The EPA has very strict rules about the presence of lead paint. If your house was built prior to 1978, there is a good possibility that it contains lead paint somewhere in the house.
Belleair Florida – House Buyers: The EPA has very specific rules about disclosure when it comes to selling a house that was built prior to 1978. At that time, and before that date, homes were painted with potentially dangerous paint containing lead. Plumbers, carpenters, home remodeling companies, along with house painters have a responsibility to do what is necessary when working on these older homes to avoid contact with the lead paint, and to replace it where it may still be a factor.
The EPA has very specific rules about disclosure when it comes to selling a house that was built prior to 1978. At that time, and before that date, homes were painted with potentially dangerous paint containing lead.
Lead paint is known to cause cancer, and creates all sorts of problems with children, particularly of an age that tends to lick or chew on things other than food. The hazards include developmental hazards and damage to the nervous system. Workers that do remodeling of any part of your older home must be certified in the proper removal and replacement of lead paint. They are also expected to educate the homeowner that hires them in the dangers of lead and what they can do to help you correct the problem and modernize the home.
While truly old and authentic historic homes used lead based paint of specific colors, you can still repaint using modern paint in the same color configurations to maintain the authentic look of the home, while making it safer to inhabit. There are brochures available from the US Government that explain the details of removal, the laws regarding the replacement of lead paint and necessary disclosure, and the potential danger that exists if you decide to leave it on your walls. There are waivers that can be signed depending on your state real estate laws, and only where there are no young children or babies in the house that have not reached the age of 6. Waivers aren’t available for families with pregnant women.
- Lead paint is known to cause cancer, and creates all sorts of problems with children, particularly of an age that tends to lick or chew on things other than food.
- Chips can be sent in for testing if you aren’t sure, or you can use one of the EPA’s test kits.
- If there is a tendency for buyers in your area to shy away from your house due to the lead paint issue, try selling to a real estate investor instead as they are equipped to handle such things.
If you plan to remodel the house before you sell, the contractor will need to keep your records for you as they remove the lead based paint. Chips can be sent in for testing if you aren’t sure, or you can use one of the EPA’s test kits. A potential buyer should definitely be notified if your house is on the market and someone considers purchasing it. If there is a tendency for buyers in your area to shy away from your house due to the lead paint issue, try selling to a real estate investor instead as they are equipped to handle such things.
