---
title: "How Much Is a Lead Paint Inspection? Costs in St. Louis"
description: "Two cost guides put a lead paint inspection near $300 to $700, but they disagree. See what changes the price, what St. Louis offers free, and what to ask."
url: https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/lead-paint-inspection-cost
publisher: Advanced Environmental Services
phone: +1-314-865-2662
quote: https://www.aes-stl.com/contact
---

Practical: 5 min read, published September 14, 2026

# How Much Is a Lead Paint Inspection? Costs in St. Louis

HomeGuide says a lead inspection costs $300 to $700 on average. HomeAdvisor puts the normal range lower, at $239 to $437. Both exclude lead removal, and a risk assessment costs more. In the City of St. Louis, an inspection is free when a child under six or a pregnant woman lives in the home.

[Request a Quote](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662)

![AES worker using a vacuum-equipped tool on a wall inside lead abatement containment](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/124.vs-sRkO-_Z1RTHvh.webp)

![AES crew member in a protective suit scraping old wall material from scaffolding](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/100.Beg0SK9K_Z2cMAXv.webp)

![Building wrapped in white containment sheeting during an AES lead abatement project](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/127.BqgpMQY__7ReD8.webp)

A lead paint inspection costs about $300 to $700 for most homes, according to HomeGuide. HomeAdvisor puts the normal range lower, at $239 to $437. These are national figures, not St. Louis quotes, and they cover finding lead, not removing it. If a child under six or a pregnant woman lives in a City of St. Louis home, the City may inspect it for free.

## How much is a lead paint inspection?

HomeGuide says a lead inspection costs $300 to $700 on average, including a visual inspection, tests and a report. Its table shows a $500 national average, a $130 minimum and an $800 maximum. HomeAdvisor says lead paint inspections cost between $239 and $437, set by home size and regional labor rates.

The two guides do not agree on the middle, and HomeAdvisor’s own home-size table runs higher than its headline range. Use $300 to $700 as a planning range. Expect your quote to land inside it or close by.

Home size

HomeAdvisor’s range

Under 1,000 sq. ft.

$200 to $500

1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft.

$400 to $800

2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft.

$600 to $1,200

3,000 to 4,000 sq. ft.

$800 to $1,500

4,000 sq. ft. and up

$1,000 and up

HomeAdvisor says bigger homes take longer to inspect, and that very large houses can push the bill above $1,500.

Two add-ons show up in both guides. HomeAdvisor says exterior inspections add $25 to $200 for soil testing. HomeGuide says a separate soil test costs $25 to $200 for a heavy metal or lead-specific test. Ask whether the yard is included.

## What is the difference between an inspection and a risk assessment?

An inspection tells you whether [lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint) is present and where. A risk assessment tells you whether it is a hazard. EPA says a risk assessment finds the presence, type, severity and location of lead-based paint hazards in paint, dust and soil, and suggests ways to control them.

HomeGuide lists risk assessments at $500 to $1,500. HomeAdvisor lists $300 to $800. Order the one that matches your question:

-   **Buying or renting an older home:** an inspection answers “is there lead paint?”
-   **Peeling paint, a young child in the home, or a high blood lead test:** a risk assessment answers “what is the hazard and how do I control it?”
-   **Planning a remodel:** an inspection tells you which surfaces need lead-safe work practices under the [RRP rule](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/rrp-rule).

Our post on [what a lead risk assessment is](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/what-is-a-lead-risk-assessment) goes deeper on the choice.

## What happens during a lead paint inspection?

An inspector tests the painted surfaces in your home and writes a report that says where lead is. HomeGuide says professionals use an X-ray device, an [XRF analyzer](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/xrf-analyzer), to detect lead on doors, walls, windows, trim and railing.

HomeGuide also says professionals often find lead-based paint on the trim and siding of older homes. In some cases, exterior paint flakes off and gets into the soil around the house. That is why some inspectors add a soil test.

Ask the inspector to mark each tested surface on a floor plan. A clear map saves money later, because a removal contractor can price only the surfaces that need work.

## Who is allowed to do the inspection in Missouri?

Only a certified or licensed professional. EPA says inspections can be legally performed only by certified inspectors or risk assessors. Missouri DHSS says paint chip sampling must be performed by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. A general home inspector with a test kit does not meet that standard.

HomeGuide says some home inspectors check for lead during a basic inspection and others charge extra or do not offer it. Ask before you book. HomeGuide also says EPA-approved DIY kits cost $20 to $30 and are not as accurate or reliable as a professional inspection.

Our post on [Missouri lead abatement licensing](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/missouri-lead-abatement-license) explains who may do removal work after the inspection.

