Lead in old houses can pose significant health risks and complicate the home-selling process. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 29 million homes in the United States have lead-based paint hazards. For Denver homeowners starting their home sales, it’s important to address any issues related to lead paint prior to selling.
What is lead-based paint?
Lead paint contains elements that enhance durability, moisture resistance, and quick drying. It was widely used in residential properties for its aesthetic and protective qualities.
Even though it was once popular, lead-based paint is now considered dangerous. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause severe health issues, particularly in children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead in paint can result in:
- Neurological damage
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to long-term health consequences, making it vital to manage and remediate lead paint hazards quickly and completely.
Why was lead paint used in houses?
Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes from the early 1900s until it was phased out in the late 1970s. It was a standard choice to build homes with lead paint due to its:
- Affordability
- Durability
- Color retention
- Quick drying time
Historically, around 86% of homes built before 1940 contained lead paint, as per a report conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This percentage decreased over the years, with about 78% of homes built between 1940 and 1959 and approximately 62% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 containing lead-based paint.
Using lead in wall paint or other paint was eventually banned because of its toxicity and the significant health risks it poses. In 1978, the federal government prohibited its use in residential properties and commercial buildings to protect public health.
How to tell if you have lead paint in your Denver house
Houses built before 1978 are likely to contain lead paint. Identifying lead paint in old houses involves looking for certain signs, such as:
- Alligatoring: A cracking pattern that resembles the scales of an alligator
- Chalking: A powdery residue on the surface of old lead paint
You might want to consider getting a home test for lead paint, especially if you live in an older home. At-home tests for lead paint are known to be highly accurate, but you may also want to think about hiring an inspector. These professionals often use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices to detect lead, or they might take samples for lab analysis.
How to remove lead paint in your house
If your house in Denver has lead paint, removal should be handled by certified professionals. The process involves:
- Using protective gear (hazmat suits, HEPA masks, goggles, gloves).
- Containing the area to prevent contamination.
- Using specialized tools and materials to remove lead.
DIY lead paint removal is not recommended due to the health risks and the need for proper equipment, as well as necessary containment and disposal methods.
How does lead-based paint affect your Denver home sale?
Having lead paint in your Denver home can potentially lower your home value. Buyers may be wary of the health risks and the cost of removal, and they may ask for concessions or a lower sale price.
Unfortunately, home insurance policies typically do not cover lead paint removal unless the material was affected by a covered peril. You should check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
If you've previously addressed lead paint issues, you should keep all receipts and documentation. This provides proof of remediation and can reassure any potential buyers that the lead-based paint problems have been resolved.
Do you need to disclose lead paint to buyers?
When you sell a house with lead paint in Denver, you must disclose any known lead paint issues to potential buyers. This is because federal law requires the disclosure of any presence of lead-based paint when selling a home. With lead paint disclosure, buyers will have an additional 10 days to have lead testing or risk assessment done before the finalization of the sale.
Before listing your home, consider a professional inspection to identify and address lead paint issues. This can help streamline the selling process and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Sell your Denver house with lead paint with We Buy Ugly Houses®.
At We Buy Ugly Houses® in Denver, we buy houses in almost any condition, including homes with lead paint. We understand the challenges associated with lead paint removal and offer a hassle-free solution for homeowners looking to sell.
When you sell with We Buy Ugly Houses, you get a home sale with:
- No repairs needed: You can sell your house “as is,” meaning you don't have to worry about lead paint remediation or other home repairs.
- No disclosure necessary: We don’t need a history of your home, and you won’t need to worry about us asking for disclosure forms.
- No approval process: We secure our own financing, so you can rest assured that lead paint won’t affect your sale.
If you want to skip lead paint remediation and sell your Denver home with lead paint, We Buy Ugly Houses offers a straightforward and stress-free solution. Our 3-step home-buying process is designed to be easy and convenient. Contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we can help you sell your home with lead paint.
