How Much Is Lead Paint Inspection

The lead-based paint was outlawed by the government in 1978 owing to its toxic properties.  Lead-based paint can deteriorate your breath when the paint is on the surface.

It can be scrapped, scratched, or disturbed by a water leak, ultimately seeping into the air particles you breathe. Unfortunately, this might be a major conundrum for young and pregnant women.

Therefore, a test will be conducted on problem areas if you are rejuvenated or purchasing a property constructed before 1978.

If your home was constructed before 1940, it is more likely that lead-based paint was used in nine out of ten houses before this year. Interestingly, you may evaluate your lead paint danger according to your home age.

Key Takeaways:
  • Lead-Based Paint Inspection Cost
  • Lead-Based Paint Inspection Cost on Interior Surface
  • Lead-Based Paint Inspection Cost on Exterior Surface
  • Cost of Lead Paint Abatement and Removal
  • Risk Evaluation Cost of Lead Paint
  • Lead-Based Paint Inspection Multifarious Tests

 Lead-Based Paint Inspection Cost

The cost of lead-based paint inspection depends on multifarious reasons. It may depend on the inspector you hire, your dwelling place, and the size of your property.

It is estimated that the average cost of an inspection of lead paint varies between $300 and $500 for a 1600-square-foot area.

The lead-based paint inspection is accomplished by applying a chemical reagent to loose, cracked, chipped, or peeling paint areas.

After applying a chemical reagent, these cracked areas will change color if a lead is present.

Moving forward, after conducting lead-based paint testing, if the inspector discovers lead paint, the other step will be lead abatement and repairs.

For this, you have to meet the expenses which on average cost around $3,000.

Lead-Based Paint Inspection Cost on Interior Surface

The interior surface in the home cost $250 to $700. It may include walls, windows, doors, molding, and railings.

Moreover, the cost to paint the interior of a home following lead paint removal ranges from $95 to $2,920.

Lead-Based Paint Inspection Cost on Exterior Surface

A professional will charge roughly $300 to test the exterior and inside of a typical three-bedroom home.

Separate testing is unusual since the rate may not decrease. In older homes, the chemical is commonly found in the siding and trim, whereas outside paint might peel and infiltrate the soil around the house.

Moreover, the cost to paint the exterior following lead paint removal ranges from $1,770 to $4,360.

Cost of Lead Paint Abatement and Removal

1. Cost of Abatement

While testing, if your inspector identified lead paint, you need to begin the abatement or paint reduction.

It must be done as soon as feasible owing to its mammoth significance. Moreover, abatement has two choices as mitigation or removal.

You can either choose one of them for the process. Additionally, mitigation is the ideal option for potential homeowners.

It often entails sealing up old paint with the new drywall or siding to lessen your exposure to lead paint.

2. Cost of Removal

 On the flip side of the coin, removing the entire paint is a tiring process and not much recommended.

The complete removal of lead paint involves professionals disposing of the entire paint before repairing the damaged and deteriorated walls, doors, and window surfaces.

Lead paint removal is only required for those dealing with large-scale subsidized housing. As lead paint is toxic so it is crucial to keep your children at bay.

Admittedly, abatement costs are better than the long-term horrific consequences of lead poisoning.

For more info please refer to the links below:

>> Lead Abatement, Inspection, and Risk Assessment | US EPA

>> Questions and Answers for Homeowners and Renters

Risk Evaluation Cost of Lead Paint

The cost of risk evaluation is between $800 and $2,000 as the inspector looks into the cause and severity of the conundrum.

After an analysis, the professionals develop a plan of suitable solutions for your well-being and budget.

Moreover, evaluations and testing are frequently performed if lead poisoning is discovered in children.

There is no doubt, it is a sensitive and time-consuming process in which professionals investigate and evaluate the cause and propose the best abatement solutions for each residence.

Additionally, inspections and evaluations are typically performed before real estate transactions.

Lead-Based Paint Inspection Multifarious Tests

There are multifarious lead-related services other than lead paint inspection. It may include lead blood testing and soil analysis.

If you are interested in these tests, the cost of lead painting testing might rise by $300.

1. Soil Testing of Lead-Based Paint Inspection

Soil testing is crucial in lead-based paint inspection. It provides information for soil management, such as the concentration of lead in your soil.

Moreover, a soil sample to a lab costs about $9 on average. On the flip side of the coin, a home testing kit can cost from $10 to $60.

2. Lead Blood Test of Lead-Based Paint Inspection

A lead blood test is another additional test other than lead-based paint inspection. However, a regular lead blood test costs roughly $75.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no quality of lead in the blood is acceptable, especially for children.

Although a value of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter is above the norm. Importantly, a lead paint test or risk evaluation is required if the reading is 3.5 or above to pinpoint the identification of the origin of the contamination.

3. Home Painting

You may expect to pay roughly $3,348 if you hire a professional painter following lead paint evaluation and abatement.

While the exterior of your home is being painted, you might also paint the interior. It will surely save you money and precious time.

The interior will most likely cost you between $1,216 and $3,269 if you hire a professional painter.

Final Thoughts

To wrap it all up, professionals and inspectors utilize X-ray fluorescence technology to detect and identify lead in your house.

Furthermore, if the lead is found then a risk assessment is conducted which includes collecting several samples from your house to determine the source of lead.

Then you may decide whether to reduce or remove the lead entirely. Removal of the lead causes higher costs than abatement.

by Richard Kelly

Having experienced significant success as a house flipper, I am often approached with questions about all things home improvement. That’s why I decided to start this site. My objective is to share all of the insights I have accumulated over the years so other people can design the homes of their dreams.