Are you looking at a house that was built before 1978? If so, chances are there’s at least some lead based paint in the house. Not sure what lead-based paint is and if it’s safe to buy a house with it? Then read on to learn the answers!
In 1978, the federal government banned the use and sale of lead-based paint. Up until that time, the majority of homes built were painted with lead paint.
This is a problem because lead is highly toxic and effects nearly every organ in the body, whether it’s inhaled or ingested. Here are a few things to know if you’re considering buying a home with lead-based paint:
What is Lead-Based Paint?
Before 1978, lead was a common ingredient in the wall paint of commercial buildings and homes. Lead was used because it accelerated paint drying times and repelled moisture.
However, once scientists discovered lead was a toxic metal that caused a lot of health issues, the federal government banned the sale of any lead-based paint. However, many older homes still have lead-based paint today.
Does the House You Want to Buy Have Lead Paint?
Chances are good if the house you want to buy has lead paint if it was built before 1978 — unless it’s been repainted, renovated, or restored after that year. Legally, sellers must notify you if they know their house has lead paint. In fact, this is the only federally mandated disclosure when selling a home.
If sellers haven’t checked for lead paint, be sure to ask if the seller has any knowledge of lead paint and ask for an inspection if the house was built before 1978.
Keep in mind that each state has its own regulations around the buying and selling of houses with lead-based paint. You can visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for more information on individual state requirements.
Do You Need to Test for Lead-Based Paint?
There’s currently no law requiring buyers to test a house for lead paint. However, if you have a child under the age of six, you should have your home tested. If lead paint does exist, you must have it removed by environmental remediation professionals, like the team at C&C Unlimited.
The seller’s agent will give you a pamphlet discussing lead-based paint and its dangers. It will cover how to handle any potential hazards and what you should do if you suspect the presence of lead paint.
Another important thing to know is that sale contracts have clauses stating the seller must give you up to 10 days to inspect the home for any lead-based hazards.
You can perform some simple tests to see if the house does have lead paint. First, look for signs of any paint chipping or cracking. But be sure to look beyond the surface walls. Check all baseboards and window sills as well.
You can also use a DIY lead paint testing kit, available at most hardware stores. It comes with a solution you apply to the wall to detect the presence of lead. However, the tests only cover the surface of the wall. If someone painted over lead-based paint with non-lead based paint, it won’t detect anything.
Since you’ll want to know for sure if your house has lead-based paints (even if its been painted over with non-lead-based paint) we highly suggest hiring a professional to perform your lead test.
Should You Hire a Contractor to Inspect for Lead Paint?
If you find evidence of chipping and cracking on a house built before 1978, you should definitely have it inspected by a trained professional. You need to know if lead is present— especially if you have a child under the age of six, who are at the highest risk of health problems if exposed to lead.
Most certified inspectors will look deep into the paint using X-ray technology and let you know exactly what you’re dealing with. If lead-based paint is found, you absolutely want to hire a professional to remove it.
If you try and remove the paint yourself, you’re in danger of lead dust forming. Even small amounts of this toxic dust can lead to short and long-term health problems.
When you work with the team at C&C Unlimited, you’ll get the high-level skills of a specialized contractor who knows how to deal with lead paint. If you’re buying an older home with lead-based paint, we have the experience and workforce to handle the job! Reach out to us for a complimentary quote!