Lead Based Paint

There are new regulations published by the EPA affecting owners of homes built prior to 1978.  Most of you who own homes in this age bracket, may already know that when you sell your home you have to complete a “Lead Based Paint Addendum” which requires you to disclose any knowledge of lead-based paint in your property.   What many of you might not know is that you are now covered by a new government program called the Lead Based Paint Renovation Repair and Painting Program.  If an owner of a home built before 1978 is having renovations performed for compensation the contractor must be certified and comply with all the requirements of the regulation.  Renovation is defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces.  Contractors are to provide records demonstrating compliance with the new regulation so that sellers can properly disclose compliance when it comes time to sell the property.

If you own a home built before 1978 and are contemplating renovations, I urge you to visit www.epa.gov/lead for more information.  You may also want to consider getting comprehensive lead based paint test done on your home to determine if there is any hazard.  Most homes built after 1950 have little chance of having lead-based paint on the inside and after 1960, little chance of having lead-based paint on the outside.  A certification that your home is lead free, could save you money during renovations and make your home a bit more saleable when you put it on the market.