There are a few well-known contaminants that no one ever wants to deal with in a home they’re purchasing, and asbestos is at or near the top of any such list. A common question among those purchasing a home and arranging a home inspection as part of this process: Do home inspections check for asbestos?
At Aerolite Consulting, we’re here to offer an unmatched range of home inspection services to clients around Salt Lake City, including environmental testing solutions like asbestos testing, mold testing and more. Here’s a primer that will answer our question above, plus dive into exactly what you need to know about asbestos testing and when it absolutely should be included in your home inspection.
While this can vary between individual companies and inspectors, the general standard here is that most home inspections do not check for asbestos. Here’s why:
However, despite the basic fact above, it’s not hard to include asbestos testing as part of your home inspection process. In fact, many reputable companies like Aerolite Consulting offer all these services under the same roof, meaning you won’t need to contract multiple teams for environmental and home inspections separately.
And even if your current company doesn’t offer asbestos testing, it’s generally not difficult to find a separate agency that does and can coordinate with your existing inspection process.
So why is asbestos testing so important? There are several reasons:
In general, if you are purchasing an older home built before the 1980s, it’s highly recommended to include asbestos testing as part of your home inspection process. This is because asbestos was commonly used in construction materials during this time period and may still be present in areas like insulation, flooring, roofing and more.
However, even newer homes can come with asbestos risks. Here are some possible signs or home facts that might suggest it’s a good idea to have an asbestos test done:
In short, while standard home inspections may not include asbestos testing, it is crucial for any homebuyer to consider this as an additional service. Asbestos poses serious health and legal risks, and knowing about its presence can help you make informed decisions and potentially negotiate with the seller. Don’t hesitate to schedule an asbestos test as part of your home inspection process for peace of mind and a thorough understanding of your potential new home.
If you are planning on purchasing a home in Salt Lake City or surrounding areas, be sure to contact Aerolite Consulting for a comprehensive home inspection that includes asbestos testing. Our team of experts will provide you with the information and peace of mind you need to make an informed decision about your new home.