Lead inspections and remediations

[Mike Goikhberg]

Anyone with experience have advice about dealing with the lead situation? I'm considering a rowhome in baltimore city that was built long before 1978, and it is not registered with the maryland lead program. I will be doing a pretty large renovation in one of the units, and mostly cosmetic reno in another unit, so i'm wondering what the best way to go about dealing with any potential lead issues in this case.

[Joe Norman]

Quote from @Mike Goikhberg:

First you have to determine if you want to go Lead Free or Lead Safe. Lead Free involves more expensive tests and has a higher standard, but you're "one and done" in terms of licensing and registration. Lead Safe certificates have a lower standard and the tests are cheaper, however the certificate and registration needs to be renewed regularly. If you're doing a "pretty large renovation" then I would suggest shooting for Lead Free.

Next you have to hire a company to do the test. Note that most all lead inspectors will do dust swipes (Lead Safe tests), but not all have the equipment required to do Lead Free testing so be sure you're specific in what you ask for. 

Assuming you fail the first test, you will have to perform the remediation work and then call for a re-inspection.

One you have a passing inspection you can apply to MDE for your Lead Cert (many lead inspection companies will handle this for you).

Good luck!

 thanks for your input! and if the property is 3 units, but i am doing a large reno on only one unit, can i get away with just making that specific unit lead free or would i have to make the entire 3 units  lead free in order to qualify for lead free at that address? in other words, can 1 unit be lead free while the other two are lead safe?

 I think so, however the common areas, including exterior, would need to be Lead Free as well. That said I'm not 100% confident in this answer so take it with a grain of salt. I suggest calling up a lead inspection company or two, they will likely be able to answer your questions with more certainty.