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If your house was built before 1978 and you’re noticing cracking or peeling paint, a lead paint inspection is a good idea. A lead paint inspection gives you accurate information about the presence, location, and condition of lead-based paint in your home. This information is essential for making informed decisions about lead paint removal to ensure your safety and health and that of your family. If your inspector finds lead, you’ll need to take steps to manage or remove the lead-based paint and comply with laws and regulations.

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.

If the lead paint is in a place that is not easily disturbed and is not flaking or deteriorating, you do not necessarily need to remove it. Lead is toxic when dust particles or flakes from peeling lead paint are ingested. If people are not in the area with the lead paint, it may be safe to leave it in place. You still may want to consider encapsulation with a paint formulated for covering lead-based paint, just for an added layer of protection.

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.