If testing reveals the presence of lead-based paint in your pre-1978 home, here are a few of the options at your disposal for removing it.

What does it cost?

According to the EPA, professional lead-based paint removal for the following three options costs about $8 to $15 per square foot or about $9,600 to $30,000 for a 1,200- to 2,000-sq. ft. house. The average removal project costs about $10,000.

Lead paint removal options

Encapsulation. Typically the least complicated and most affordable method, encapsulation involves brushing or rolling on a specially made paint-like coating that creates a watertight bond and seals in the lead-based paint. However, opening and closing your doors and windows eventually may wear off the coating.

Encapsulation products start at about $35 per gallon. Expect to pay $600 to $1,000 to cover surfaces in a 1,200- to 2,000-sq. ft. home (not including labor).

Enclosure. With this method, the old surface is covered with a new one, such as putting up new drywall or covering windowsills with aluminum or vinyl cladding. If the enclosed surface is ever removed, you’ll have to deal with the exposed lead-containing surfaces underneath.

Removal. A variety of approaches are used to remove lead-based paints, such as wire brushing or wet hand scraping with liquid paint removers. Your contractor may opt to wet sand surfaces, and must use an electric sander equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuum. Another option is stripping off paint with a low-temperature heat gun, and hand scraping.

Forbidden methods of removal include open flame burning or torching, machine sanding without a HEPA attachment, abrasive blasting, and power washing without a means to trap water and paint chips.

Replacement. This more radical strategy calls for taking out the offending surfaces or features and installing new windows, doors, woodwork, and other surfaces.

The do-nothing option

If lead-based paint in your home is in good condition–no chipping or other damage–and no children under the age of 6 live there or visit regularly, you may safely opt to leave the paint untouched. You will need to disclose the presence of the paint if you decide to sell.

However, if the paint is peeling or chipping, or if intact lead-based paint is on window sills and stair rails and children under 6 are present, begin with a cleanup and find out how lead-based paint is regulated by your regional EPA office.

DIY cleanup

Even before lead paint removal occurs, minimize your family’s exposure:

• Clean up paint chips immediately.

• Clean floors, window frames and sills, and other surfaces weekly with warm water and all-purpose cleaner. Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads.

• Wash children’s hands often, especially before meals, naps, and bedtime.

• Prevent children from chewing painted surfaces, such as window sills.

• Remove shoes to avoid tracking lead-contaminated soil inside.

For additional information, contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC).

Asbestos removal may be warranted when an asbestos-containing material in your home is damaged, flaking, or crumbling. Find out what to do.

Asbestos removal basics

It’s a two-step process. First, have the material tested to make sure it contains asbestos. Then, have it professionally removed. Here’s what you need to know:

• Contact your regional asbestos program as well as your state asbestos administrative department or your Occupational Safety and Health Administration regional office to find out about local requirements and regulations.

• Seek out accredited asbestos inspectors and contractors who are licensed and trained in safe asbestos testing and removal.

• To avoid conflict of interest, have suspect materials tested by one company and abatement or removal done by another company.

• Be prepared–in some cases, you and your family may have to temporarily relocate while the work is being completed.

Hiring a corrective-action contractor

It’s okay to hire roofing, flooring, and siding contractors who may be exempt from state asbestos removal licensing requirements, as long as they’re trained in asbestos removal. The EPA offers suggestions on what to do if you hire a corrective-action contractor.

Before work begins, you’ll want a written contract that clearly states all federal, state, and local regulations that the contractor must follow, such as cleanup of your premises and disposal of the materials.

When the job ends, get written proof from the contractor that all procedures were followed correctly. Have a follow-up check from a licensed asbestos inspector.

Asbestos removal costs

An initial asbestos inspection costs $400 to $800. A follow-up inspection when the project ends adds $200 to $400. For lab work, a sample analysis averages $25 to $75.

Asbestos removal costs vary depending on the extent of the work to be done. Many contractors have a minimum fee of $1,500 to $3,000, no matter how small the job is.

