THE LEAD INSPECTORS INC

Onsite, Ed seemed very professional, with a very systematic approach. He also was very helpful with sending info on the pertinent laws to help me in writing the contracts with my remediation professionals later, which he wasn't required to do, and referred me to an asbestos clearance tester whom I liked. However, Ed initially failed to test one room in my house (a storage room in the basement, didn't turn out to have lead, but it had paint and he definitely didn't test it initially. He did come back to check it, but he was very resistant to doing so, and only came when I absolutely insisted), and missed lead paint on 4 separate items at my home (support beams for the porch over the basement entrance, roof gables, chimney access port door and exterior door jamb), including flaking lead paint on the beams over the doorway to the basement, a spot where my baby would have been likely to find and eat it. I wondered about the gables first, and Ed said it had been too cold to see outside but yes, they pretty certainly had lead paint. He did correct my inspection report for those, since I noticed in time. Then I noticed the chimney access port door was painted the same color, tested that and it was positive. Then I thought about his results on the sunporch where every door jamb came back positive except one - there, it turned out the left board had been replaced, but the top and right boards had not. The difference in paint thickness was noticeable if you looked for it. The reason I found it was that it didn't fit the pattern, and I noticed that, so I looked more. I would expect the same reflection from Ed. My impression may be mistaken, but my impression was that valued protocol above all, and would not do any extra item that didn't fit his protocol, even when there was a reason why it stood out, so since protocol said one check on each surface that's what he stuck with. Finally, being uneasy at the other errors I had already found, when a different inspector was there to do clearance testing on my lead abatement work, I asked him to XRF test the bottom of the sunporch and he found the remaining lead paint. I reached out to Ed to tell him what I had found, hoping that he would be concerned that he had missed something, eager to learn. Instead, he said it was too cold that day for him to see those things. Yes, it was cold. Too cold to do his job? But too cold to find the lead that could seriously harm my baby? As far as I know, the cold does not affect XRF gun readings. He repeatedly sent back defensive emails explaining why it wasn't his fault/problem, instead of apologizing and seeking to understand more. It cost me $2500 to do abatement of the lead paint that he hadn't found, most of that for the porch - amounts I could have asked the seller for during attorney review had I known about it. But more importantly, I'm very lucky that I found it. My baby could easily have been poisoned. Additionally, I had Ed test for asbestos in my home. In this case I'm not aware of any issues with the testing, but I did ask him if it was definitive, and he said yes, he had followed protocol so it was definitive, but I found out later that the type of test he did can sometimes miss very small asbestos granules, and in order for the tests to truly be definitive I would have had to do an electron microscopy test instead. The lab sheets he sent me did say that, but my conversations with him indicated otherwise, so only by reading the detail of the lab sheets could I have learned that. In sum, Ed has a lot of experience and I think that generally the protocols he follows are reasonable and he's well acquainted with the law, but he seemed to me to be too unwilling to depart from protocol to do extra investigation when warranted, he just failed to notice a bunch of essential surfaces for testing in my home, and he was defensive and did not display a desire to learn or to admit fault when faced with his errors, even when they had endangered my baby. In spite of the positive aspects of my experience with Ed, of which there were some, I cannot recommend him. If you do use him, I recommend that you read 100% of the detail of his reports, and ensure that he has done all of the testing that you require.

I called Lead Inspectors inquiring about getting a 1975 house inspected for lead. They told me that it would be extremely rare for a house build that recently to have any lead. I wanted to make sure however since we were planning on doing some major renovations and have a toddler and soon to be infant at home. I had to reschedule the day before due to sickness. Ed was very accommodating. We rescheduled for the following week. Ed was right on time. He was very thorough making sure to test every surface. We ended up chatting several times during the inspection and he's a really nice guy. He emailed me the results of the test that same night. Like Ed had told me initially, we were all clear, but it good knowing for sure. Thanks Ed. Best of luck in your future.

