Lead paint removal cost for old window trim on an Ottawa house?

We found too few published Ottawa prices for lead paint removal to give a reliable range, so no number is offered here. What we can tell you is what goes into a fair quote and what the law says about the work.

Testing comes first. Health Canada says your home probably contains lead-based paint if it was built before 1960. If it was built between 1960 and 1990, the exterior may contain lead-based paint, and interior surfaces may also contain lead in smaller amounts that could still be harmful, especially to young children. A certified inspector can measure paint lead levels in your home, or you can mail paint chip samples to a testing laboratory.

Ontario's lead guideline for construction projects is a guideline, not a regulation, and it says it does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It notes that section 30 of the Act requires a project owner to determine whether lead is present and to inform potential contractors before work begins. How section 30 applies when the owner lives in the home is not settled, so if you are unsure of your obligations, it is worth asking the contractor or the Ministry of Labour.

A fair quote for lead paint removal from window trim should spell out the removal method, how dust will be contained during the work, and how the area will be cleaned up afterward. Ask the contractor to put all three of those things in writing before you sign. You can also search the contractor's current WSIB clearance online. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, if the agreement is signed at your home and the total exceeds $50, it must be in writing and you have 10 days to cancel after receiving your copy. The Act is due to be replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2023, so check the current rules.

After the job is done, keep the lab report confirming whether lead was present, the written contract showing the method and containment plan, and any post-work documentation the contractor provides.

The most useful question to ask before signing: ask the contractor to confirm in writing exactly how they will contain and dispose of the lead-paint dust and debris from the trim work.