Complete removal in a 1,500-square-foot home with asbestos everywhere—walls, floors, ceilings, attic, roof, pipes—could be as high as $20,000 to $30,000.

Best Piece of SoHo in Denver, In The Heart of Downtown.

The Baldwin Lofts 1617 California Street, 22 Lofts Located adjacent to the 16th Street Mall

History: The Baldwin Building started as a two story building Constructed in 1896 by Phillip Feldhauser who built the Colorado Building and the Oxford Hotel. It grew to five stories over the years as home to the Baldwin Piano Company. This Historic Building is Significant because it May be the Only Surviving, Fully Cast Iron Facade in Downtown Denver. Unlike Many Historic Buildings of this Period, The Baldwin Has Huge Floor-To-Ceiling Windows, Due to the cast Iron Façade that was the First Type of “Curtain Wall” Construction. I was the Original Listing Broker for St. Charles Town Company and on Site Sales for The Baldwin Lofts. If you have any questions about The Baldwin Lofts please Call me.

What is the most important thing a seller in Denver should look for when hiring a real estate agent to sell their house? We are often asked this question. Is it the size of the company they are licensed with? Is it their marketing program? Their years experience in the business? Should you choose the agent who suggests the highest listing price?

There are many things that should be taken into consideration when hiring someone and giving them the responsibility for selling your home. In our opinion, the most important question you can ask a potential listing agent is a simple one:

Do you truly believe that now is a good time to buy a home?

Why should this matter when hiring someone to SELL your home? Buyers are nervous about purchasing right now. They want to know they are making an intelligent choice. We believe, especially in today’s market, you need to hire someone who realizes that this is one of the best times in American real estate history to buy. If an agent doesn’t believe that, how will they be able to convince a potential buyer to buy your home?

When interviewing a real estate professional, ask them to explain why purchasing a home makes sense today. They should be able to explain it simply and effectively. See how many of the following facts (which should be shared with every potential purchaser) the agent knows:

The Wall Street Journal last week stated:

“With home sales starting to improve, and with prices now possibly forming a bottom, real estate could well be the asset class that represents the best low-risk buying opportunity out there today.”

Donald Trump was just quoted saying:

“I’m pretty sure this is a great time to go out and buy a house. And if you do, in 10 years you’re going to look back and say, ‘You know, I‘m glad I listened to Donald Trump’.”

John Paulson, a multibillionaire hedge fund operator and the investment genius who made a killing betting against housing a few years ago, is now bullish on residential real estate market. He recently said:

“If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own one home, buy another one. If you own two homes, buy a third. And, lend your relatives the money to buy a home.”

A recent Gallup Poll showed that 67% of American’s think that now is a ‘good time’ to buy a home. The Gallup Organization went on to say:

“Overall, there is good reason for most Americans to think now is a good time to buy a house. Interest rates remain near historic lows. Home prices are down sharply, providing many incredible buys.”

The iconic financial paper in this country, the country’s most famous real estate investor, the most successful prognosticator of the housing market and 2/3 of all Americans say now is the time to buy a home. Shouldn’t your agent agree?

Bottom Line

Selling is nothing more than the transference of conviction. How can agents transfer that conviction if they themselves are not convinced? Find a listing agent who truly believes that someone should buy your home – TODAY! This is the single most important thing you should look for in a potential listing agent.

We found this past weekend’s New York Times article, You Don’t Have To Pay It, very interesting reading. It was a piece on whether it makes sense to pay a 6% commission to your real estate agent in today’s market. In the article, there are sellers, buyers and even agents debating what is the right number that should be charged to assist a consumer in completing a real estate transaction. We would like to add our two cents to the debate.

Forget what the actual amount of the commission is. The bigger question is whether you should pay a ‘full fee’ when hiring a real estate expert to guide you through the complexities of today’s rapidly changing housing environment.

