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.
Standard 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:
- Outside expertise: In some cases, home inspectors are not specialized in environmental hazards like asbestos. They may have an understanding of basic warning signs and other surface-level information, but when it comes to a thorough inspection and testing process, they are not the experts you need.
- Liability issues: Another reason home inspectors generally will not look for or test asbestos is due to liability concerns. If they miss something or do not properly detect something like this, their company could be on the hook for significant damages.
- Additional cost: In most cases, and for understandable reasons, asbestos testing involves additional equipment and costs. Because many homebuyers are looking to keep costs down during the purchasing process, this is not a common area they will pay extra for.
Many Companies Offer It
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.
Importance of Asbestos Testing
So why is asbestos testing so important? There are several reasons:
- Health risks: The primary concern with asbestos is the potential health risks it poses to those living in or near a contaminated structure. Asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled, potentially leading to serious respiratory issues like lung cancer.
- Legal concerns: In addition to health risks, asbestos also brings up legal concerns. If you purchase a home with asbestos present and don’t disclose this information to future buyers, you could be held liable for any health issues that arise.
- Insurance: Some insurance companies may not cover a home with asbestos, or may charge higher premiums. Knowing about any potential asbestos before purchasing a home can help you make informed decisions and potentially negotiate with the seller for repairs or removal.
When Should You Test?
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:
- Tile floor system: If your home has a tile floor system in place, there’s a chance it may contain asbestos. This is especially true for homes built between 1920 and 1960.
- Pipe insulation: Asbestos was commonly used for pipe insulation up until the 1970s. If you’re purchasing a home with older plumbing, this could be an area to look into.
- Popcorn ceilings: Many popcorn or textured ceilings installed before 1986 contain asbestos. It’s important to have these tested before making any changes or renovations to avoid disturbing the fibers.
- Old insulation: Many homes built before the 1990s have insulation containing asbestos, so it’s important to get a sample tested during your inspection.
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.
