I sort of remember someone mentioning asbestos testing, but it sort of flew out of my head. I forgot about it until Tim removed the luan mahogany panels in the living room (soon to be 3rd bedroom) and saw the very gnarly insulation. Tim wondered aloud if it might be asbestos.
So, I hit the Google. Lo and behold, there is a state and federal LAW that requires asbestos testing for any remodel of any material that is to be disturbed. Seriously? Shouldn’t I know this? I’m sorting thinking that if there is a law somewhere, that it should be stamped about a million places. I had to do some serious googling and then call the Colorado state assistance office to get clear.
So, yes, we had asbestos testing. I figured it was based on the year that materials were used in my house. Oh, but no. Apparently, asbestos is still used in various construction materials. There is nothing illegal about using asbestos in products. BUT, it is illegal to disrupt and remove it without a professional and certified abatement company. Cha ching…Big money. My sister-in-law had to pay for asbestos abatement in her house a few years ago to the tune of $5,700. yikes!
Ugg…we had our insulation, plaster walls and kitchen floors tested. Basically, we needed to test anything that was going to be disturbed. I was sort of naseaus about the worry of expensive abatement. Fortunately, the tests came back the same day—-NEGATIVE! I felt like I won the lottery.
My advice—test early in your project so you don’t have heartburn like me worrying.
