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Most of the time in Alberta, known instances of asbestos-containing materials, such as vermiculite insulation or popcorn ceilings, will be mentioned by your realtor or the sellers. Deciding whether to buy a home that has asbestos-containing materials can be a tricky decision, especially for families and in a tight economy when options are limited. Many older homes that are likely to have some form of asbestos are what’s available on the market, so home buyers must consider whether asbestos removal costs are worth it when considering the cost of purchasing the property. If you need asbestos removal in Edmonton for your new home, trust the experts at Canada’s Restoration Services for competitive pricing and a safe approach.
Here are some factors you can consider when deciding whether to purchase a home that contains asbestos.
Location of the Asbestos
The risk associated with asbestos largely depends on where it is found in the home. Asbestos that is tucked away in walls or sealed off in attic insulation may not be an immediate threat. However, if the asbestos is present in easily disturbed areas like flooring, ceilings, or near air vents, the risk of fibre release becomes higher. In these cases, asbestos removal in Edmonton may be strongly recommended to ensure the safety of your household. A professional inspection will help you understand whether the asbestos is considered friable (easily crumbled) and how urgent removal may be.
Friable vs. Non-Friable Asbestos
There are two primary forms that you will find asbestos: friable and non-friable. Non-friable materials are usually solid and not in the process of crumbling. Friable asbestos, on the other hand, is any asbestos-containing material that has more than 1% concentration of the mineral and is easily crushed or broken down. Non-friable materials require asbestos removal in Edmonton as they pose the most significant immediate risk. It’s a lot more comfortable to purchase a home with non-friable asbestos rather than the alternative. But, in both cases, you should book an inspection with a trusted restoration company like Canada’s Restoration Services to determine if abatement is required.
Renovation or Demolition Plans
If you’re planning any renovations, even minor upgrades like replacing flooring or installing pot lights, you’ll likely disturb building materials that contain asbestos. This triggers legal and safety requirements for testing and abatement. Understanding the asbestos removal costs before making a purchase decision helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises during your project. In some cases, the cost of removal may be offset by a lower purchase price or can be negotiated with the seller.
Age and Type of Construction
Homes built before the mid-1980s are more likely to contain asbestos in various building materials, including insulation, drywall joint compound, vinyl floor tiles, and even exterior siding. When evaluating a home, ask for detailed information about any past renovations and whether a designated substance survey or asbestos testing has been done. If this information isn’t available, it may be worth arranging your own inspection before closing the deal.
Make Your New Home Livable with Asbestos Removal in Edmonton
If you found your dream home but are concerned about asbestos-containing materials, you don’t have to give it up. At Canada’s Restoration Services, we’ve been providing residential and property owners across Canada with comprehensive asbestos removal services. Book an inspection with our experts and learn how to make inhabiting your new home safer.
Contact us today.