The EPA has new rules that take effect April 22nd that require remodeling work on homes built before 1978 to be undertaken only by contractors certified by the agency in lead-safe practices. (An EPA-certified contractor isn't necessary if the work doesn't disturb the paint, but that can be hard to know up front.)
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends that home owners assume lead is present if their home was built prior to 1978 unless they're tested and found it lead-free. Certified remodelers will be required to display their EPA-certified training certificate to homeowners.