Quick Answer

What is a lead-safe painting contractor in Staten Island?

A lead-safe painting contractor holds EPA Renovation, Repair, and Paint (RRP) Rule certification — a federal requirement for any contractor disturbing painted surfaces in homes built before 1978. In New York City, where 70% of housing predates the 1978 lead paint ban, this certification is legally required. Contractors without it cannot legally perform sanding, scraping, or surface disturbance on older homes.

To verify: Ask for the contractor's EPA RRP Firm Certification number and confirm it at epa.gov before signing any contract.

Lead-Safe Painting Contractor in Staten Island — What NYC Homeowners Must Know in 2026

A lead-safe painting contractor is EPA RRP certified to legally and safely work in pre-1978 homes where lead paint is present. In New York City — where approximately 70% of housing stock was built before lead paint was banned in 1978 — hiring an uncertified contractor isn't just risky. It's a federal violation.

Churchill Painting Corp is EPA RRP certified and has served Staten Island and the NYC metro area for over 20 years. Here's everything you need to know before scheduling any spring renovation.

What Is a Lead-Safe Painting Contractor?

The EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Paint (RRP) Rule requires every contractor performing renovation work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes to hold EPA RRP Firm Certification. This is federal law — there are no exceptions for small jobs or short timelines.

A certified lead-safe contractor is trained and equipped to:

• Test surfaces before sanding, scraping, or cutting into painted areas
• Contain the work area to prevent lead dust from migrating into living spaces
• Use HEPA-rated equipment and proper PPE throughout the project
• Clean up with HEPA vacuums and wet-wipe methods — standard sweep-and-go is not compliant
• Document the work and provide the legally required EPA "Renovate Right" pamphlet before work begins

The difference between a certified and uncertified contractor is not administrative. Lead dust generated by improper sanding and scraping can remain airborne and settle into surfaces for months. The risk is highest for children under 6 and pregnant women — which is why New York City has among the most rigorous lead paint enforcement in the country.

What should I ask a painting contractor about lead paint in NYC?

Request their EPA RRP Firm Certification number before any work begins. A legitimate certified contractor provides it immediately. If they hesitate or cannot produce documentation, do not hire them.

Is Lead Paint Still a Problem in Staten Island Homes?

Yes — and the scale is larger than most homeowners realize.

Approximately 70% of New York City's housing stock was built before 1978, the year federal law banned lead-based paint in residential construction. In Staten Island's established neighborhoods — Great Kills, Tottenville, Eltingville, and Annadale — the proportion of pre-1978 homes is consistent with that citywide average. Most of these homes contain lead paint in some form, whether on window frames, door casings, exterior siding, or interior walls.

Lead paint that is intact and undisturbed poses minimal risk. Hazards arise when paint is disturbed during:

• Interior and exterior painting requiring sanding or scraping of old surfaces
• Window and door replacements where painted frames are cut or removed
• Drywall repairs that disturb layered surfaces in older rooms
• Kitchen and bathroom renovations in pre-1978 homes
• Full room gut renovations at any scope

New York City's Department of Housing Preservation and Development actively enforces lead paint regulations. Violations carry significant penalties — and homeowners who hired uncertified contractors have been held liable for non-compliant work performed in their properties.

If you are preparing your home for sale, renovating with young children in the household, or performing any spring maintenance on a pre-1978 property, this is not a line item to cut.

How to Find an EPA-Certified Lead-Safe Contractor in NYC

Here is the standard process for verifying a lead-safe contractor before signing any agreement:

Step 1 — Request EPA RRP Firm Certification

The EPA maintains a searchable database of certified renovation firms at epa.gov. Any legitimate certified firm has a certification number and will share it on request. "Licensed" or "insured" are not substitutes for RRP certification specifically.

Step 2 — Verify NYC-Specific Compliance

New York City layers additional requirements on top of federal law. Your contractor must be familiar with both EPA RRP requirements and NYC Local Law 1 (the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act), which governs how contractors handle lead in residential settings across the five boroughs.

Step 3 — Watch for Disqualifying Red Flags

• "We don't need certification for small jobs" — The federal RRP Rule has no small-job exemption for pre-1978 homes
• Contractors who refuse to test surfaces before scraping
• No written renovation plan or documentation
• Estimates significantly below market — typically because safety protocols are being skipped

Step 4 — Require the EPA "Renovate Right" Pamphlet

Federal law requires certified contractors to provide this pamphlet to homeowners before work begins. If a contractor does not offer it, ask for it. If they don't have it, find another contractor.

Step 5 — Get Everything in Writing

Scope, certification documentation, timeline, and containment plan — all in writing before any work starts. A professional certified contractor will have no objection to this.

Why Churchill Painting Corp

Churchill Painting Corp is EPA RRP certified and has been working in Staten Island homes for over 20 years. We know this borough's housing stock — the pre-war Victorians in Tottenville, the mid-century ranches in Eltingville, the older two-families throughout Great Kills and Annadale, and the period homes across the South Shore.

What we bring to every lead-safe project:

• EPA RRP Firm Certification — trained, documented, and fully compliant with federal and NYC requirements
• 20+ years of trade experience — we assess what we're dealing with before any work begins
• High-end, clean work only — no shortcuts, no improper containment, no corners cut
• Transparent process — we walk you through findings and our plan before touching a surface
• NYC metro coverage — based in Staten Island, also serving Brooklyn and Queens

We work exclusively with clients who expect quality work done right. If the lowest bid is the only priority, we are not the right fit. If having it done correctly — with documentation, certification, and 20 years of experience — is the priority, that is exactly what we do.

Get a Free Lead-Safe Painting Estimate

Before scheduling any spring renovation on a pre-1978 home, verify who you're hiring.

📞 Call or text: (718) 200-4133

📷 Submit a photo or video estimate — send us photos of your project and we will provide a detailed assessment without requiring an in-person visit first.

Churchill Painting Corp is EPA RRP certified and serves Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. Free estimates available for all projects.

Churchill Painting Corp | 166 Industrial Loop Bay 3, Staten Island, NY 10309

(718) 200-4133 | churchillpaintingcorp.com