A practical guide for homeowners, landlords, and property managers in the Treasure Valley
Lead hazards aren’t always obvious. In many older Boise-area homes, the risk isn’t “lead paint sitting quietly on the wall”—it’s what happens when paint is disturbed during repairs, sanding, window replacement, kitchen updates, or demo work. The goal of lead abatement is to reduce exposure to lead-contaminated dust and paint chips in a safe, regulated way—especially in homes where children spend time.
Why lead is still a real issue in 2026
Residential lead-based paint was banned for consumer use in 1978, so the biggest risk remains properties built before then—especially where paint is peeling, chalking, cracking, or impacted by moisture. Federal rules also require disclosure of known lead-based paint and hazards before sale or lease of most pre-1978 housing. (epa.gov)
Lead can harm the nervous system and development—children under 6 are particularly vulnerable, and exposure can happen through dust, paint, soil, and even bringing lead dust home from certain jobs or hobbies. (cdc.gov)
Lead abatement vs. lead-safe renovation: what’s the difference?
| Term | What it typically means | When it matters in Boise-area homes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead abatement | Work intended to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards (methods can include removal, enclosure, encapsulation, or component replacement depending on the situation). | Useful when testing indicates hazards, when a child lives in the home, or when you want a long-term risk reduction plan (especially in high-friction areas like windows/doors). |
| Lead-safe renovation (RRP) | Required work practices for renovations/repairs that disturb lead-based paint in most pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities, focused on containment, dust control, prohibited methods, and cleaning/verification. | Critical during remodels, sanding, scraping, window replacement, or demo. Firms typically must be certified, and a certified renovator must follow lead-safe practices. (epa.gov) |
If you’re planning a remodel in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Garden City, or Nampa, the question isn’t only “Is there lead paint?”—it’s “Will this project create lead dust?” That’s where choosing the right certified help makes a major difference.
Quick “Did you know?” lead facts
Step-by-step: what to do before you renovate an older Boise home
If your home (or rental) was built before 1978—or you’re not sure—use this checklist to reduce risk and avoid costly mistakes.
1) Identify high-risk areas
Focus on friction/impact surfaces: windows (sashes/frames), doors/trim, stairs/handrails, baseboards, and exterior paint. Deteriorating paint (peeling, cracking, chalking) is more likely to create hazards. (epa.gov)
2) Decide whether you need testing, a plan, or full abatement
A professional assessment helps you choose the right scope: targeted containment and lead-safe methods for a remodel, or a more permanent abatement approach if hazards are widespread. If children under 6 live in the home, it’s smart to be extra conservative about dust control. (cdc.gov)
3) Hire qualified, certified help (and ask the right questions)
For many pre-1978 renovation projects, federal rules require firms to be certified and to use lead-safe work practices designed to reduce dust and keep it contained. (epa.gov)
4) Plan for temporary disruption (and do it once)
Lead-safe containment can affect how you move through your home, use HVAC, and access kitchens/baths. Scheduling the job thoughtfully helps minimize repeated disturbance of painted surfaces over time.
5) Keep documentation (especially for rentals and property sales)
Records and reports matter for future buyers/tenants. Federal disclosure rules require sharing known information and providing available records for most pre-1978 housing transactions. (epa.gov)
Boise & Treasure Valley local angle: where lead risk shows up most
Boise, Garden City, and many older neighborhoods across the Treasure Valley have a mix of mid-century and earlier housing stock. The most common “surprise” lead scenarios we see during restoration and remediation planning are:
Need lead abatement help in Boise or the Treasure Valley?
Apex Restoration’s IICRC-certified team provides fast, safety-focused remediation support for lead hazards—especially when projects overlap with water damage, mold concerns, or older building materials. If you’re planning renovations or have a situation where paint has deteriorated, a quick assessment can help you choose the safest path forward.