I just had a contractor do extensive repairs on my house due to water damage, involving rebuilding an entire wall and part of the basement ceiling. The house was built in 1970, and when I asked if they tested for asbestos or lead, they said no. They didn't even realize that the ceiling could contain asbestos. Now, as I'm preparing to sell the house from several hours away, I noticed the basement is dust-covered. After dealing with water leaks from the contractor's mistakes, I'm concerned about cleaning the dust safely. Would using a respirator and my vacuum be enough, or should I go for asbestos testing?
3 Answers
Honestly, if you're looking to sell, it might be better to avoid testing altogether. Knowing could put you in a tricky position if you have to disclose it. Just clean it up and move on. People buying homes from the 70s kinda expect asbestos might be there anyway, so you won't be lying if you just don't mention it at all.
If you decide to clean, definitely wear a good mask and be safe. I'd recommend misting the dust with water first to keep it settled, then wipe it down before vacuuming. The risk of exposure is low if you're careful, especially since this is just a one-time clean-up.
Testing is a good idea if you're worried about anything. You can order a kit online, and it's fairly cheap. But remember that the construction work already stirred a lot of dust; the biggest risk comes from airborne particles. If you go the cleaning route, just make sure to cover up properly.