The inspection was smooth. Inspector answered all my questions. The report was detailed but due to the large size of the house I had a bit of a rough time trying to cross-reference the test results in the report to the actual part of the house tested.

Lead inspector came within 48 hours, was professional, prompt, reasonably priced, and thoroughly retested the house. He also took additional time to educate and hypothesize about the remaining source of lead, and learn about methods of removing leaded paint. Although he was did not know as much about abatement methods as we did, he knew testing and did it very well.

Perfectly. The Lead Inspector did everything as agreed

Ed saved the day! I was in panic mode because I needed to have a lead inspection done right away to meet a critical deadline. Ed was quick to respond at an off hour (the only person after trying a few other places) and was quick to come to my rescue. He squeezed me in for first thing in the morning the next business day and expedited the results for an overnight expediting fee. I was able to meet what I thought might be an impossible deadline for this testing. As far as service, Ed and his assistant were very personable, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Ed relieved a lot of my worries and produced an extensive report including lab results and images all meeting government standards. I highly recommend Ed if you want someone who truly cares about what he is doing, is reliable, thorough and a true lead expert.

It went phenomenally Ed was very punctual and professional.  I learned more from Ed than I could possibly imagine.  he took the time to educate me on what the city had the right to do and not do.  Provided EPA rules and regulations and an excellent report including and referencing EPA rules and regulations.  I might be upset that I spent 375.00 for what turned out to be a test the city does not have the power to force me to provide like they told me i did but what I learned from ED was worth three times as much.
His attention to detail and depth of knowledge on the topics are excellent.  AAA+

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Informative and technical service on the home, inspecting for any lead. Although some was found, it was not in a state would could expose danger, and he was forthright about it.

Ed did a great job of doing a limit inspection of areas that may contain lead paint.  He analyzed the area, provided a reporter and recommended corrective actions.  He was unaware would be a problem.  Definitely recommended.

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Satisfied with service.  Very detailed report.

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He was very accommodating, punctual, fair, and extremely knowledgeable about everything.  He was incredibly honest at what was necessary and did not push any additional costs or products on us.

Very professional service and highly reliable.  Clearly described the whole process, how it worked throughout the testing, and implications of the results. 
Incredibly happy with the service.

When we moved into our home built in 1885, lead paint was a concern, especially since we have two small children. The home had been recently renovated, but some of the original trim and doors were creating worry. I found Ed on craigslist and he was able to do a full inspection of our home, along with dust samples that were sent into a lab. He spent about 3 hours at our home, and sent several dust samples to a lab for additional testing. Considering all he tested, I feel like it was a great value. He was friendly and professional, and patiently answered all of my questions. We got the results back quickly, and he was even able to tell me where the lead paint was before he left the inspection. While the inspection did turn up some problem areas, Ed's suggestions were helpful, and I feel like I have a handle on the situation. The entire process gave me peace of mind, and I highly recommend hiring the Lead Inspectors if you have any lead concerns.

The inspection took maybe an hour, but I honestly lost track of time because Ed and his wife were friendly and conversation came easy.  They arrived promptly, and Ed answered every question I had about his process and the XRF device, and he tested and retested certain areas I was concerned about.  He and his wife conducted themselves professionally and were very knowledgeable about lead hazards and testing for it in the home.  The final report was complete and thorough and came within a day or so, and Ed also provided information on lead remediation and containment techniques.  The price was more than fair for the level of service and information provided.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Lead Inspectors to family or friends.

As my contractor was getting ready to pick up the permits required for remodeling a kitchen and bathroom the village notified him that a lead inspection was needed.  He was not certified by the EPA to inspect for and remove lead, so I searched Anglies list to find a certified inspector.  I was hoping to find someone who could come out right away.  After calling and speaking to three inspectors, I decided to go with Ed.  He was the most reponsive of the inspectors and when I explained that I was hoping for an inspection as soon as possible, he agreed to make my house his last stop the following day which was a Saturday.  His price was comparable to the other quotes.
The following day Ed called as promised to let me know he was on the way.  His wife works with him and she drew a sketch of the floor plan and noted details while he conducted the tests.  He was very thorough and able to tell me immediately that no lead was detected.  I explained how I needed a copy of the report to submit to the village and he inidcated that I would be emailed a copy of the report by Monday.  In fact, I received the report on Sunday and was able to get the permits to start work on Monday!  I highly recommend The Lead Inspector's Inc.  Ed and his wife are very friendly, knowlegable and thorough.

