How much does a lead inspection cost?
How much does a lead inspection cost?
$300 – $700 average total cost (inspection and testing)
Average lead inspection cost
A lead inspection costs $300 to $700 on average, including a visual inspection, tests, and a report. The total cost of a lead-based paint inspection depends on the home size, accessibility, and local rates. Lead inspection pricing does not include lead removal or abatement.
| National Average Cost | $500 |
| Minimum Cost | $130 |
| Maximum Cost | $800 |
| Average Range | $300 to $700 |
Lead is a harmful metal found in soil, pipes, and paint.
The U.S. government banned lead paint in the 1970s, but many homes have lead hidden under new layers of paint.
Consider testing your home for lead if it was built before 1978.
Interior lead testing
The cost of a lead paint inspection depends on the home size. Most companies inspect the home interior and exterior but have different processes for each location. During the inspection, professionals use an X-ray device to detect levels of lead on the following surfaces:
Doors
Walls
Windows
Trim
Railing
Exterior lead testing
Professionals often find lead-based paint on the trim and siding of older homes. In some cases, the exterior paint flakes off the home and permeates the soil surrounding the house. If the soil tests positive for lead, the lead abatement team will remove it.
A separate soil test costs $25 to $200 for a heavy metal or lead-specific test.
Lead-based paint inspection cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of lead paint inspection:
Home size – Testing larger homes for lead paint takes longer to inspect and requires more samples than testing smaller homes.
Accessibility – The inspection may cost more if parts of your property are hard to access or navigate.
Location – Lead inspection and testing fees vary by location. Professionals in older, larger cities may charge more than average.
Bundling – Some companies offer discounts for ordering multiple tests or samples at the same time.
Re-testing – If your home tests positive for lead, you’ll need a second test after abatement to make sure the area is lead-safe or lead-free.
New paint – Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average. Exterior painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot.
Asbestos – Asbestos is another harmful material once used in home construction until the late 1980s. Testing for asbestos costs $250 to $850.
Lead risk assessment
Lead risk assessments cost $500 to $1,500 and are different than a simple inspection:
A lead inspection typically occurs before buying a house and only tells you if and where the lead is located.
A lead assessment is a longer, specialized process that typically happens after someone is harmed by lead. The assessors determine the severity of the problem and come up with the best abatement strategy for your home.
You can buy DIY lead testing kits approved by the EPA for $20 to $30 per kit. These kits can save you money on a professional inspection but are not as accurate or reliable.
Lead paint removal
Lead paint removal costs $6 to $17 per square foot or $3,000 to $17,000 total on average. Most professionals use chemical stripping or scraping to remove lead-based paint, while others use encapsulation or enclosure for a lower cost. Some homeowners choose to remove and replace contaminated surfaces altogether.
| Method | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Encapsulation | $6 – $10 |
| Enclosure | $8 – $13 |
| Removal | $10 – $17 |
Lead inspection FAQs
Should I test my house for lead?
You should consider testing your house for lead if it was built before 1978. There could be lead in your home’s paint, pipes, or soil. Testing for lead could prevent accidental injury or poisoning from lead exposure, especially in pets or children.
How dangerous is lead?
Lead exposure can cause several developmental and health issues, especially in children:
Behavioral problems
Learning disabilities
Hyperactivity
Stunted growth
Hearing impairment
Iron deficiency
Infertility
Kidney disease
Do home inspectors check for lead?
Some home inspectors check for lead paint during a basic inspection, while others charge extra or do not offer that service. Before hiring a home inspector, ask if they check or test for lead.
Can you paint over lead-based paint?
You can paint over lead-based paint if the new paint is specially formulated for lead encapsulation. Done properly, this can prevent any exposure or lead poisoning without having to completely remove the paint.
Getting estimates from lead inspectors
Follow these guidelines when searching for a lead inspection company near you:
Get 3+ estimates from licensed, bonded, and insured lead testing companies.
Read their HomeGuide and Google reviews.
Ask if they are EPA-certified and make sure they follow all EPA standards.
Verify their licensing and inspection credentials.
Get a written estimate or contract in writing before they start the inspection.
Questions to ask a lead testing company
Ask the following questions to ensure you hire a qualified lead inspector:
Are you EPA certified to inspect and test for lead?
Does the estimate cover visual inspection, testing, and a report of the results?
How many samples will you need to take?
How quickly will the results come back?
Will you go over the results with me and provide recommendations if you find lead?
What requirements are there if the tests confirm there's lead present?
Do you charge extra to do another inspection after lead abatement?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.