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Lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly for children, and can be present in paint, pipes, and soil.

A lead paint inspection is a thorough examination and assessment of a building or structure to determine the presence of lead-based paint. Lead-based paint was commonly used in buildings before 1978 when its health hazards were fully understood. Lead is toxic and can pose health risks, particularly to young children and pregnant women. Getting a lead paint inspection means finding a lead paint inspector to examine the surfaces of the building—such as walls, ceilings, doors, windows, and other painted areas—and identify the presence of lead-based paint.

Structural problems with the foundation or roof, water damage, and significant plumbing or electrical issues are all considered major red flags in a home inspection. Of these, a structural problem related to the foundation is often the most severe. Foundation repairs are typically the most expensive and intrusive to carry out, averaging around $5,000 but sometimes reaching up to $16,000. Because these problems can pose safety risks and be costly to fix, you should ask your inspector detailed questions about any identified issues. You will need to carefully consider how major problems affect what you’re willing to pay for the home, or if you want to proceed with the sale at all.

You can sell a house with lead paint, but there are several requirements. If you are aware that lead paint exists anywhere in the home, you must disclose that to potential buyers. Required home inspections will often uncover lead paint, especially for older houses where lead paint may still be a problem. If you have taken steps to encapsulate lead, you should provide buyers with full documentation of the project so it won’t cause any problems later on.