Do you test for lead paint when flipping a home?

Question

Hello everyone, I'm doing my first flip on a property built in 1973. We are under contract (in the due diligence period) and trying to decide if we need to have a lead paint test done. I've read on some threads that this isn't necessary, and others say you do, so I'm really stuck on what to do. We will be taking out a wall to open up the floor plan and I don't want to be exposing anyone to lead dust, but I'm not sure a test is necessary if the materials are being removed regardless? Does anyone have experience with this - do you always test for lead when you know you'll be taking out walls? Thank you in advance for sharing your flipping wisdom!

Shawn Parsh · Answer

Erika,

I agree with Rick, I do not test. I've rehabbed a lot of houses over the years and I have never tested any of them. Take the precautions and move on. I also love Glen's advice about not snorting the dust....too funny.

Glen Wiley · Answer

I never test for lead, most of my houses were built pre-1978. Assume that houses built in that period may have some lead paint.

It really isn't an issue unless you are doing something unreasonable - like sanding the paint and snorting the dust. Just be sensible with your work environment and it will be fine.

Glen Wiley · Answer

You have to provide a disclosure that simply says that there may be lead paint.

Rick Baggenstoss · Answer

@Erika Collins.  I work on lots of older houses.  I just assume the paint is lead-based and take the necessary pre-cautions.  No need to test just be careful with it (don't eat, wear respirators, clean up thoroughly, have drop cloths/paper down, and disclose it to buyers).

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I've remodeled many, many houses that must have had lead in them...as well as asbestos. As others said, it's not hazardous if you roll around in it. Just disclose whether you know it has lead or not when you sell....

Hector Escobar · Answer

I believe if you try to sell a house that is built before 1978 you have to provide a led based amendment saying that you are aware or not that the house is lead free.

Erika Collins · Answer

@Rick Baggenstoss That is exactly what I needed to hear for how to proceed, thank you so much for taking the time to share how you do things.

@David M. & @Glen Wiley thank you for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your insight! I have a much better understanding of what to do going forward.

Alan F. · Answer

I found a pdf by searching "Georgia lead paint during remodeling" maybe that's helpful.

Here in CA, I've done several early 70's home's, all with sheetrock & no lead paint. I've only seen a couple ever, both from 40's & lathe and plaster.

David M. · Answer

@Erika Collins

When you are removing the "item," if it has lead paint you will be creating lead paint dust.  If the paint does test positive, you'll need to follow regulated procedures to clean it up (or contract it out).

FYI:  Part of the reason for the requirements and protocol is because it really doesn't take much to have lead poisoning at all.  Furthermore, the issues (in rehabs) weren't the contractors/workers getting sick, it was the lead paint dust was taken back home on their clothes.  Their kids were becoming lead poisoned and various levels of disabled for life.

The good news is that the closer in time to '78, the less likely hood of have lead paint.  I think the stats way back to 40's have the majority of the paint manufactures using lead as an additive.  So, do the test to be sure and do it right.  Then, you'll know whether precautions and proper cleanup procedures are required.

Hope this helps.  Happy to chat.  Good luck.

Do you test for lead paint when flipping a home?

Most Popular Reply