Kitchen demolition looks simple on TV.
Swing a sledgehammer. Rip out some cabinets. Haul everything to the curb. Done in a weekend, right?
Not so fast.
If your home was built before 1978, you're likely dealing with lead paint. And as of January 2026, the EPA's new lead dust standards changed everything about how kitchen demolition must be handled.
Miss these requirements, and you're looking at serious health risks, hefty fines, and a renovation nightmare.
Let's break down the most common kitchen demolition mistakes , and what the 2026 lead rules mean for your project.
The 2026 Lead Rules: What Actually Changed?
The EPA finalized updated lead dust standards in 2024. Full compliance kicked in on January 12, 2026.
Here's the bottom line: any detectable level of lead is now considered hazardous.
That's a massive shift.
Previously, contractors could leave measurable amounts of lead dust after cleanup and still pass inspection. The old standards had some wiggle room.
Not anymore.
The New Dust-Lead Action Levels (DLAL)
- Floors: 5 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft²)
- Window sills and troughs: 40 µg/ft²
If testing detects lead above these levels after demolition, you'll need additional cleanup and retesting. That means more time, more money, and more headaches.
Even if lead is detected below these action levels, abatement reports must now state that lead paint hazards may remain.
Translation? The standards are tighter than ever. And many contractors , even experienced ones , are struggling to meet them.
Mistake #1: Assuming Your Kitchen Doesn't Have Lead
"My house was renovated in the '90s. There's no way there's lead paint."
We hear this all the time. And it's one of the most dangerous assumptions you can make.
Here's the reality:
If your home was built before 1978, there's a strong chance lead paint exists somewhere , often buried under layers of newer paint. Kitchens are especially problematic because of the painted cabinets, trim, window frames, and walls.
Renovations don't always remove lead. They often just cover it up.
The fix: Get a lead inspection before any demolition begins. Period.
Mistake #2: DIY Demolition Without Proper Containment
You watched a YouTube video. You've got a respirator from the hardware store. How hard can it be?
Harder than you think.
Lead dust is microscopic. It spreads through your HVAC system, settles on furniture, and gets tracked into every room of your house. Without proper containment , plastic sheeting, negative air pressure, sealed work areas , you're contaminating your entire home.
And under the 2026 rules, that contamination isn't just a health hazard. It's a compliance violation.
The fix: Leave lead-safe demolition to EPA-certified professionals who understand containment protocols.
Mistake #3: Hiring the Wrong Contractor
Not every demolition contractor is equipped to handle lead-safe work.
Some don't have the certifications. Others don't have the equipment. And a few will tell you "it's fine" just to get the job.
Under the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, contractors disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 homes must be EPA-certified and follow specific lead-safe work practices.
The 2026 updates make compliance even more critical. If your contractor doesn't know about the new dust-lead action levels, they're not the right fit.
Questions to ask before hiring:
- Are you EPA RRP certified?
- How do you handle lead containment during demolition?
- What's your post-demolition cleaning and testing process?
- Do you stay current on the latest EPA lead regulations?
At Narcise Construction Group, we take a safety-first approach to every demolition project. That means staying fully informed on regulatory changes and maintaining disciplined, clean job sites.
Mistake #4: Skipping Post-Demolition Testing
You finished the demo. The kitchen is cleared out. Time to start rebuilding, right?
Hold on.
Under the 2026 rules, post-demolition dust testing isn't optional if you're doing lead abatement work. And even for renovation projects, it's the smart move.
Why? Because you won't know if your home is safe without it.
If testing reveals lead dust above the new action levels, you'll need professional cleaning and retesting before moving forward. Skipping this step puts your family at risk , especially children, who are most vulnerable to lead exposure.
The fix: Budget for post-demolition lead dust testing. It's a small price for peace of mind.
Mistake #5: Underestimating the Cleanup
Lead-safe cleanup isn't regular cleanup.
You can't just sweep the floor and call it a day. The 2026 standards require meticulous cleaning protocols:
- HEPA vacuuming all surfaces
- Wet wiping with lead-specific cleaning solutions
- Proper disposal of contaminated materials
- Final clearance testing
Even experienced abatement professionals are finding these lower permissible dust levels challenging to achieve. That's how strict the new standards are.
Cutting corners on cleanup is how homeowners end up with lingering lead hazards , and how contractors end up with compliance violations.
Why the 2026 Rules Matter for Your Kitchen Renovation
You might be thinking: "This seems like a lot of hassle for a kitchen remodel."
Fair point. But here's the bigger picture.
Lead exposure causes serious health problems, especially in children:
- Developmental delays
- Learning difficulties
- Behavioral issues
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
The EPA tightened these standards because the old ones weren't protective enough. The goal is to reduce lead exposure to the lowest achievable levels.
Yes, it makes kitchen demolition more complex. But it also makes your home safer.
How Narcise Construction Group Handles Kitchen Demolition
We're not a junk hauler or a handyman crew.
We're a professional demolition contractor with a disciplined, safety-first approach to every project.
Here's what that looks like for kitchen demolition:
- Pre-demolition assessment: We evaluate your space, identify potential lead hazards, and plan accordingly.
- Proper containment: Plastic sheeting, sealed work areas, and controlled dust management.
- Clean job sites: We don't leave a mess. Every project ends with thorough cleanup.
- Compliance-focused: We stay current on EPA regulations, including the 2026 lead dust standards.
- Honest, upfront pricing: No surprises. You know what you're paying before we start.
Whether you're a homeowner tackling a renovation or a contractor prepping for a larger project, we handle the demolition so you can focus on what comes next.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Demolition the Right Way?
Don't let common mistakes : or outdated practices : derail your renovation.
The 2026 lead rules changed the game. Make sure your demolition contractor is playing by the new rules.
📞 Give us a call or 📲 text us photos for fast pricing.
Contact Narcise Construction Group today and let's get your project started : safely, cleanly, and efficiently.