Our 1960s home in North Vancouver might have lead paint. What special prep is needed before we can repaint?

Any home in Metro Vancouver built before 1978 has a reasonable chance of containing lead-based paint, and homes from the 1960s are particularly likely to have it on trim, doors, windows, and exterior siding. Before any sanding, scraping, or disturbance of painted surfaces, you should have a lead paint test done. Professional lead testing in the Vancouver area typically costs between $300 and $600 for a standard home inspection covering multiple surfaces. If lead is confirmed, BC's WorkSafeBC regulations require specific safe work procedures to protect both workers and your family. Dry sanding and open-flame burning of lead paint are prohibited. Instead, contractors must use wet scraping methods, HEPA-filtered vacuum sanders, and chemical strippers to minimize dust. The work area must be contained with plastic sheeting to prevent lead dust from spreading through your home, and workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment including respirators with P100 filters. All debris must be disposed of as hazardous waste according to BC environmental regulations. If the existing lead paint is in good condition and not peeling or flaking, the safest and most cost-effective approach is encapsulation, which means applying a high-quality primer and paint system directly over the stable lead paint to seal it in place. This avoids the disturbance entirely while still giving you a fresh, safe finish. Hire a painting contractor who has specific experience with lead paint abatement and can show you their WorkSafeBC compliance documentation.

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