Home Renovations: A Potential Horror Story on Asbestos, so do your Homework in Advance.
Although this horror story on home renovations involving asbestos is from the U.K at https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/family-forced-to-flee-their-home-over-asbestos-alert-lose-100k-belongings, it happens in the United States and the rest of the world all the time. Having considered the issue, my advice to home buyers in the United States is as follows:
- Asbestos can be found in any house at any time given the lack of any good historical documents and its use in general construction products. Even houses constructed today may accidentally have included asbestos fibers (especially in imports and in re-used material).
- If you buy a new house, insist on a clause that warrants it to be asbestos free.
- If you buy a house built after 1999, ensure that you have a home inspection report which includes the inspector not noticing asbestos. Also, when you talk to the inspector prior to paying for the report, ask him what he did to search for asbestos. Use a picture similar to the picture attached to this blog.
- If you buy a house built prior to 2000, or are thinking about buying such a house, spend the money and get an experienced asbestos inspector prior to the closing. A check mark by the owners on their hazard disclosure form is limited to their knowledge which, in most cases, just means that they cannot tell what asbestos looks like.
- If you are a “Do it Yourself” type of person, at least understand the basics on asbestos or call in the experts before you demolish.
After all, the life you could be saving is yours, your spouse, your kids, and everyone else. It also will give you peace of mind when you decide to sell that house.
That is my 2 cents. Others may disagree. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or email me at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com. Thanks. Marty