Finding a Certified Lead Abatement Contractor

As you browse through this page, you will be able to select a lead abatement contractor in your area who has been certified by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). There are two general categories of lead abatement contractors:

(1) Residential contractors who work on residential properties, and
(2) Commercial contractors who work on steel structures and superstructures.


Who can perform lead-based paint abatement work?

The State of New Jersey regulates contractors who can perform lead-based paint abatement. Regulatory responsibility is divided between DCA and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Any individual, partnership or corporation that engages in the business of lead-based paint abatement must be certified by DCA. The certified business must employ individuals who have been properly trained and permitted by the DHSS.

A property owner may be able to perform lead abatement work on their primary residence. Call (609)-633-6224 to learn under which circumstances a homeowner may do the work.

How can I find out if a contractor is certified to perform lead abatement?
Call (609) 633-6224 for more information or click here. DCA maintains a list of certified lead abatement contractors in New Jersey.

• Residential Abatement Contractors contracts under $20,000 (pdf)
• Residential Abatement Contractors contracts over $20,000 and under $100,000 (pdf)
• Residential Abatement Contractors contracts $100,000 and over (pdf)
• All Residential Lead Abatement Contractors (pdf)

What does a typical lead abatement project include?

• A scope of work based upon a lead evaluation.
• The certified abatement contractor obtains a lead abatement permit from the Local Construction Official prior to starting abatement work.
• The scope of work is filed as part of the permit application.
• The certified abatement contractor files a 10-day notice with DCA prior to abatement work starting.
• The occupants of the dwelling are relocated in accordance with the requirements of state code prior to starting abatement work.
• The furnishings and belongings in the work area are protected or relocated prior to the start of work.
• The owner repairs any structural deficiencies, leaks or building conditions that may affect the abatement.
• The work area is prepared to prevent the migration of dust and construction debris using plastic sheeting.
• Abatement work specialized cleaning is performed by the abatement contractor.
• Clearance of the work area is performed by a state certified inspector/risk assessor.
• Clearance Results and an Abatement Report are submitted to the Local Construction Official by the lead abatement contractor.
• A Certificate of Clearance is obtained from the Local Construction Official by the lead abatement contractor.
• Copies of lead testing, scope of work, Certificate of Clearance, and Contractor’s Abatement Report should be retained by the property owner for the life of the dwelling.

Helpful Hints on Choosing a Lead Abatement Contractor

• Verify the contractor is certified by visiting here or by calling (609) 633-6224.
• If you know a friend who is satisfied with his or her lead abatement contractor, ask them for the contractor’s name and number. Ask if you can preview their home to make sure this is the quality you are expecting.
• Call the local Better Business Bureau to see if any outstanding complaints are on file.
• Make sure you feel comfortable and communicate well with the contractor. You may be spending many hours, weeks and/or months with this person.
• Ask for and call references.
• Ask the lead abatement contractor if he or she provides written warranties or guarantees on their work. 
• Develop a scope of work (list of components or surfaces to be treated) and specifications (detailed description of paints or finishes to be used, minimum standards for replacement components such as windows, etc). A scope of work should be based upon a lead evaluation that has identified the location of lead-based paint and/or the location of lead-based paint hazards. Use only authorized treatment methods for leaded surfaces or components (replacement, paint removal, enclosure or encapsulation).
• Try to obtain at least three bids and make sure the scope of work and specifications are the same and up to date for each bidder.
• Never accept a telephone bid. Have a contractor walk through the project with the scope of work and specifications.
• Make sure the contractor’s pricing includes obtaining a lead abatement permit and a Certificate of Clearance (document issued by the Construction Official to close the permit file).
• Discuss with each bidder when the work will start, how long it will take to complete, whether the property must be vacant during the work, and what furnishings and belongings must be removed from the work area.
• Discuss who will perform the Clearance when the abatement work is completed. You may wish to hire a lead evaluation contractor yourself or you may wish to allow the lead abatement contractor the ability to arrange the Clearance.