Lead paint can be a big problem for a homeowner, business owner, or property manager. Lead paint is dangerous, especially for children. If your property has not been tested for lead, and you believe that it is possible that your paint is lead-based you should have it tested, especially if you are a business owner or property manager. Not testing for lead paint can cause health concerns for customers and tenants and could lead to legal problems. If you are worried about lead paint you may want to consider the costs of testing and removal.
How Much Does Lead Paint Testing Cost?
The current national average for lead paint testing is just over $300 dollars. Price varies depending on the size of the property and these values are for standard three-bedroom homes. In more rural areas it may skew lower to $250 and in more populated areas up to $400. It is estimated that the maximum cost is above $800, but the best way to know how much to expect is to get a quote from a lead paint tester.
How Much Does Lead Paint Removal Cost?
Based on numbers from the EPA an average professional lead paint removal costs somewhere between $8 and $15 per square foot. That means an average 2,000 square foot house can cost anywhere between $9,600 and $30,000. Larger corporate buildings can have even higher rates. Another factor that increases cost is the accessibility to the painted areas. There, of course, is also the cost of repainting the area after the lead paint has been removed. However, there are more options than just removing lead paint to deal with lead paint. And although only professional lead paint removal is a permanent solution to lead paint, other options can be explored for greater affordability.
How Much Does It Cost To Seal Lead Paint?
Instead of removing lead paint, some property ownser have lead paint sealed by one of two methods: encapsulation or enclosure. Encapsulation involves painting over the lead paint with a specially made coating designed to seal lead paint. It should be noted that this solution is temporary and damage can eventually wear away the seal. Sealant costs about $50 per gallon and an average 2000 square foot home will require about $1,400 worth of sealant. Enclosure involves covering up an old surface with a new one like adding drywall or vinyl. If the wall is ever renovated, the lead paint will become a problem again. Prices vary based on method chosen for the enclosure.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing
For lead paint testing in Massachusetts, call DCM Environmental Testing. We offer unbiased tests and will provide property owners with full reports and recommendations after the test is complete.
