Before You Drill, Sand, or Paint: A Homeowner’s Guide to Safer DIY Repairs in Older Homes
Quick answer: If your home was built before 1978, check for lead-based paint before starting projects that disturb painted surfaces. The safest DIY approach is to identify risks first, control dust while working, and clean thoroughly afterward. For modern homes, the same habits also make everyday repairs safer and easier. Why checking your home’s age matters before a repair Many homeowners begin small projects like replacing trim, installing shelves, sanding doors, or repairing drywall without considering what is behind the paint. In homes built before 1978, lead-based paint may be present, and renovation activities can create lead dust. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using lead-safe practices when working on older homes because activities such as sanding, scraping, drilling, and cutting can disturb painted surfaces. How to decide if a DIY repair is safe to do yourself Start with the project type Low-risk maintenance tasks that do not disturb painted surface...