"James offered some suggestions regarding our home. I am doing as he suggested to see if the recommendations eliminates the air quality and concern there may be mold. He offered inside & outside advise for venting and reroofing."
"They did a real good job. They were real professional. We can now open the garage door from the inside of the house and now it is so smooth that we have to check to see if we hit the button to open it or close it. Before we used to know when it was opening or closing because it used to make a noise. It helps when you move to a city where you are new. "
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.
While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you’ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.
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
Lead removal services typically cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the extent of lead presence, the property size, and the complexity of the abatement process.
Professional lead testing services typically cost between $200 and $500, with the price varying based on the extent of testing and the specific areas tested within the property.
The Harrington, WA 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.