Resources

Get Your Home Screened or Tested

If you think there might be lead in your house, the most important step you can take is to check for lead.

Home Screening Resources

The following resources, companies, and groups can inspect your house for potential sources of lead.

Ready by Five

Home Health Screening

What It Is

A trained and certified expert will visit your house to look for any potential lead sources and other health risks. They do this by looking around your home and taking samples from the environment. Afterward, they give you a report, suggest what steps you should take next, and guide you to resources that can help.

  • You get a fast check-up of your home. This check looks for dangers like lead, asthma triggers, and general safety issues.
  • They also offer guidance on how to get rid of these risks and stop them from coming back.
  • If they find something concerning, they can offer a more detailed inspection to figure out why it’s happening.
  • If repairs are needed, they help you find resources for fixing the issues.
What It's For

A basic household check-up to look for safety concerns in the home such as lead sources and general safety issues. 

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • You must be pregnant or live in a household with someone who is pregnant OR have a child who is 5 years old or younger living in or regularly being cared for in the home. 
  • Both homeowners and tenants are eligible.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up
Call the Health Department
Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan

Nido Healthy Homes Screenings

What It Is

A screening to help parents and others conduct a basic check for hazards in the home. The screening is designed to identify high-risk housing and connect the occupant to support and services.

What It's For

Preliminary assessment of a home to identify risk, linking those who have concerns to personalized support.

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • There must be a resident child 0-5 years of age or a pregnant woman.
  • Both homeowners and tenants are eligible.
  • Screening may be a pre-requisite.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up
Call Healthy Homes
Email Healthy Homes

Home Testing Resources

The following resources, companies and groups can test your house for lead or help you do it yourself.

Kent County Community Action Department

KCLEAR Inspection

What It Is
The Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction (KCLEAR) Inspection Program provides a trained and certified expert to evaluate your home and thoroughly tests all painted surfaces with XRF technology to see if they contain lead. Dust samples and soil samples are also taken in and around the home. A Lead Inspection Risk Assessment report with results and recommendations is provided.
What It's For
To help homeowners identify possible lead hazards in their home.
Cost

This a FREE program/service that was made possible through funds allocated by the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

Eligibility
  • The property must be constructed prior to 1978.
  • The property must be in Kent County, outside of the City of Grand Rapids.
  • The property must be owner-occupied as primary residence.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up

The program application is available online.

Program Application
Kent County Health Department

Lead Paint Inspection/Risk Assessment (LIRA)

What It Is

A trained and certified expert comes to your home and thoroughly tests all painted surfaces with XRF technology to see if they contain lead. Dust samples and soil samples are also taken in and around the home. An extensive report with results and recommendations is provided.

What It's For

Thorough investigation for hazards in high-risk housing and for preparing for abatement.

Cost

This program/service was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Call for more information.

Eligibility
  • The property must be in Kent County.
  • You must be pregnant or live in a household with someone who is pregnant OR have a child who is 5 years old or younger living in or regularly being cared for in the home. 
  • Both homeowners and landlords are eligible.
  • KCHD limits this service to the highest-risk housing.
  • Screening may be a pre-requisite.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Sign Up

The program is available by referral only.

Call the Health Department
Local Contractors

Hire A Licensed Lead Paint Inspector / Risk Assessor​

What It Is

A trained expert comes to your home and helps identify potential lead hazards in the home through visual assessment and assisting the occupant with environmental sampling. They look for other health concerns as well (mold, asthma triggers, CO, fire safety, etc.). They provide reports, make recommendations for action, and navigate to resources.

What It's For

Determining if lead-based paint is present and in a hazardous condition, preparing for abatement, and assessing housing before extensive renovation.

Cost

The cost for services is set by the contractor, so you should get in touch with certified contractors to find out their latest prices.

Eligibility

Open to anyone!

How to Sign Up

Contact a local contractor directly.

Find Local Contractors
State of Michigan

Water Testing Resources

What It Is

There are many companies and organizations in the State of Michigan that provide water testing services and resources.

What It's For

Checking drinking water for lead.

Cost

Fees vary based on the company or organization that performs your water testing.

Eligibility

Open to anyone!

How to Sign Up

More information and a step-by-step guide is available on the State of Michigan’s website.

You can also find a list of Michigan laboratories that are certified for lead and copper testing.

More Information
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