Homes built before 1978 potentially have lead-based paint, which presents special concerns, particularly if you have small children. The cleaning and/or removal of such paint must be handled by EPA-certified and trained paint specialists. Federal law dictates lead-based paint management partially because of the hazards involved in its handling and because it must be disposed of in a more stringent manner.

There are paints that have been developed that can be applied over lead-based paint, providing a thick, hard surface, but their long-term durability is still under question. If you suspect your home may have lead-based paint, it's advisable to seek out a contractor with EPA training to test your home's paint in Northampton, Massachusetts.