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Maine DEP Licensed Lead Risk Assessor

Protect Occupants. Reduce Liability. Understand Your Lead Hazards. 

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Southern Maine Lead Risk Assessments

A Lead Risk Assessment goes beyond identifying where lead-based paint exists. It evaluates whether lead hazards are actually present within a property, identifies conditions that may expose occupants to dangerous lead dust, and provides practical recommendations for reducing risk.

HarborLight Property Inspections provides professional Lead Risk Assessments throughout Southern Maine for homeowners, landlords, property managers, investors, municipalities, schools, child care facilities, healthcare organizations, and commercial property owners.

Every assessment is performed by a Maine DEP Licensed Lead Risk Assessor (License #LR-0432) using EPA-recognized inspection protocols and building science principles to identify lead hazards before they become health hazards.

Most assessments are completed within 2–4 hours onsite, with a comprehensive digital report delivered within 48 hours.

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A Lead Risk Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a property's potential lead exposure hazards.
 

Unlike a traditional lead inspection that simply identifies where lead-based paint is present, a Lead Risk Assessment determines whether deteriorated paint, lead-contaminated dust, bare soil, friction surfaces, or impact surfaces create an actual health risk for occupants.
 

The assessment focuses on exposure—not simply the presence of lead.
 

The goal is to help property owners understand:
 

  • Where lead hazards exist

  • Why they present a risk

  • How occupants may be exposed

  • What corrective actions should be taken

  • Which hazards should be prioritized
     

Whether you own a historic home in Portland, manage multifamily housing in Biddeford, or operate a child care facility in Southern Maine, a professional Lead Risk Assessment provides the information needed to make informed decisions.

Image by John Cardamone

Lead Risk Assessment vs. XRF Lead Inspection

XRF Lead Inspection
 

An XRF Lead Inspection answers one question:
 

Does this painted component contain lead-based paint?
 

It identifies the presence or absence of lead using non-destructive X-Ray Fluorescence technology.
 

Ideal for:
 

  • Home buyers

  • Sellers

  • Renovation planning

  • Historic homes

  • Insurance requirements

  • Due diligence
     

Lead Risk Assessment
 

A Lead Risk Assessment answers a different question:
 

Does this property contain lead hazards that could expose occupants to dangerous levels of lead?
 

It evaluates:
 

  • Deteriorated paint

  • Lead dust hazards

  • Friction surfaces

  • Impact surfaces

  • Bare contaminated soil

  • Occupancy patterns

  • Children's exposure risks

  • Maintenance conditions
     

The result is a practical hazard reduction plan—not simply a list of positive XRF readings.

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Who Needs a Lead Risk Assessment?

Lead Risk Assessments are commonly requested by:

Homebuyers

Understand the true lead hazards before purchasing an older home.

Property Owners

Protect your family while planning future renovations.

Landlords

Identify lead hazards before they become costly liability issues.

Property Managers

Develop maintenance plans for older multifamily housing.

Child Care Facilities

Evaluate buildings occupied by young children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure.

Schools

Assess classrooms, windows, trim, stair systems, and common areas.

Municipalities

Evaluate public buildings and housing stock.

Contractors

Identify hazards before renovation begins.

Commercial Property Owners

Understand environmental risks prior to redevelopment.

What Is Included in Your Lead Risk Assessment?

Every assessment is customized to the property's age, condition, occupancy, and intended use.

A typical assessment includes:

Property Evaluation

  • Construction date

  • Building history

  • Occupancy type

  • Intended use

  • Renovation history

Visual Hazard Assessment

Inspection for:

  • Peeling paint

  • Chipping paint

  • Cracking paint

  • Impact damage

  • Moisture damage

  • Friction surfaces

  • Chewable surfaces

  • Bare soil

  • Exterior deterioration

XRF Lead Paint Evaluation

When appropriate, representative painted components are analyzed using our Viken Pb200i XRF Lead Paint Analyzer to determine whether lead-based paint is present.

Dust Hazard Evaluation

Assessment of locations where lead dust is most likely to accumulate, including:

  • Floors

  • Window sills

  • Window troughs

  • Stair systems

  • Entryways

  • High-traffic areas

Dust wipe sampling can be performed when appropriate.

Soil Evaluation

Identification of exterior areas where lead-contaminated soil may present an exposure risk.

Occupant Risk Analysis

Special consideration is given to:

  • Children under six

  • Pregnant women

  • Child care settings

  • Schools

  • High-occupancy buildings

Hazard Prioritization

Not every positive XRF reading represents an immediate hazard.

Our assessment prioritizes:

  • Immediate hazards

  • Moderate hazards

  • Long-term maintenance items

  • Monitoring recommendations

What's Included in Your Report?

Every Lead Risk Assessment includes a comprehensive digital report delivered within 48 hours.

