Paige provided excellent and professional service in selling my home in Kelowna. Every detail was perfect. I will recommend Paige without reservation to anyone I know buying or selling real estate.
-Dale Bjornson
Lead Based Paint
Lead-based paint is a health risk for everyone, but especially for pregnant women and children under six. Children can ingest too much lead from paint chips or from dust that gets onto their toys. Most homes painted before 1950 will contain significant amounts of lead paint and those built up to about 1980 probably contain smaller amounts.
In 1992 the U.S. government passed tough legislation requiring the disclosure of the presence of lead-based paint in any house built before 1978. Under this law sellers must:
- Disclose the presence of lead-based paint
- Provide available records about the presence of lead-based paint
- Provide a federally approved lead hazard information pamphlet
- Include disclosure and acknowledgment information in contracts
- Give purchasers up to 10 days to conduct a risk assessment or lead inspection
- Share responsibility with Realtors for ensuring compliance
Lead-Based Paint was used primarily on surfaces that take punishment, such as kitchen cabinets, door and window trim, exterior siding and porch floors. If these are in good condition and not deteriorating due to friction, there is little danger.
Crumbling, peeling or flaking is a hazard. Dust is always a problem, whether caused by friction or during remodeling and renovations.
A lead analysis kit is available and produces readings instantly. Alternatively, paint or dust samples can be sent to a lab for testing. If the house is lead-free or if it poses a minimal health risk, a Certificate of Lead-Based Paint Safe Housing can be issued.
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