Renovating a Pre-1978 Home in Indiana: Asbestos and Lead Rules

February 28, 2026

If you own or are planning to renovate a home built before 1978, federal and Indiana rules for asbestos and lead paint apply to your project. Understanding these rules before you start saves money, avoids health hazards, and prevents regulatory problems.

What Pre-1978 Homes Likely Contain

Asbestos

Asbestos was used widely in building materials until the late 1970s. Common locations in pre-1978 homes:

Floor tiles — 9x9 vinyl floor tiles and their backing adhesive often contain asbestos
Pipe and duct insulation — Wrapped around HVAC ductwork and plumbing
Drywall joint compound — Used through the early 1980s
Textured ceiling finishes — “Popcorn” ceilings applied before 1978
Roof shingles and siding — Some asbestos-cement products
Fireplace and furnace insulation — Around fireplaces and boilers

Lead Paint

Lead-based paint was used in the vast majority of homes built before 1978. It is most commonly found on:

Window frames, sills, and trim (high friction areas)
Door frames and doors
Exterior painted surfaces
Railings and banisters
Older interior walls, especially in kitchens

Federal EPA RRP Rule: When It Applies

The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule applies when all three conditions are met:

The building was built before 1978
The renovation disturbs more than 6 square feet of interior painted surface or 20 square feet of exterior painted surface
The home currently houses or will house children under 6 or a pregnant woman

When RRP applies, the contractor must:

Be an EPA-certified RRP firm and hold an Indiana Lead Contractor license
Use lead-safe work practices (containment, wet methods, HEPA vacuuming)
Provide the homeowner with the EPA lead pamphlet before work
Document compliance

If RRP applies and a non-certified contractor does the work, both the homeowner and contractor face EPA civil penalties.

Indiana Requirements for Asbestos Before Renovation

Indiana does not have a statewide law requiring pre-renovation asbestos surveys for single-family residential properties. However:

Federal NESHAP rules require asbestos surveys before renovation of commercial, industrial, institutional, and public buildings
Demolition permits — Most Indiana counties require an asbestos survey and IDEM notification before issuing a demolition permit, even for residential properties
Building permits — Increasingly, local jurisdictions require asbestos clearance documentation for major renovation permits
Contractor liability — Reputable contractors will not disturb suspected materials without a prior survey

Best practice: Have a licensed Asbestos Inspector survey the home before any significant renovation, regardless of legal requirements.

Project Checklist for Pre-1978 Home Renovation

Have a licensed Asbestos Inspector survey areas to be disturbed
Have a licensed Lead Inspector assess painted surfaces in the work area (or assume lead-based paint is present)
Determine if EPA RRP applies (children under 6 or pregnant women in home)
If ACM found: hire a licensed Asbestos Contractor; file IDEM notification if required
If lead present and RRP applies: hire an EPA-certified Lead Contractor
Obtain all required building permits (may require environmental clearances)
Request clearance testing documentation after abatement before resuming renovation

Find Licensed Environmental Contractors in Indiana

All listed contractors hold active IPLA licenses verified from state records.