Lead paint was officially banned for residential use in Massachusetts in 1978. However, the statute is not retroactive, meaning that any home built before that year could contain lead paint. Mass is known for its older buildings and colonial charm. The historic homes throughout the Fall River area are what makes our communities so picturesque and unique, but if you haven’t gotten an inspection, you or your tenants might be at risk. As a leading property management firm in Massachusetts, Fortified Realty Group LLC can help facilitate a Fall River, MA lead inspection. Whether you have already purchased the pre-1978 property or are interested in investing in older construction, this safety measure is an absolute must.
Lead Paint Inspection Fall River, MA
Lead paint was banned for use in homes after a significant number of children fell ill from lead poisoning. This law went into effect nearly 40 years ago, but lead paint remains a persistent issue in historic dwellings. Many homeowners overlook scheduling a lead paint inspection because of how much time has passed since it was used in a residential capacity. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 75% of houses built before 1978 have lead paint.
An assessment for lead paint was likely not part of your regular buyer inspection. This specialized service is multi-faceted and is performed by a certified professional. It can include a visual test, paint chip test, and dust analysis. They may also use XRF analyzers, which are a piece of equipment that detects lead.
If your inspector finds lead paint, you have several options to consider, and our property management consultants can assist you with making a choice that fits your goals and budgets. As long as the paint is intact and in a spot in the home away from children, you can leave it. However, you will need to clean and vacuum regularly to avoid dangerous dust.
Many homeowners choose to remove lead paint, and this process requires the assistance of a lead abatement contractor. If the lead paint is chipped or cracking, removal is highly recommended to avoid toxic exposure.
The symptoms of lead poisoning are common to other ailments, so you may not realize you have been exposed. Unexplained headaches, hyperactivity, memory problems, high blood pressure, and joint pain are all connected to lead exposure. If you are renting a property built before 1978 and are experiencing these symptoms, it is your right to request a lead paint test. If you own the home, consider scheduling a Fall River, MA lead paint inspection right away.
Why Experience Matters In Lead Paint Inspections
Lead poisoning is serious and given how prevalent lead-based paint was, anyone living in a home built before 1978 is at risk. Home tests are not sufficient to protect your family. You want a formal inspection conducted by certified professionals who have experience finding, testing, and reporting their findings.
David Ferreira has over ten years experience in real estate and property management. As an active member in the Fall River community, David has a network of vetted contacts, including lead paint inspectors. Our team can guide you toward the best provider and make recommendations on how to proceed if you have lead paint in your home. As a top-rated property management firm in Massachusetts, we bring these benefits to every partnership:
- Personalized support
- Direct line of communication to our staff members
- Over 10 years of property and real estate expertise
- Support from agents, property managers, brokers, and more
- A positive attitude and client-centered approach
If your home was built before 1978, there may be lead paint in the house. If construction predates 1940, it is almost guaranteed. Protect yourself, your family, and your tenants by scheduling a Fall River lead paint inspection. For property management assistance and guidance, reach out to Fortified Realty Group LLC today and schedule a discovery call with David.