Lead Based Paint

[Emily Snapp]

I'm going to look at a property tomorrow morning that has LBP on the interior and exterior. It was build in 1940. If I buy the property, it will be a flip. What do I do about the paint issue?

Also, in the sellers disclosure they noted that a building (storage shed) was built over the property line. How far over, I'm not sure. Does this mean I'd have to tear down. It doesn't look like it can be moved but I'm not certain yet.

[Colleen F.]

Lead paint for a flip you need to look at your state laws to see what they require you to do. There are Epa standards but your state could be more restrictive. You always have to disclose but frankly anyone who is buying a house built before 1970s and doesn't expect lead paint (disclosed or not) is just living in a bubble. They all have lead. That being said see what remediation is required. Some things will be more expensive like windows even if you were going to remove them anyway the contractors charge more for being lead complaint. You can do testing and if there are paint chips everywhere might be worth it to collecting some to test say the outside paint if you plan to paint again. If you are going to re-side you can test but I would assume lead in your cost estimates. For walls there are sealing paints you can use but depending on the condition you can also sheetrock new. The only real way to know all the lead components would be having a lead inspection and there are companies that specialize in this here (not sure about by you)

For a rental you have to be more careful on lead because you need a certificate.