Common signs to watch for
Peeling or fading paint, water stains, scuffed walls, worn hardwood and damaged tile are common reasons to plan a refresh.
Safety-first homeowner steps
Homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Do not disturb potentially lead-painted surfaces without appropriate lead-safe assessment and practices.
When a professional can help
A painting or flooring contractor can handle surface prep, materials selection and a clean finish, and explain timelines.
Questions to ask before hiring
Ask about prep work, number of coats, materials brand, lead-safe practices and a written scope before work starts.
Independent referrals
Ohio Service Hub is an independent information and referral platform. It does not directly perform contracting work or guarantee a local provider. A phone inquiry is not a guaranteed contractor booking.
Lead-safe renovation and written-scope decisions
- 1For a home built before 1978, ask whether planned sanding, scraping, demolition or flooring removal could disturb lead-based paint. Do not dry-sand or create dust around children or vulnerable occupants.
- 2The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting program covers certain paid work disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing. Verify the hired firm's EPA/state lead-safe status where applicable; ordinary online profiles are not proof.
- 3Require a scope for surface preparation, moisture-damage assessment, material and finish specifications, dust containment, occupancy restrictions, waste handling and final walkthrough.
Common homeowner questions
Is every older home's paint lead-based?
Not necessarily. Pre-1978 housing is more likely to contain lead-based paint, but age alone is not a test. Follow qualified lead-safe assessment and EPA recommendations before disturbing painted surfaces.
What should I ask a painter working on an older Ohio home?
Ask whether the planned work is subject to EPA RRP requirements, how lead-safe practices are managed, who will perform the work and what written preparation and cleanup scope is included.
Government and primary-source references
External references support general guidance. They do not verify any specific contractor or provide a booking.