How much does lead paint removal cost?
How much does lead paint removal cost?
$6 – $17 cost per square foot
$3,000 – $17,000 total average cost
Cost of lead paint removal
The average cost of lead paint removal is $6 to $17 per square foot or $3,000 to $17,000 total, depending on the area size and method used. Encapsulation and enclosure seal and cover up the lead-based paint, while removal and replacement methods eliminate the paint or the affected surface altogether.
| National Average Cost | $10,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $300 |
| Maximum Cost | $42,500 |
| Average Range | $3,000 to $17,000 |
The U.S. government banned the use of lead paint in 1970s due to health risks, but many homes have lead hidden under subsequent layers of paint.
Consider testing your home and removing any lead paint found if it was built before 1978.
Lead-based paint removal by area size
The following table shows the average cost to remove lead paint based on the size of the affected area:
| Square footage | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $300 – $850 |
| 100 | $600 – $1,700 |
| 500 | $3,000 – $8,500 |
| 1,000 | $6,000 – $17,000 |
| 1,500 | $9,000 – $25,500 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 – $34,000 |
| 2,500 | $15,000 – $42,500 |
Lead-based paint removal cost by method
Most professionals remove lead-based paint via chemical stripping or scraping, while others offer encapsulation or enclosure services at a lower cost. If the surface is old or damaged, some homeowners choose to remove and replace it altogether.
| Method | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Encapsulation | $6 – $10 |
| Enclosure | $8 – $13 |
| Removal | $10 – $17 |
Encapsulation
Lead paint encapsulation costs $6 to $10 per square foot on average and involves sealing the lead paint instead of removing it. Encapsulation is the cheapest, easiest method but breaks down over time. This means the lead paint must be re-sealed or removed eventually.
Enclosure
Lead paint enclosure costs $8 to $13 per square foot and covers walls and flat surfaces with panels or drywall. This solution is not permanent but prevents exposure and tends to last longer than encapsulation.
Removal
Lead-based paint removal costs $10 to $17 per square foot and includes paint chemical stripping, wet sanding, or scraping by hand. Afterward, most professionals vacuum up any debris with a HEPA filter. This option is one of the most expensive solutions but does not need to be redone later.
Replacement
Completely removing and replacing lead-contaminated surfaces costs $1,000 to $18,000 total, depending on the type of surface and the extent of the contamination. This level of renovation may include several different jobs:
Interior demolition costs $2 to $8 per square foot.
Drywall replacement costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot.
Lead paint abatement cost calculator
The following factors influence the cost of lead paint abatement:
Accessibility – Removing lead paint from a home depends on how easy it is to seal off the area and remove the material. Interior jobs typically require sealing the area to prevent lead dust from getting into the HVAC system.
Prep work –Remove as much furniture, rugs, and draperies from the affected area as you can before the abatement team arrives. Some teams remove furnishings but charge extra for it.
Relocation – Depending on the extent of the contamination, you may need to vacate your home during the abatement.
New paint – Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Exterior painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average.
Disposal – Some professionals include lead paint disposal costs in their estimate, while others charge an extra $3 to $5 per square foot for this service.
Asbestos – Asbestos, another harmful material, was used in home construction until the late 1980s. Testing for asbestos costs $250 to $850.
Lead inspection and testing
A lead inspection costs $300 to $700 on average and includes a visual inspection, tests, and a report. The lead professional uses an X-ray device to find lead on surfaces and under existing paint. Inspection pricing does not include lead removal or abatement.
Hire a lead inspector who is not affiliated with a removal company to ensure there is no bias.
Lead risk assessment
Lead risk assessment costs $500 to $1,500 and typically happens after someone is already exposed to lead. Unlike a simple inspection, a risk assessment determines the severity of the contamination and the best abatement strategy for you.
Lead paint removal FAQs
Can I remove lead paint myself?
In most cases, you cannot remove lead paint yourself. The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, or RRP Rule, requires EPA certification for projects in pre-1978 homes, childcare facilities, and schools. It applies to all projects over 6 square feet indoors or 20 square feet outdoors.
Trying to DIY lead-based paint removal could cause serious, irreparable harm to you and your family. Hire a lead abatement professional with the expertise needed to safely remove and dispose of lead paint.
How dangerous is lead?
Lead exposure can cause a variety of developmental and health issues, especially in children:
Learning disabilities
Behavioral problems
Hyperactivity
Arrested growth
Hearing impairment
Anemia
Infertility
Kidney disease
When was lead removed from paint?
The U.S. government officially banned consumer use of lead paint in 1978. However, some states banned it several years before, and Congress passed laws restricting lead paint in residential homes in 1971.
Do I need lead paint removal?
You may need lead paint removal services if one or more of the following characteristics apply:
Your home was built before 1978.
You have young children or pets in the home.
You see peeling, flaking, or chipped paint.
You plan on remodeling part of the home.
Getting estimates for lead paint removal
Follow these guidelines when researching lead paint removal companies near you:
Check the EPA website and state regulations regarding lead testing and removal.
Hire a lead paint removal company not affiliated with an inspection company.
Get at least 3 estimates from licensed, bonded, and insured lead paint removal companies.
Verify their licensing and abatement credentials.
Check out reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Be wary of low bids, which often indicate lack of experience or low-quality work. Lead removal is a dangerous job, and you shouldn’t sacrifice safety or quality.
Have a written contract and warranty before the removal process starts.
Questions to ask a lead paint removal company
Ask the following questions to ensure you hire a qualified lead removal company:
Are you EPA certified to remove lead?
What training and certifications do you have for this?
Are all your employees also trained and certified?
Am I a good candidate for encapsulation, or do I need to completely remove the paint?
What is your removal process, and how do you keep people safe during the removal?
What equipment and protective gear do you use during the removal?
How long will the removal take?
Do I need to leave the property during the abatement?
Does this estimate include site prep, removal, disposal, cleanup, and testing again afterward?
Do you offer a guarantee?
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.