This company saved our lives.  I mean it.  I was sort of iffy about following up on this, but I had emailed the owner Ed the prior night about the neighbors' construction and my concerns.  Ed called me at about 8am the following morning explaining to me how dangerous the situation was.  He did not pressure me to have testing with him when I was resistant, rather giving me names for cleaning etc.  
However, when I later did get the lead testing from him, Ed was incredibly professional.  He brought in his own table and took scientific samples and produced a 25 page report with clear explanations and color photos within 24 hours or so.  
Our home's lead levels were lethal in certain areas, including areas where my 7 year old tends to sit on the floor and play on his computer.  I can not imagine what would have happened to us without Ed's guidance.  As is, I am terrified awaiting our final lead results. 
Do not hesitate.  If you are reading this review, contact Ed immediately.  I am incredibly grateful that I did.  Best money I ever spent.

We needed to know the extent of lead paint throughout the home and its condition before we moved forward with the process so that we knew what repairs would be necessary to make our new home safe for our child and also so that we knew what the cost would be to make those repairs.  Ed was able to come out within a week of contacting him. He was on time, friendly, and very, very thorough.  He did the inspection in the afternoon and by the next morning we had received a full, professional report that included specific data, photo documentation, detailed lists of areas of concern, and a glossary explaining all technical terms used.  We had this inspection done to get information and were concerned we might receive something that was too general, but this report was very detailed and helpful. We are completely satisfied with the experience.

Ed was very helpful upfront in helping us to decide which tests to do, was flexible when we had to change our time 5 or 6 days in advance, arrived on time, and answered all of our questions.  The test process was fairly quick and Ed sent us the tracking number for the samples he sent to the lab.  We had a full, very thorough report, back within a week.  Ed was also more than happy to speak with me on the phone and answer my questions about his findings.  Ed is a very nice and helpful guy and I would recommend his services to anyone.

This was an incredibly easy and quick process. My contractor recommended testing for lead and 3 business days later our inspection was done! I highly recommend working with Ed. He knows what he's doing and is very honest. When we spoke initially, he told me that given the year our house was built there was a very low probability of our having lead. He didn't push his services on me, which I appreciated, but agreed that it was a good idea to have the inspection done so we would have proof for any future renovations or for future owners when we sell.
I couldn't have been more pleased. The service was quick, definitive, and it was a pleasure to deal with Ed.

I found Lead Inspectors/Ed Topp on Angie's List.  We have a pre-1978 home with a lot of deteriorated paint in some of the windows and a baby on the way.--so I was concerned.  I was not sure whether we needed a full lead inspection or just a targeted risk assessment, but Ed counseled to go with the full inspection and I am very happy we did.  The information is really quite invaluable.  Ed was extremely knowledgeable, professional, thorough and responsive.  Turns out I was right to be concerned about the paint in the windows, but was surprised to learn how little lead paint we had in the house overall.   This was great news and helpful to know.  The report is extremely detailed, but organized so that the problem areas and recommendations jump out (there are even pictures).  In addition to the recommendations in the report, Ed let me know throughout the inspection what he was finding and offered suggestions for what we might do to deal with problem areas.  Very helpful.  I would definitely recommend Ed Topp/Lead Inspectors--A++!

Ed was helpful and provided us with invaluable information. I wasn't thrilled to find out how much lead we have but I'm glad to know how to deal with it! We plan on having him come back once we're done with fixing things up to make sure that our house is safe.