Dave and Jenny Marrs “Broke The Rules” and Got a Hefty Penalty to pay

Dave and Jenny Marrs have come to a resolution with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning a violation of the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule on their HGTV series, “Fixer to Fabulous.”

Marrs Construction, their Arkansas-based company, will pay fines totaling $35,000 for non-compliance with the EPA’s RRP Rule during two home renovations showcased on their show in 2018. The EPA’s official statement, released on January 19, 2024, confirms this agreement. As part of the settlement, the Marrs have committed to raising awareness among viewers about the hazards of lead paint in upcoming episodes.

Dave & Jenny Marrs Have Agreed to Educate ‘Fixer to Fabulous’ Viewers About Lead Paint

During the inaugural season of “Fixer to Fabulous,” which premiered in 2019, the series showcased renovations on two pre-1978 homes that did not adhere to government regulations aimed at minimizing children’s exposure to lead paint in older residences. Given that paint chips and lead dust are commonly found in the debris generated during renovations of such homes, protective measures are now mandated for these processes.

The EPA emphasized the severe consequences of lead exposure, stating, “Lead exposure can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement in children.”

The EPA’s official release outlined several instances where Marrs Construction, the company associated with the Marrs couple, failed to comply with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. These include the failure to obtain recertification before commencing renovations, not assigning a certified renovator to each renovation, neglecting to maintain records demonstrating compliance with RRP measures, and not adhering to work practice standards during their projects.

Upon contact by the EPA, Marrs Construction secured RRP firm certification, affirmed its commitment to compliance with the RRP Rule, and pledged to uphold these standards in all future renovation activities.

Despite now being cognizant of the risks associated with improper renovations, the Marrs willingly accept the consequences for their past rule violations. In addition to the $35,000 fine, Marrs Construction will create a 30-second public service announcement video for dissemination on social media and for use by the EPA.

The Marrs have also agreed to actively raise awareness about the EPA Lead RRP program. This commitment will be fulfilled through the inclusion of information in “one episode of their upcoming season five and two episodes in season six” of “Fixer to Fabulous.”

Having concluded the filming of a 16-episode fifth season in December, the Marrs acknowledged that they were uncertain about HGTV’s decision regarding another season at the time. The EPA settlement now serves as the first public confirmation of an expected sixth season.

Multiple HGTV Shows Have Been Fined by EPA Over the Years

The Marrs couple is not the sole HGTV duo to face scrutiny from the EPA. Among the early shows targeted by the agency was Chip and Joanna Gaines’ “Fixer Upper,” which premiered on the network in 2013.

As reported by CNN, the EPA imposed fines on the Gaines in 2018 due to the broadcast of “demo days” that failed to safeguard occupants from perilous lead levels present in the homes.

In April 2022, the EPA levied a $40,000 fine against former “Good Bones” hosts Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine. The EPA alleged that their company, Two Chicks and a Hammer, lacked certification for their demolition work and failed to handle and transport waste in compliance with acceptable standards.

The EPA, in its announcement regarding the settlement with Marrs Construction, disclosed additional settlements in “RRP enforcement cases.” Notable figures included former HGTV hosts Nicole Curtis of “Rehab Addict” and Tamara Day of “Bargain Mansions,” as well as two shows featured on the Gaines’ Magnolia Network — “Main Cabin Masters” and “Texas Flip N Move.”