"CSI was flexible and was able to schedule a home inspector the day after I got a bid accepted on a house. The inspector, Patrick, showed up on time and the inspection took about 4 hours. Patrick was responsive to any questions I had by email or live during the inspection. My one recommendation is that I requested a pest, mold, radon, and home inspection. It would be a better heads up if they explained that they sometimes outsource the radon inspection depending on availability of radon inspectors. Also, they can explain a bit more for new home buyers what is involved with a mold inspection. Patrick ended up just eyeing whether he spotted any mold. Because he did not see any mold, we did not have to pay extra for mold samples."
"Bill and his team did an excellent job in handling the remediation for water that got into my home. Would highly recommend them given their promptness and general assistance in getting this situation under control."
"CHC did a magnificent job and my husband and I are pleased with the services provided. The staff members and owner of CHC were very professional and walked us through the entire process."
Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts
Professional testing for lead paint costs about $300, ranging from about $250 to $700, depending on the square footage, accessibility, and location. However, testing for lead paint with a DIY home-testing kit costs about $25, but doesn’t guarantee accurate results. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a lead test kit that complies with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which has strict criteria for ensuring a more accurate reading.
Common home surfaces to test for lead include:
Walls
Windows
Doors
Molding and trim
Railings
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.
Unfortunately, lead dust does not look different from any other type of dust. You cannot detect it with the naked eye. To determine if you have lead dust in your home, you will need to hire a local company to take a sample from the paint and test it for you in a lab.
Lead removal is crucial in older homes to eliminate risks of lead poisoning, which can severely affect health, particularly in children, by impacting development and cognitive functions.
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.
The Oak Grove, VA 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.
Learn how to hire a qualified lead testing professional for your home. Find certified inspectors, understand costs, and protect your family from lead hazards.