Published 2026-10-23
People often say "lead test" when they mean one of two different things. A lead inspection looks for lead-based paint anywhere in a home. A risk assessment looks for lead hazards, such as peeling paint, lead dust and bare soil, and can include samples sent to a lab.
If you are buying an older home and want to know whether lead-based paint is present at all, an inspection answers that. If you already live in the home, especially with a young child, and want to know what is actually a hazard right now, a risk assessment is aimed at that question.
Neither one fixes anything. Each produces a written report. What happens next, whether that is cleaning, repair, replacement or leaving intact paint alone, is worked out afterward. After repairs, a clearance test is the usual check that the work area is clean.
California's Department of Public Health (CDPH) certifies people who do lead-related construction work, including inspectors and assessors. Ask whoever you hire which certification they hold, and ask for a written report.
We are a referral service. We refer you to a contractor with an active California contractor license, and we ask you to verify it at cslb.ca.gov. We do not quote or negotiate.
Quick list
- Inspection: is there lead-based paint?
- Risk assessment: what is a hazard now?
- Clearance test: is the area clean after work?
- Ask for the CDPH certification and a written report.