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How Much Does Lead Paint Abatement Cost?

Banned since 1978, lead-based paint has been a major source of lead poisoning for children and can also affect adults. More than 80 percent of US homes built before 1978, or about 64 million, contain lead paint, according to TheGreenGuide.com.

Typical costs:

Lead-based paint removal costs an estimated $8 -$15 a square foot, which means removing all lead from a house of 1,200-2,000 square feet could run as much as $9,600 -$30,000, according to RealtyTimes.com; the average removal project runs around $10,000 for a typical pre-1978 home.

One option is encapsulation (applying a liquid coating that forms a watertight jacket over lead paint) which on average costs less than 50 cents a square foot, or $600 -$1,000 for 1,200-2,000 square feet, according to BobVilla.com.

Before any removal is done, check to see what you have. Sending a paint sample to a laboratory for professional testing costs about $20 -$50 per sample,

according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Do-it-yourself lead paint testing kits are available online or at most home improvement stores for $5 -$30 each.

However, the CPSC says these kits have not been evaluated and may not be reliable. ConsumerReports.org found that three out of the five lead paint test kits evaluated were useful but limited as screening tools.

You can order a lead dust test kit for $29.95 from the National Safety Council.

What should be included:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends that if you suspect lead-based paint in an area that is chipped or peeling, testing should be performed by a certified inspector or certified risk assessor. The EPA provides detailed information about "Testing Your Home For Lead In Paint, Dust, and Soil" and lists basic facts about lead.

Chipped or peeling lead-based paint should be properly removed, but lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a problem. Lead-based paint removal is not recommended as a do-it-yourself project, and federal law requires the use of a certified professional if a child living in the house has a high blood lead level or if you own the house and rent it to someone else. The National Park Service presents "Appropriate Methods for Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards.

Discounts:

Many states offer assistance for lead paint removal in the form of grants or low-cost loans; some have programs that arrange to have the work done for low-income families. Check for the lead paint abatement resources in your state.

Shopping for lead paint abatement:

By 2010, the EPA will require all lead-paint abatement contractors to be certified, but that program is still being developed. In the meantime,

check out the lead abatement rules and resources for each state; get your questions answered at the National Lead Information Center;

or contact the nearest regional EPA office for details about inspector/contractor certification and licensing programs in your state. The EPA also provides a pamphlet on "Finding a Qualified Lead Professional for Your Home".

Get cost estimates from several companies. Ask for (and check) references, and see if there are complaints with the Better Business Bureau. The written contract should list details of the work and cleanup, and any federal, state and local regulations that must be followed, including notification and disposal procedures. When finished, the contractor should provide a written statement that all required procedures were followed.

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