## Can I get a lead inspection in St. Louis for free?

Sometimes. The City of St. Louis Lead Inspection and Hazard Control Division performs inspections free of charge on residential City properties where children under six or a pregnant woman live. You can request one online or call the Citizens’ Service Bureau (CSB) at 622-4800.

The City page also says that when lead hazards are found, owners may apply for financial assistance. It lists three award criteria: the income of occupants, whether children under six live there, and whether the owner occupies the property. Nothing on the page promises money.

St. Louis County runs a separate free program with its own conditions. Read [free lead inspections in St. Louis County](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-county-free-lead-inspections) before you pay for a private inspection. Our [lead help in St. Louis](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-help-in-st-louis) guide lists the other programs.

## Why does the age of the house matter so much here?

Because lead paint was not banned until 1978. HomeAdvisor says the government banned the paint in 1978. Missouri DHSS says approximately 65 percent of Missouri housing was built before 1978 and may contain some lead-based paint. If your house was built before 1978, an inspection before you buy, rent or remodel is the way to know.

Our post on [how to tell if paint has lead](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-paint-has-lead) covers the first checks you can do safely. Our guide to [lead paint in pre-1978 homes](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes) covers the years and the surfaces to check first.

## What does a lead paint inspection not include?

Removal. This is where budgets break. A $500 inspection leads to a second bill if the report finds lead that needs to go.

HomeGuide says lead inspection pricing does not include lead removal or abatement. It puts removal at $6 to $17 per square foot, or $3,000 to $17,000 total on average. HomeAdvisor says lead paint abatement averages $4 to $8 per square foot. The two disagree, and both are national figures.

Lead abatement means removing or permanently controlling lead hazards. It is a different job from the inspection, with a different price. AES is a St. Louis contractor that provides [lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/lead-abatement), and it quotes each job. Intact lead paint is often left alone and kept in good condition. A report is what tells you whether yours needs work.

## How do I compare lead inspection quotes?

Compare scope, not just price. HomeGuide advises getting 3 or more estimates from licensed, bonded and insured lead testing companies. Use this checklist when you call:

1.  Is the inspector a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor in Missouri?
2.  Is this an inspection, a risk assessment, or both?
3.  Does the price cover XRF readings, lab samples and a written report?
4.  How many samples are included, and what does each extra sample cost?
5.  How soon do I get the report?
6.  Is a clearance test after abatement priced separately? HomeGuide suggests asking whether another inspection after abatement costs extra.
7.  Do you charge extra for exterior surfaces or soil?

Keep the written report. A contractor needs it to price removal, and a buyer or renter may ask to see it.

AES quotes each job; call (314) 865-2662 or use [/contact](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact).

## Next step

If a report shows lead that needs to be removed or controlled, call Advanced Environmental Services at (314) 865-2662 or request a quote at [/contact](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact). See the [lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/lead-abatement) page for the service.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does a lead paint inspection cost?

HomeGuide says a lead inspection costs $300 to $700 on average, with a national average of $500, and includes a visual inspection, tests and a report. HomeAdvisor says $239 to $437. Neither is a St. Louis quote, and neither includes lead removal. Local inspectors set their own fees.

### Is a lead risk assessment the same as a lead inspection?

No. EPA says a risk assessment finds the presence, type, severity and location of lead-based paint hazards in paint, dust and soil, and suggests ways to control them. An inspection finds whether lead paint is there. HomeGuide lists risk assessments at $500 to $1,500. HomeAdvisor lists $300 to $800.

### Can I get a lead inspection for free in St. Louis?

Possibly. The City of St. Louis inspects residential City properties free of charge where children under six or a pregnant woman live. Request one online or call the Citizens' Service Bureau at 622-4800. St. Louis County has a separate free program with its own rules. Read our county post for the conditions.

### Do home test kits count as a lead inspection?

No. HomeGuide says EPA-approved kits cost $20 to $30 and are not as accurate or reliable as a professional inspection. In Missouri, paint chip sampling must be done by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. A kit can raise a question. It cannot replace a licensed inspector.

### Who can do a lead inspection in Missouri?

EPA says inspections can legally be performed only by certified inspectors or risk assessors. Missouri adds that paint chip sampling must be done by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. A general home inspector with a kit does not meet that standard. Ask to see the license before you book.

### Does AES do lead paint inspections?

AES lists lead abatement as its lead service. Call (314) 865-2662 to ask what it can do for your property. AES quotes each job, and a certified inspector or risk assessor should confirm where the lead is before any removal is priced.