If a full fee was the rule in 2006 when completing a deal was so much simpler, why would you now consider cutting the fee of your agent in today’s tumultuous market? You are depending on this person to help you reach your goals in a sale or purchase. In 2006, buyers were willing to pay almost anything to a seller just to get into a home. Banking entities seemed to be willing to mortgage any property for any buyer. The process was rather simple.

Today, a person looking to buy or sell should be willing to pay a full fee for two reasons:

You need an expert guide if you are traveling a dangerous path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer willing to pay fair market value for your home at a time that there are mass inventories of foreclosures and short sales will take a true real estate professional. Finding reasonable financing can also be tricky in today’s lending environment.

Experts in any profession, do not discount their fees; especially when the job is becoming much more difficult.
You need a skilled negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that off after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

When an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary. The salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head. A salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.
Bottom Line

We believe that famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

West End Lofts – 33 Lofts in LoDo

1435 Wazee

Located In the Old Karmen Western Wear Fabric Warehouse, West End Lofts is a three-story structure built in 1928. The top of the building was pooped adding 2 stories. One thing that West End Lofts has that can’t be found in any other Residential building in LoDo is a Bridge. A 2 story Penthouse Spans the Alley between Wazee and Wynkoop. The Bridge Links the West End Lofts to an even older Building on the Wynkoop Side

The Bridge Loft is One of the Most Unique Spaces in all of Downtown. There are 10 Windows This Loft is Filled with Natural Light, with Views on Both Sides, so you can see the Pepsi Center on one side and Coors Field on the other. This Very Private Loft in the Heart of LoDo Lives Like a Townhome. And the Wazee alley is… like an alley you would find in New Orleans. There’s a drive-up bank teller, a wine store, offices on the alley.

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THE BALUSTRADE 1200 Cherokee

This 32 unit project in the Golden Triangle took a new (non loft) approach to design.  The building is a traditional Villa style architecture with discreet bedrooms and living and dining rooms.  The project was completed in October of 1997. All of the Lofts have Gas Fireplaces and Outside Space, The first Level Condos have Private Garden Courtyards, There is also a Common Courtyard and a Rooftop Deck. There are 8 Large 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Lofts, Square Footage from 1,900 to 2,100. 8 Large 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Lofts, Square Footage 1,400 – 1,600 and 8 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Lofts Square Footage 950 to 1,000. The Building is One Block to the Denver Art Museum and the New Clifford Still Museum.

CADILLAC LOFTS 1090 Cherokee Street

620 Corp. pioneered development in the Golden Triangle with its conversion of  a former multi story auto dealership building.  This building was a former Cadillac Dealership opening in the 1920′s in Denver, located on the corner of 11th and Cherokee, Across from Trieste and The Prado. The Cadillac lofts are 2 story authentic lofts with exposed brick and a large Rooftop Deck. Located 2 Blocks from The Denver Art Museum and the New (To be Built) Clifford Still Museum

The Century Lofts 290 W. 12th Ave

Located on a corner only 1 Block From Daniel Liebskinds Denver Art Museum Expansion and the New Clyfford Still Museum, Century lofts seeks to extend the evolving tradition of modernism in the Golden Triangle. The building is redered in cast-in-place concrete, large expanses of glass and subtle shades of stucco. Crowning the Century Lofts is a frieze of hubcaps – homage to the neighborhoods roots.

Each residential loft has direct access to a minimum of two sides of daylight and the resulting natural ventilation

These 24 unit Denver Lofts projects in the Golden Triangle in Denver took a new (non loft) approach to design.  The building’s are a traditional Villa style architecture with discreet bedrooms and living and dining rooms.  Trieste 1100 Cherokee Street was completed in 1999 and Trovare 1140 Cherokee Street was completed in May of 2000. All of the Lofts have Gas Fireplaces and Outside Space, there is also a common rooftop Deck. All of the Lofts are 2 Bedroom 2 Bath and are 1730 – 1665 square feet, each condo is situated on a corner with large open living areas and large gourmet kitchens. The Building’s are Two Blocks to the Denver Art Museum and the New Clifford Still Museum.