GALVESTON, TX – June 2025 – In a proactive step toward ensuring safer home renovations and public awareness, Save 1900 Realty, the Galveston-based real estate firm made famous by the hit HGTV show Restoring Galveston, has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This resolution follows allegations that the company violated the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule during renovations on seven pre-1978 homes in 2019.

Under the terms of the settlement, Save 1900 Realty will pay a $42,500 civil penalty and launch a lead-safe renovation public awareness campaign. As part of the agreement, company owner and Restoring Galveston star Michael Cordray will use his platform to spotlight the importance of lead safety. The campaign includes a 30- to 60-second public service announcement (PSA) that will be aired during the HGTV series and shared across Save 1900 Realty’s social media channels. The PSA will also be made available to the EPA for broader public distribution.

“Repairs and renovations in older homes can expose families to hazardous lead dust when companies fail to follow proper safety protocols,” said Cecil Rodrigues, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This agreement not only holds Save 1900 Realty accountable but also helps spread awareness through a trusted and popular media platform.”

The EPA cited several key violations of the RRP rule, including failure to assign certified renovators to jobs, lack of proper documentation, and failure to follow lead-safe work practices or maintain current certifications. The RRP rule, part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requires that contractors working on homes built before 1978—when lead-based paint was widely used—take specific precautions to prevent lead contamination.

Since being notified of the violations, Save 1900 Realty has obtained the necessary firm certification and confirmed that it is now in full compliance with RRP and TSCA regulations.

Lead exposure remains a critical public health concern, especially for children. According to the EPA, even minimal amounts of lead in the bloodstream can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges in children. Homes built before 1978, which often contain lead-based paint, are among the most common sources of exposure.

This isn’t the first time the EPA has worked with home renovation shows to boost public awareness. The agency has previously settled RRP enforcement cases involving other cable network favorites like Fixer to Fabulous, Maine Cabin Masters, Two Chicks and a Hammer, Texas Flip N Move, Magnolia Homes, Rehab Addict, and Bargain Mansions—all of which air on HGTV or its parent network Discovery.

Through this partnership, Save 1900 Realty is not only correcting past mistakes but also using its visibility to educate millions of viewers on how to renovate responsibly. As Restoring Galveston continues to captivate fans with its stunning home transformations, the show will now also serve as a platform for community health and safety.

For more information on lead-safe renovation practices and to view the EPA’s guidance, visit:

Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP)

Enforcing Lead Laws and Regulations