Isn't some sort of asbestos testing normal or at least not unusual in house inspections?

Isn't some sort of asbestos testing normal or at least not unusual in house inspections?

I would hope so, and if it wasn't it was something I was planning on requesting anyway.

You'd want to get a reputable asbestos abatement firm to do the work, should it have asbestos. It will cost more to remove it if it does have asbestos, due to the safety measures and special landfilling required for asbestos containing materials.

Thank you, smonster. I know about that, but I appreciate you mentioning it.

I thought you might, but I figured I would anyway. Any pre-1980 house may have asbestos, which you also likely know, and even into the early 1980s, since it was US manufacturing that was outlawed and not the sale of ACM products thereof. And actually, since we import many building materials, even new buildings may have some asbestos. But as long as it doesn't become friable, it's NBD, until you have to renovate.

ANYWAY. Brain dump. I hope I'm not sounding alarmist or cavalier - neither of those is my intended tone.

Man, it's only 8 pm and I'm already showered and heading to bed. And it wasn't even a very physical day today, or mentally difficult, just emotionally challenging to manage the discussion around our problematic crew members.

I *will* sort laundry before I go to bed, though. ::resolve face:: The plan is to do it on the way home tomorrow, we shall see.

I thought you might, but I figured I would anyway. Any pre-1980 house may have asbestos, which you also likely know, and even into the early 1980s, since it was US manufacturing that was outlawed and not the sale of ACM products thereof. And actually, since we import many building materials, even new buildings may have some asbestos. But as long as it doesn't become friable, it's NBD, until you have to renovate.

ANYWAY. Brain dump. I hope I'm not sounding alarmist or cavalier - neither of those is my intended tone.

Thanks, smonster. That actually helps a lot. I see the word asbestos, and my brain just sort of shuts down. So the ceiling is likely not releasing asbestos in the air unless we mess with it? The aesthetics of it don't actually bother me.

Here's a link to an EPA document about asbestos, dated but still fairly accurate: [link] I would have it tested, so you know. If it is asbestos, then you just try not to disturb it. The asbestos would be in the spray-on coating, so it is friable (meaning that you can crumble it with light pressure and fibers can then become airborne).

I've about reached the end of my asbestos knowledge, really - I was trained to recognize it and know what PPE I need to wear to demo it safely, but I'm not an expert. I believe most diseases related to asbestos are due to exposure over time, and the EPA site backs that up. Here's a little more info from the American Lung Association - [link]

I don't think it's worth not buying that house because of it, as long as the ceiling is in good condition. If it does contain asbestos, you might want to price abatement just to see what it would cost. We are all exposed to little bits of asbestos every day, and our lungs generally do a good job of expelling it.

I'm too tired to sit up straight. Laundry's not getting sorted. Oh well. I got out the sorting bins, that's a baby step.

I've made it seven days! No smoking for seven days! *booty shake*

I still totally want to smoke, but I'm not. I'm totally eating a lot but I start my gym and yoga routine this week. Woot!!

I love ranches, and that one has been made more open than the typical ranch, which makes it even easier to navigate.

As smonster says, asbestos is a lot safer undisturbed. Armstrong and some other companies make some attractive ceiling tiles that can go right over popcorn, if you want it to disappear later. It is probably worth having it tested, so you'll know to be careful if something damages the ceiling. It's widely loathed, so you can also cite it as a reason for a lower price.

Having a new electrical box is great, particularly if they also grounded the outlets. What you should check is whether it has aluminum wiring, which was common in '71. If it's been wired to copper at any point, it's a fire hazard.

Your best friend is a home inspector.

Yay for not smoking! I will continue to refrain from describing my father's last years with emphysema.

eta: Out, out, damn typos.