"Every person was professional and cordial. The estimator was thorough and explained everything well. The process took three days: one to remove the moldy part of the wall and dry the interior of the wall and carpet, then after letting it dry over the weekend, another came in to plaster, and then the next day another came in to paint and replace the vent and wood trim. He left my place spotless, vacuumed the whole room, and even took the initiative to tighten a screw on my screen door. I highly recommend this company. And if I ever need restoration services again I would call on them. Also, when I pointed out that they didn't need to remove the carpet and pad as estimated, they took the initiative to remove that expense from the invoice without my having to ask for it."
Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts
Lead toxicity comes from inhaling lead or consuming it. Before the 1980s, when the government banned lead from consumer use, it could be found in paint, plumbing, pipes, ceramics, and even gasoline. Lead paint is toxic for the same reason lead itself is toxic, which is why lead poisoning from paint presents the same as lead poisoning from water or food sources, with a slight increase in respiratory symptoms vs. digestive symptoms. Lead paint is most dangerous when it’s old and peeling, cracking, or otherwise disturbed. This increases the concentration in the air and, therefore, in breathable air.
Results from professional lead testing are typically available within a few days to a week (2-7 days), depending on factors like laboratory processing times and the volume of samples being analyzed. Expedited services may also be available for urgent situations.
Lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly for children, and can be present in paint, pipes, and soil.
No. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover any kind of lead remediation, focusing instead on sudden, unpreventable events like fires and theft. Many insurance companies will specifically exclude lead paint removal, since it tends to be an expensive and unavoidable project. The exception is if the lead surface is damaged during a covered event (like a flood) and homeowners insurance pays its replacement.
You can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a lead inspection, where your local lead testing pro will scan surfaces and items with an X-ray fluorescent analyzer. Lead risk assessments are slightly different and run around $800 to $2,000. A pro may find lead during an evaluation, and create a removal strategy.
The Engelhard, NC homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Get expert insights on lead paint inspection costs, including key cost factors and ways to save. Learn what affects your estimate and how to budget effectively.
Learn how to hire a qualified lead testing professional for your home. Find certified inspectors, understand costs, and protect your family from lead hazards.