Most states now require a lead paint inspection when a property is sold.
This is especially true of an older home, the theory being a todler
hangs on the window sills inside and chews them. As it turns out, lead
has a sweet taste that encourages this.

Call the real estate board in your state and ask. Maybe a statement
saying there is no lead (radon, asbestos, evil spirits of recently
passed individuals, ...) is sufficient. Maybe you will have to put
money in escrow for some time until the problem is fixed... There are
lots of solutions.


wrote:
My husband and I normally do all the remodelling in this house.
Previous owners said the outside wood siding (underneath the current
vinyl siding) has lead-based paint on it. Had the whole house tested
and sure enough only the outside has lead.

Husband refuses to install two much-needed new bay windows in 2
separate front rooms. Called several "good" contractors in the area -
none of them have procedures to carefully remove old windows without
disturbing (or at least taking precautions against) lead-based paint
dust. One said he did this for 20 years and no one has ever asked him
about lead.

I have an infant whose new fascination is putting everything in her
mouth.

Am I being overly cautious? Should I just let the contractors do their
thing and just clean up stuff myself afterwards? (HEPA filters, TSP
soap, etc.) Is it unreasonable to expect a contractor to do things
properly with regards to lead?

Thanks.