Are you planning to renovate your property and transform your humble abode into the dream home you have always envisioned? Maybe you’re looking to increase your house’s overall value before selling it to a generous bidder.Â
Surely, renovations can breathe new life into your property! However, there’s one critical step you might be missing.
No, we’re not talking about hiring a home staging expert or painting the exterior of your property. We’re talking about asbestos inspection before swinging that sledgehammer and tearing down those walls!
In this article, our team put together a few compelling reasons why inspecting your property for asbestos prior to renovations is a pretty good idea.
Did you know that asbestos is still present in tens of thousands of properties across Canada?Â
Despite now being banned due to its harmful effects on health, asbestos can be found in various building materials like:Â
Back in the day, asbestos was widely used in construction because of its durability and heat resistance.Â
However, as we’ve learned more about its health risks, particularly its link to severe respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma, identifying and safely removing asbestos has become important.
So whether you’re planning a small remodel or a complete renovation, knowing asbestos is present can save you from potential health risks and costly complications down the line.
Now, let’s explore the specific reasons why this step is so crucial for owners looking to renovate their properties.
It’s good that you haven’t started renovating your property before considering asbestos removal. Here are 3 reasons asbestos inspection is a wise thing to do before renovation.
Let’s assume you own an old house, built before 1990. It means there’s a high chance that asbestos-containing components were used to construct this property. Renovating or selling such an old home without asbestos inspection can compromise the health and well-being of the people involved.
For example, a Winnipeg family purchased a home built in the 1970s and decided to renovate it themselves. During the process, they discovered asbestos hidden in the corners and basement, which the previous owner had failed to disclose. This asbestos could have posed significant health risks if not identified before the renovation.
Asbestos fibers, though microscopic, can linger in the air and potentially enter the lungs when disturbed during renovations.Â
Over time, exposure to these fibers may lead to serious respiratory issues. By performing an asbestos inspection, you not only protect the health of everyone involved in the renovation process but also ensure that your home remains a safe place to live.Â
It provides you peace of mind, knowing that your renovation efforts won’t inadvertently introduce any harmful substances into your living space.
It’s a small investment that pays off by protecting your family’s health and well-being during and after your home renovations.
Did you know that Quebec produced about a hundred thousand tonnes of chrysotile asbestos as recently as 2010?
Even though asbestos mining has stopped, many older homes still contain this material. When asbestos is disturbed during renovations, it can release tiny fibers into the air and affect the quality of the air you breathe.
By conducting an asbestos inspection before renovations, you can prevent these harmful fibers from contaminating your indoor air.Â
Identifying and addressing asbestos issues ensures that your home’s air remains free from pollutants.
Improving air quality through asbestos removal also has long-term benefits. It helps:Â
When planning a renovation in older homes built before 1990, asbestos home inspection is crucial to prevent unexpected costly issues.Â
Properties built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos in anything from insulation, floor tiles, wall plaster and more.
If these materials are disturbed during renovation without proper inspection, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. This can lead to contamination that is both hazardous and expensive to clean up.
It’s no secret that asbestos abatement is expensive. It can costs thousands of dollars to properly remove and dispose of. Asbestos is a regulated material in Canada and there are strict protocols for managing it.
On top of that, owners may face potential fines or penalties if authorities become involved.Â
In many regions, failing to inspect and properly handle asbestos during renovations can lead to legal consequences. This adds another layer of expense and complication to your project.
To avoid these unnecessary costs and legal issues, it’s better to conduct an asbestos check before any renovation work.
Properties that have undergone asbestos inspection and removal are more attractive to potential buyers. Why? Because they offer peace of mind knowing that the home is free from hazardous materials.Â
This can be a significant selling point for older homes built before 1990 where asbestos might be a concern.
Moreover, if asbestos is discovered and properly managed before renovations, it eliminates the risk of any future buyers discovering the issue themselves and possibly backing out of a deal or negotiating a lower price.
In short, you do not only protect your investment during renovations. But you also enhance the marketability and overall value of your property when it’s time to sell.
There’s also the legal downside of neglecting proper asbestos inspection as well. In many parts of Canada, you have to check for asbestos before demolition for remodeling.Â
Even in the US, such laws exist. For instance, here is something homeowners in Maine, US, have to make sure:
“Prior to demolition or renovation of a building, the owner must ensure that the work will not disturb more than 3 square feet or 3 linear feet of asbestos-containing material (ACM).” – Source.
These regulations are mostly for buildings constructed before 1990 (or 1980 in some countries).Â
Asbestos testing helps to ensure compliance with local home remodeling and rebuilding regulations. Even a contractor may require an asbestos clearance certificate before they can start working on a project.
Hopefully, now you realize why detecting asbestos is important. But you shouldn’t try to perform a DIY inspection.Â
Detecting asbestos is risky and tricky.Â
Asbestos can only be identified conclusively through microscopic analysis. An asbestos inspection may require you to collect bulk samples.Â
These samples will be analyzed in an accredited laboratory to identify and quantify asbestos embedded within.
That’s why it’s recommended that professionals perform asbestos inspection and assessment.
Professionals have the specialized equipment, training, and experience recommended to safely identify and handle asbestos.Â
They know where to look for hidden asbestos without releasing harmful fibers into the air. This ensures that your property is thoroughly inspected and any asbestos is managed according to strict safety standards.
That said, if you own a property in Ottawa, Montreal, or Edmonton, get in touch with Axxonlab for accurate asbestos inspection.
Axxonlab uses advanced testing protocols to ensure full regulatory compliance and a seamless experience.Â
Our certified specialists conduct thorough inspections, with samples analyzed at our IRSST-recognized lab. We also provide comprehensive reports and expert guidance to help you manage any asbestos-related concerns effectively.
Remember this motto: When in doubt, test it out.
