. While we don’t conduct in-house testing, we strongly recommend and facilitate working with qualified third-party inspectors for lead paint testing. This ensures that the proper steps are taken to protect the teams that will be working on your home as well as you and your family. an unbiased assessment of your home’s specific situation.

Once lead is identified, our lead-certified teams implement rigorous lead-safe work practices, including:

• Containment: Using heavy-duty plastic sheeting and barriers to prevent dust spread.
• Negative Air Pressure: Employing specialized equipment to ensure contaminated air doesn’t escape.
• HEPA Vacuums: Using HEPA-filtered vacuums for all cleanup, capturing microscopic lead dust.
• Wet Methods: Utilizing wet sanding and scraping to minimize airborne dust.
• Proper Disposal: Carefully collecting and disposing of all lead-contaminated waste according to strict EPA guidelines.

We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you feel comfortable and secure throughout your renovation.

Your Trusted Lead-Certified Contractor: Stono Construction

Choosing a lead-certified contractor like Stono Construction for your Charleston home additions or home remodeling Charleston project isn’t just about regulations; it’s about investing in your family’s long-term health and safety. It provides peace of mind, knowing your renovation is handled with the highest standards of professionalism.

When seeking the best home construction companies to trust with your property and family’s well-being, expertise in lead-safe practices is essential. Our thorough, compliant, and transparent approach ensures your renovated home is not only beautiful but also a safe haven.

Contact us today for the highest standard in quality home construction projects, where safety is always built in. To discuss your next project, please call us at (843) 805-4141 or email us at [email protected].