Lead Paint Disclosure

[Dave E.]

Almost every house you buy today comes with a lead paint disclosure. The box is almost always checked that says the seller has no knowledge of any lead paint. This is because they have never done a lead paint test, and don’t want to because then they must disclose it.

But here is the deal. If the house was built before about 1978 there is almost a 100% chance it has lead paint. Lead paint is not a big deal, unless you disturb it. So for you flippers out there if you don’t handle it properly, the dust you create during demo, and the paint chips from that abandoned house you are flipping have dust. Your workers get exposed to it, and they bring it home to their families on their clothes and shoes.

Just because you don’t test for it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Please protect your selves, your workers, their families, and the future owner/tenants of these properties. Take the time to understand what you are dealing with and at least take basic precautions.

I’m aware this won’t be a popular post, but ignorance is not an excuse anymore.

[Dave E.]

@Mike Cumbie

Appreciate the response. In most circumstances I agree that abatement is cost prohibitive, overkill, and frankly not necessary. Testing is also usually not necessary or required.

Basic PPE does go a long way. Also as you said, there are usually simple work around to avoid abatement.

Unfortunately most of the crews that I have seen doing residential flips are simply not aware of what they are dealing with and don’t take the basic steps to protect themselves. The goal of my post is to just raise some basic awareness. Hopefully a few people will read this and take steps to improve their work practices.