It is a good idea to conduct a lead inspection on any older home before you begin any major renovations. You might be planning a major remodel of your home that will involve the removal of walls. Maybe you are just painting your bathroom and changing some hardware. You're likely going to see the paint get damaged during this process.
If the paint in your house is lead-contaminated, such as it was in an older home, and has chipped cracks, you and your family are at risk of lead poisoning. If you don't take immediate action, there are legal consequences and potential problems with selling your house.
Four reasons why you should inspect leads
Before you start to remodel, it's important to know what you are dealing with. These are the top four reasons you should conduct a lead inspection before you start.
1. Protect your home and property
Homes constructed before 1980s are more likely to have lead-based paint. This is due to the fact that lead-based paints were banned from consumer use in the United States in 1978. It was extensively used before the ban, which is why lead paint inspectors near me remains in a vast majority of homes throughout the United States. It is a good thing that lead-based paint isn’t damaged, cracked, peeled or worsened. It is possible for the paint to become dusty and cause health problems if it is damaged, which is almost inevitable during a home renovation.
You should not ignore lead paint issues when renovating your home. This could impact the sale price. Studies on economics show that there are significant financial benefits to addressing lead paint problems in your home before you sell.
2. For the health of your family
The United States bans lead paint for good reasons. Exposure to lead dust and particles, which is often produced during renovations, can cause serious health problems, including:
* The brain is the liver, kidneys and brain
* Learning and behavioral problems
* Children show slow growth
* High blood pressure
* Stomach and abdominal pains can cause nausea.
* Nerve damage
* Hearing difficulties
* Headaches
* Fertility problems in males and females
It is important to test any older homes before you start to renovate them. This will help protect you and your family from lead paint and other harmful particles.
3. To avoid any liability
There are strict guidelines regarding the use of lead paint in homes being renovated. If you fail to take proper precautions, you could be held responsible for the death of anyone who has been exposed to lead paint during a remodelling project.
It is important to identify the source of lead paint in your home before hiring contractors or inviting them into your home. You can protect yourself by checking your home for lead paint and obtaining the permits.
4. For Peace of Mind
It is cheaper and easier to have your home tested for lead before you start any home remodeling. Sometimes the solution is as simple as painting over the problem. Sometimes, you may need to call an expert. It doesn't matter what case it might be, it is crucial to determine the cause. This will save you from the stress and inconvenience of not being able to identify the problem.
Remodeling your home can be stressful enough. It is worth doing your research to make sure you are protecting your family's health and that of your employees. You can find lead paint test kits at hardware stores that you can make. This is a great first step to take to ensure your test sample is professionally tested. It is quick and easy.
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