## Terms on this page

-   [Lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint)
-   [Lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-abatement)
-   [XRF analyzer](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/xrf-analyzer)
-   [RRP rule](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/rrp-rule)

## Sources

1.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (average)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
2.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (national average, minimum and maximum)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
3.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (kit accuracy)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
4.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (home inspectors)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
5.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (estimates)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
6.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (X-ray device)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
7.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (trim and siding)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
8.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (exclusions)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
9.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (risk assessment)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
10.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (DIY kits)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
11.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (soil test)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
12.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (removal cost)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
13.  [HomeGuide: How Much Does a Lead Inspection Cost? (questions to ask)](https://homeguide.com/costs/lead-inspection-cost)
14.  [HomeAdvisor: How Much Does It Cost to Test for Lead Paint? (ban)](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/test-or-remove-toxic-lead/)
15.  [HomeAdvisor: How Much Does It Cost to Test for Lead Paint? (range)](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/test-or-remove-toxic-lead/)
16.  [HomeAdvisor: How Much Does It Cost to Test for Lead Paint? (home size)](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/test-or-remove-toxic-lead/)
17.  [HomeAdvisor: How Much Does It Cost to Test for Lead Paint? (exterior)](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/test-or-remove-toxic-lead/)
18.  [HomeAdvisor: How Much Does It Cost to Test for Lead Paint? (risk assessment)](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/test-or-remove-toxic-lead/)
19.  [HomeAdvisor: How Much Does It Cost to Test for Lead Paint? (abatement)](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/test-or-remove-toxic-lead/)
20.  [US EPA: Understanding Lead Inspections, Risk Assessments and Abatements (who may inspect)](https://www.epa.gov/lead/questions-and-answers-homeowners-and-renters-about-understanding-lead-inspections-risk)
21.  [US EPA: Understanding Lead Inspections, Risk Assessments and Abatements (risk assessment)](https://www.epa.gov/lead/questions-and-answers-homeowners-and-renters-about-understanding-lead-inspections-risk)
22.  [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing)
23.  [City of St. Louis: Lead Inspection and Hazard Control Division (free inspections)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/lead-inspection.cfm)
24.  [City of St. Louis: Lead Inspection and Hazard Control Division (assistance)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/lead-inspection.cfm)
25.  [Missouri DHSS: Lead Poisoning](https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/)

Written by Advanced Environmental Services and checked against the sources above on September 14, 2026. Rules change, so check the linked page before you act.

## Keep reading

-   [Lead Inspection vs Risk Assessment: Which Do You Need?A lead-based paint inspection tells you if a building has lead-based paint and where it is, but not whether it is a hazard. A risk assessment tells you if paint, dust, or soil hazards exist and what to do about them. Both must be done by certified professionals. Missouri licenses them.](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/what-is-a-lead-risk-assessment)
-   [Lead help in St. Louis: free inspections, grants, landlord rules and who may do the workThe City of St. Louis inspects for lead free where a child under six or a pregnant woman lives. St. Louis County inspects free when a child under six lives or visits there and has a recent venous blood lead test. Both offer repair help with income and child rules. Lead abatement needs a Missouri licensed contractor, unless the owner does it personally, only the owner or immediate family live there, no child there has an elevated blood lead level, the owner consults DHSS first, and federal rules permit it.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-help-in-st-louis)
-   [Lead paint in pre-1978 homes: when to test, renovate safely or abateAny home built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. In Missouri, an estimated 60% of homes built 1960 to 1978 do, rising to 90% before 1949. Intact paint is a lower risk. Peeling paint and renovation dust are the problem. Missouri requires licensed lead professionals for abatement and for paint chip sampling.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes)
-   [Free Lead Inspection in St. Louis County: Who QualifiesSt. Louis County's Healthy Homes Program offers free in-home lead inspections to county residents. You qualify if a child under six lives in the home or visits regularly, and that child has a recent venous blood lead level test. Everyone else hires a lead inspector licensed by the state.](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-county-free-lead-inspections)
-   [How to Tell If Paint Has Lead: Age, Testing and Missouri RulesYou cannot tell if paint has lead by looking at it. EPA says the only way to know for certain is to have it tested, and it recommends a certified inspector or risk assessor. Until you have results, treat the paint in any home built before 1978 as if it contains lead.](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-paint-has-lead)
-   [Testing an older St. Louis home: which test applies when you buy, sell or renovateWhich test applies depends on what you are doing. Selling or buying a pre-1978 home triggers federal lead disclosure. Renovating or demolishing a regulated building triggers an asbestos inspection and notice. The City of St. Louis requires an occupancy inspection on sales. No federal standard sets a mold limit, so a mold test is your choice.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/testing-an-older-st-louis-home)

## Request your custom environmental remediation estimate

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