October 1, 2013 | CLEARCorps/ Detroit
Finding a qualified Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor is essential to ensure that your Lead Inspection/Risk Assessment is thorough, accurate, and meets the requirements of City of Detroit Property Maintenance Code. Lead Inspection/Risk Assessment Companies listed on this webpage have met minimum standards as defined by the Detroit Enforcement Work Group. Minimum but essential criteria include the use of an XRF device for determining lead in paint, certified by the State of Michigan, and in good standing with the State of Michigan Lead and Healthy Homes Section. A complete list of all State of Michigan certified Lead Inspectors/Risk Assessors can be viewed at Michigan.gov/leadsafe. Only Risk Assessors/Lead Inspectors in the following area codes were screened by the Detroit Enforcement Work Group: 313, 810, 586, 248 and 734.
Lead Inspector/Risk Assessors Recommended by the Detroit Enforcement Work Group
*Disclaimer: This is not an official list. Neither CLEARCorps/Detroit or the Detroit Enforcement Work Group is a governing body that is authorized to regulate or officially recommend Lead Inspector/Risk Assessors or firms in any way. Use at own discretion. **List last updated on 10/1/2013** Arch Environmental Group…..248-426-0165 Beaster Lead Inspection and Risk Assessment…..734-439-8558 Cardno ATC…..248-669-5140 The DAC, LLC…..586-291-1616 Environmental Testing Consultants…..734-955-6600 GS Group…..313-279-0449 Ext. 11 J. Watson & Associates…..313-516-4542 Michigan Lead Paint Inspectors and Risk Assessors Inc…..313-556-4778 MJ Environmental Inc…..586-465-8126 Nova Environmental, Inc…..734-930-0995 Protech Environmental…..888-677-2366 RSM Lead Inspections…..248-595-2528 Tri-Tech…..248-721-8574 This is not a comprehensive list; as a customer you may want to pursue your own referrals. If so, we encourage you to ask the questions below when considering any Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor.
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor
1. Will you use an XRF to test paint? Answer: an XRF is an essential tool for evaluating lead in paint. If they say “no” then avoid this Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor. 2 . Do you use a written contract? A proper Lead Inspection/Risk Assessment will include samples of the soil surrounding your property. Answer: A written contract is an important business document establishing the agreement between both parties. If the Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor says they do not use a contract, it is absolutely acceptable for you to ask the LI/RA to create one for you before you hire them. 3. How much will you charge me? Answer: prices may vary greatly depending on the size and condition of the property to be inspected. Normally, each rental unit is priced separately. For a typical City of Detroit single family two story home with up to 2000 square feet prices will range from $400 -$650. A price much less than $400 is not likely to produce a quality report and probably won’t meet the requirements of the City of Detroit. 4 . Are you currently certified and in good standing with the State of Michigan? Answer: any person performing Lead Inspections/Risk Assessments must be annually certified by the State Of Michigan, Lead and Healthy Homes Section. Do not use any person not certified by the State Of Michigan. For a list of certified lead professionals go to Michigan.gov/leadsafe. 5. Are you familiar with the City of Detroit Property Maintenance Code and its additional required paperwork? Answer: In addition to laws and regulations set forth by of the State of Michigan, the City of Detroit has a Property Maintenance Code. As part of the Property Maintenance Code, rental property owners are required to get a Lead Inspection/Risk Assessment and a Lead Clearance in order to rent out their property. It would be best if your LI/RA was familiar with this code and the paperwork involved (reference the sample documents below).
Sample Documents and Additional Resources
These documents will give you a good idea of what a written contract and a final Lead Inspection/Risk assessment should include:
View a sample LI/RA contract
View a sample Lead Inspection/Risk Assessment (PDF) [View .docx]
View a sample Clearance Report
ADDITIONALLY, The City of Detroit requires the two documents below:
City of Detroit’s Lead Activity Declaration
City of Detroit’s Lead Remediation and Clearance Summary
Resources:
If you would like to make a complaint about a Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor or firm please follow this link and find the complaint submission form at the bottom of the page. Complaint Submission Form
Michigan Department of Community Health Lead Services and Resources
(Reprinted with permission from CLEARCorps/Detroit)