Get matched with top lead testing and removal specialists in Des Moines, IA

No, a standard home inspection includes the basics and does not offer lead paint testing. Professional lead paint inspectors need specific licenses to perform these inspections, which not all home inspectors have. If you suspect lead paint in the home you are about to purchase, you will need to pay separately to have that done. If the findings come back positive, you may be able to negotiate with the buyer to cover the cost of the removal.

If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance that any paint on your hardwood floors could be lead paint—especially if it was already there when you moved in. Because lead is toxic, hiring a licensed pro to remove it is mandatory. The average price for professional lead paint removal ranges from $1,500 to $5,300 and depends on the scope of the project.

DIY kits are available for basic air quality testing, but professional services provide more comprehensive results and recommendations. While a DIY kit may seem cost-effective, a professional assessment is more thorough. Inspectors are better equipped to catch all pollutants and hazards, and you'll still need a professional to verify and act on DIY test results. Furthermore, some kits don't test for certain pollutants or only detect their presence without measuring specific levels (like mold spores). It's generally better to opt for a detailed professional assessment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste is generally classified into four main categories:

1. Characteristic Wastes: These exhibit at least one of four hazardous traits: ignitability (flammable, like gasoline), corrosivity (can rust or decompose materials, like car batteries), reactivity (unstable and can explode, like aerosol cans), or toxicity (harmful when ingested, like lead-based paint).

2. Listed Wastes: These are specific wastes from manufacturing and industrial processes that the EPA has officially designated as hazardous. They include byproducts from processes that use solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals.

3. Universal Wastes: These are commonly generated hazardous items that are subject to streamlined regulations. Examples include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (e.g., bulbs), and some lamps.

4. Mixed Wastes: This category includes waste that contains both hazardous and radioactive components, making it subject to regulation by both the EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.