Lead-Safe Wisconsin: How to Hire a Lead-Safe Contractor

A step-by-step guide for Wisconsin homeowners, landlords, and property owners

If your home or property was built before 1978, renovations could disturb lead-based paint and create harmful lead dust. Wisconsin's Lead-Safe Renovation Rule protects kids from lead paint dust that can be created during renovation work. It requires contractors to be certified to safely work with lead paint.

To check if someone is certified, visit our certified company list, which is updated monthly:

Download the certified lead company list

Important note: The list is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and will open in a new window. You may need to turn off your pop-up blocker or check the "Downloads" folder on your device to open it. To request a different file format (such as a PDF), email us at DHSAsbestosLead@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Not sure where to start with hiring a certified lead-safe renovator? Follow these steps!

 On this page

• Step 1: Know when the rule applies
• Step 2: Understand renovation vs. abatement
• Step 3: Hire the right certified contractor
• Step 4: Review what the individual or company must do
• Step 5: Keep good records
• More resources

  Step 1: Know when the Lead-Safe Renovation Rule applies

You must hire a certified Lead-Safe Renovator if your home or property was built before 1978 and the project will:

• Interior: Disturb more than 6 square feet of painted surface per room, or
• Exterior: Disturb more than 20 square feet of painted surface, or
• Involve a window replacement, or
• Involve demolition.

These projects are regulated under Wisconsin's Lead-Safe Renovation Rule and must be done using lead-safe work practices.

  Step 2: Understand renovation vs. abatement

Not all lead-related work is the same. Here's the difference.

Important tip: Not sure which kind of work you need? Contact your local health department or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Lead and Asbestos Certification Program for guidance. You can also check out our informational document:

Learn the difference between lead-safe renovation and lead abatement: Lead-Safe Renovation vs. Lead Abatement P-03180

  Step 3: Hire the right certified contractor

Here's who you may need depending on your project:

If you need general remodeling, painting, or window replacement in pre-1978 buildings hire a Lead-Safe Renovator working for a Certified Lead Company.

If you need lead paint or soil removal or window replacement as part of a lead hazard order, hire a certified lead company with certified lead workers or lead supervisors.

Use your preferred search engine or method to find companies in your area that offer the type of work you’d like to have done. It’s always a good idea to seek bids from more than one company. Consider asking friends and neighbors who they recommend.

Make sure the person or company doing the work is:

• Individually certified as a Lead-Safe Renovator, and
• Employed by a certified lead company.

To check if someone is certified, visit our certified company list, which is updated monthly:

Download the certified lead company list

Important note: The list is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and will open in a new window. You may need to turn off your pop-up blocker or check the "Downloads" folder on your device to open it. To request a different file format (such as a PDF), email us at DHSAsbestosLead@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

  Step 4: Review what the individual or company must do

It’s a good idea to have a written contract for services. Before you sign it or pay any money, make sure any companies named in the contract are on our current certified company list. If your contractor doesn't complete all of the following steps, you can reach out to the certification and compliance units to make a complaint.

What is your renovator required to do?

  Before a contractor starts work, they must:

1. Give you the EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet, an
2. Have you sign a pamphlet confirmation form acknowledging that you received it.

  During the job, the contractor must:

1. Set up containment (plastic barriers and warning signs).
2. Use lead-safe work practices.

  After the job, the contractor must:

1. Clean up thoroughly.
2. Perform a cleaning verification to confirm that the area is safe.

  Lead abatement contractors follow a stricter protocol, including:

• A lead risk assessment.
• Final clearance testing by a certified Risk Assessor.

  Step 5: Keep good records

You contractor should provide you with the following documentation. If they do not, make sure that you ask for:

• Copies of your contractor's and company's lead-safe certifications.
• A signed Renovate Right pamphlet confirmation form.
• A summary of the work done and safety steps taken.
• Cleaning verification (for renovations) or clearance testing report (for abatements).

Save these documents in case of questions later, especially if you plan to rent or sell your home.

  More resources

• The Lead-Safe Homes Program may help cover the cost of lead paint repairs, window replacements, and more. Visit the page to learn if your household meets income requirements.
• Reach out to the certification and compliance units for questions about certified lead professionals.
• Read our Guidelines for Rental Property Owners and Managers, P-00821c (PDF).