Executive Summary

A concise overview of findings, identified hazards, and recommended next steps.

Property Information

  • Property address

  • Building age

  • Occupancy type

  • Assessment date

Inspection Methodology

Documentation of inspection procedures, equipment utilized, and applicable Maine DEP and EPA protocols.

Hazard Inventory

Detailed descriptions of identified lead hazards.

Photo Documentation

High-resolution photographs documenting observed conditions.

Floor Plans

Location diagrams identifying observed hazards.

Exposure Analysis

Discussion of potential occupant exposure pathways.

Recommendations

Property-specific recommendations for:

  • Interim controls

  • Ongoing maintenance

  • Abatement considerations

  • Monitoring

  • Additional testing

Lead Risk Assessment Pricing

Residential Lead Risk Assessment (Interior & Exterior)

Up to 1,500 Square Feet
$595
1,501 – 2,500 Square Feet
$695
2,501 – 3,500 Square Feet
$795
3,501 – 5,000 Square Feet
$895
Over 5,000 Square Feet
Custom Proposal

*Includes visual lead hazard assessment, exposure pathway evaluation, hazard prioritization, photo documentation, and comprehensive digital report.

Occupant Risk Assessment (Interior Living Areas)

Up to 1,500 Square Feet
$475
1,501 – 2,500 Square Feet
$575
2,501 – 3,500 Square Feet
$675
Over 3,500 Square Feet
Custom Proposal

*Ideal for homeowners, families with young children, and buyers seeking to understand lead exposure risks within occupied living spaces.

Multifamily & Commercial Buildings

Up to 5 Units
Starting at $895
6-15 Units
Custom Proposal
16+ Units
Custom Proposal
Schools, Childcare Facilities & 
Commercial Buildings

Custom Proposal

*Pricing is based on occupancy, number of units, sampling requirements, and building complexity.

Additional Services

Dust Wipe Sampling
$25 per Sample
(Laboratory Fees Additional)

Soil Sampling
Custom Pricing

Water Sampling
Custom Pricing

Follow-Up Risk Assessment
Starting at $250

Lead Hazard Consultation
$175 per Hour

Unlike many inspection companies, HarborLight specializes exclusively in environmental building hazards.
 

Our background in lead, asbestos, indoor environmental quality, and building science allows us to evaluate the entire building—not just isolated painted components. HarborLight's mission emphasizes helping property owners understand environmental risks through clear, science-based evaluations and practical recommendations.
 

When you hire HarborLight, your assessment is performed by a professional holding:
 

  • Maine DEP Licensed Lead Risk Assessor (#LR-0432)

  • Maine DEP Licensed Lead Inspector (#LI-0526)

  • EPA Certified Renovator

  • Maine DEP Licensed Asbestos Inspector

  • IAC2 Certified Indoor Air Consultant

  • InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector

  • CCPIA Certified Commercial Property Inspector
     

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Proudly Serving Southern Maine

HarborLight provides Lead Risk Assessments throughout:

Cumberland County

  • Portland

  • South Portland

  • Scarborough

  • Cape Elizabeth

  • Falmouth

  • Yarmouth

  • Freeport

  • Windham

  • Gorham

  • Westbrook

York County

  • Biddeford

  • Saco

  • Kennebunk

  • Kennebunkport

  • Wells

  • Ogunquit

  • York

Androscoggin County

  • Lewiston

  • Auburn

  • Lisbon

  • Topsham

  • Brunswick

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Lead Risk Assessment and a Lead Inspection?

A Lead Inspection identifies where lead-based paint is present. A Lead Risk Assessment evaluates whether those conditions create a health hazard and provides recommendations to reduce exposure.
 

Do I need a Lead Risk Assessment before buying a home?

If the home was built before 1978, particularly if young children will occupy the property or renovations are planned, a Lead Risk Assessment can provide valuable information beyond a standard inspection.
 

Does every home with lead paint require abatement?

No. Many homes with lead-based paint can be safely maintained through interim controls, routine maintenance, and proper management. Recommendations depend on the condition of the painted surfaces and the likelihood of occupant exposure.
 

How long does the assessment take?

Most Lead Risk Assessments are completed in approximately 2–4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
 

When will I receive my report?

Most reports are delivered electronically within 48 hours of the onsite assessment.
 

Schedule Your Lead Risk Assessment

Whether you're purchasing an older Maine home, managing rental housing, operating a child care facility, planning renovations, or simply want to better understand potential lead hazards, HarborLight Property Inspections provides professional Lead Risk Assessments backed by Maine DEP licensing, environmental expertise, and practical guidance.
 

Understand the risk. Protect the occupants. Make informed decisions with confidence.
 

Contact Mike @

HarborLight Property Inspections, LLC

443 Western Avenue #1135
South Portland, ME 04106

Phone: (207) 245-4688

Email: mike@harborlightinspections.com

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