Lead-Based Paint Inspection
Was your home built before 1978? If so, there’s a significant chance it contains lead paint. The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that roughly 35% of U.S. homes still contain lead-based paint, and the likelihood increases significantly in older homes. According to EPA estimates, about 87% of homes built before 1940 contain lead-based paint, 69% of homes built between 1940 and 1959 contain lead-based paint, and about 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 contain some lead-based paint.
A lead-based paint inspection helps identify the presence of lead paint in your home, allowing you to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks. By addressing potential hazards through professional inspections, you can ensure a safe living environment and protect your loved ones from the adverse health effects associated with lead exposure. This reality is why we always recommend a lead paint inspection before buying a home constructed before 1978.
What Is a Lead-Based Paint Inspection?
A lead-based paint inspection determines whether painted surfaces in a home contain lead. The evaluation focuses on building materials such as walls, trim, windows, doors, and other coated components commonly found in homes built before 1978.
Using specialized testing equipment, the inspection identifies the presence and location of lead based paint. This information cannot be confirmed through visual inspection or seller disclosure alone.
Recommended in the following situations:
Before Purchasing or Renting a Home - If you're buying or renting a home built before 1978, consider a lead-based paint inspection. Federal law requires sellers and landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide buyers or renters a 10-day period for inspection.
Before Renovations or Repairs - Before starting any renovation on a home built before 1978, determine if lead-based paint is present. Disturbing it can create lead dust or chips, posing health risks.
As Part of Routine Home Maintenance - Periodic lead-based paint inspections should be part of routine home maintenance for older homes. Regular checks can identify any deterioration and allow for prompt action.
For Homeowners with Young Children - If you have young children or plan to start a family, a lead-based paint inspection can help ensure a safe living environment.
Positive Lead Results Using SciAps Testing Gun
When Lead Paint Testing Becomes Especially Important
Lead-based paint risk varies depending on the age, construction style, and how a home will be used. Different types of Denver-area housing create different decision considerations for buyers and homeowners.
You can explore common scenarios here:
Older Denver homes — pre-1978 properties and disclosure clarification
Boulder properties — historic construction and renovation planning
Englewood neighborhoods — mid-century homes and everyday occupancy considerations
Wheat Ridge houses — post-war homes and improvement projects
Because lead hazards are invisible and vary significantly between homes, testing provides objective information that disclosures and visual inspection cannot. Many buyers choose testing to avoid unexpected remediation or renovation complications after closing.
LET US PROVIDE YOU WITH PEACE OF MIND
If you are interested in knowing more about the quality and composition of the materials that make up your home, our lead-based paint inspection service, executed by our State Certified Lead-Based Paint Inspector, offers a comprehensive solution to your concerns. Our testing procedure identifies whether painted building materials contain lead and how they should be managed during ownership or renovation, empowering our clients to make informed and educated decisions. Schedule online or contact us to learn more.
For more information on Lead, visit: CDHPE: Lead Safety
Alpine Building Performance is a State of Colorado certified Lead Evaluation Firm. Our certification number is 29436.
Note: This service is not applicable for homes built after 1978, and we do not provide Risk Assessments.
Alpine Building Performance offers Water Quality Testing which includes a Lead parameter. This service is not included as part of the lead-based paint inspection and must be ordered separately.