Are Home Inspections a Way to Check for Asbestos?

If you're shopping to purchase a home, there are plenty of possible issues. One of the most dangerous is asbestos. It was utilized in a variety of construction materials before the 1980s. When you look at older houses particularly, having an inspection of the home to see whether asbestos has been present is a great idea. Home sellers aren't usually legally required to reveal the presence of asbestos home inspection, and if the home you are considering has asbestos, it could place your health in danger.

Do home inspectors test for asbestos?

Asbestos is a non-flammable mineral utilized in various construction materials like floor tiles, roof shingles, insulation, and pipe covers and painted with a textured surface. If asbestos particles are released into the air by demolishing and remodeling homes, residents are at risk of breathing in the dust. Inhaling asbestos dust in the home could cause lung diseases such as cancer and mesothelioma.

After a home inspection, you may be unable to determine if asbestos exists. If you're thinking, do regular home inspections and look for asbestos. The answer is generally not. Most home inspectors do not check for asbestos, usually because they need to be educated to recognize asbestos within the home and have the required licenses to conduct the inspection.

In reality, "home inspectors may be able to identify its presence based on visual cues," says Patel. "If you are concerned about asbestos in a home that you're interested in, you can ask the inspector to take a sample of the material in question and have it tested for asbestos if they hold the proper permits."

Should you conduct an inspection of your home for asbestos?

If you're planning to buy the home you've been looking for in the early 1980s, You should think about getting an inspection of the home to determine if it's contaminated with asbestos. Here are some indicators that your home may be contaminated with asbestos:

• Older heating system

• Tile floors

• Popcorn ceiling

• Textured paint

• An older roof that has asphalt shingles

• Older insulation

If you spot any of these characteristics within your home, it's not necessarily mean that the home is asbestos-free. It's worthwhile to conduct a second inspection to ensure. It is recommended to speak with an inspector with all the necessary certifications for asbestos detection. You'll most likely need to pay for the inspection from your pocket unless the initial home inspection reveals asbestos.

"An inspection can give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to buy a particular property," says Patel. It is not a good idea to buy an apartment and then discovers it's asbestos-contaminated after you begin your remodeling or renovation.

What can you do if asbestos has been discovered?

What happens if asbestos is found in the home you'd like to purchase?

Understanding that asbestos's presence isn't necessarily a health hazard is important. "Many asbestos building materials are perfectly safe if they are not disturbed in a way that will release asbestos fibers into the air," says Kelly Winslow, director of engineering at an environmental testing firm.

In reality, asbestos should never be eliminated if the construction material is in good shape and is not degrading. However, it must be removed in the event of any indication that asbestos-containing material is damaged or that the fibers are exposed.

The removal process of asbestos (formally known as asbestos removal) is complicated and should be carried out by a certified professional. The contractor must first determine the proper way to ventilate the space and then how to dispose of asbestos-contaminated materials safely. Local laws are typically the norm contractors must adhere to in removing asbestos.

After the air ducts in your home are sealed off and the heating system has been removed, the contractor can begin removing asbestos-containing materials. Once the asbestos-containing material is removed, the area has been cleaned, and the space is cleaned, the contractor will employ the HEPA vacuum to eliminate any remaining particles or fibers. The last step is for an air sample to be taken to ensure that asbestos is not present.

If you're wondering who's accountable for the cost of asbestos removal, it's all based on the amount of work the seller is willing to pay for. From a legal point of view, homeowners aren't legally required to reveal the presence of asbestos or undertake repairs if asbestos is discovered.

"If the buyer finds asbestos during the due diligence process, it is possible to negotiate the removal cost. But there's no assurance for the sellers to consent to any talks," says Winslow. The price of asbestos removal is contingent upon the amount of asbestos present. However, it's costly.

The final word regarding asbestos, as well as home inspections

If you are buying a home, it is crucial. Asbestos in houses has been proven to cause negative health consequences when fibers and particles are discharged into the atmosphere. But, this does not mean that you must stay clear of a property with asbestos. Instead, consult an expert's opinion about the possibility of danger and get it removed safely if asbestos is determined to be dangerous.