--- title: "Abatement vs. Renovation: Know the Difference" description: "Renovations vs abatement: Renovators doing RRP work definitely need to know the difference between renovations and abatement" image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15746595-jpg/images/dsc00694-wr.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [Abatement vs. Renovation: Know the Difference](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/48195/Abatement-vs-Renovation-Know-the-Difference) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Thu, Oct 14, 2010 @ 08:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Abatements vs. Renovations What's the Difference? ### ![Difference between abatement and renovation](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15746595-jpg/images/dsc00694-wr.jpg)Renovators doing RRP work definitely need to know the difference between renovations and abatement.   Unless specifically licenced to do so, renovators are not allowed to do abatement work.  Renovators would be wise to make sure property owners know the difference as well.  Employees should also be clear on the difference between renovations vs abatement, so as not to misrepresent the work they are doing when discussing a remodeling project with clients and prospects. ### Abatements vs Renovations ***Abatement*** means an activity designed to permanently eliminate lead paint hazards. Abatement includes any of the following: - The removal of lead paint and lead-contaminated dust; the permanent enclosure (barrier) or encapsulation (special paint coating) of lead paint; the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures; the removal or covering of lead-contaminated soil; and any preparation, cleanup, disposal, and post-abatement clearance testing associated with these activities. - A project for which there is a contract indicating that a company will be performing work on a housing unit, day care center, preschool, or kindergarten that is designed to permanently remove lead paint hazards. - -A project resulting in the permanent removal of lead paint hazards, conducted by a certified abatement company. - ![What is abatement?](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15746478-jpg/images/dry_hand_scraping-wr.jpg)A project resulting in the permanent removal of lead paint hazards, conducted by a company who, through its name or promotional literature, represents, or advertises to be in the business of performing lead paint activities. - A project resulting in the permanent removal of lead paint hazards that is conducted in response to a state or local government lead abatement order, as in the case of a lead poisoned child. **Abatements are generally performed in three circumstances:** - In response to a child with an elevated blood lead level - In housing receiving HUD financial assistance - State and local laws and regulations may require abatements in certain situations associated with rental housing. **![RRP Manual](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15766956-jpg/images/instructor_manual_cover-wr.jpg)Abatements are not covered by the RRP rule.** ***Renovations*** are performed for many reasons, most having nothing to do with lead-based paint. Renovations involve activities designed to update, maintain, or modify all or part of a building. Renovations are covered by the RRP rule.   ** **  ### Other terms and definitions: [Painting and Coatings terms and definitions](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/43562/Painting-and-Coatings-Terms-and-Definitions) [Glossary and Definitions of EPA RRP Terms](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/41854/Glossary-and-Definitions-of-EPA-RRP-Terms) Topics: [Sales Considerations](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/sales-considerations), [Definitions](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/definitions), [Info for Landlords](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/info-for-landlords), [EPA RRP for Dummies](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/epa-rrp-for-dummies) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.