Key takeaways
A standard home inspection usually does not include asbestos testing.
Only licensed specialists can confirm the presence of asbestos through proper sampling.
If you’re thinking about buying an older home it’s smart to take extra precautions and check for asbestos.
Buying a home is a big step, and getting a home inspection can help ease some of the uncertainty by uncovering potential problems. But when it comes to serious health hazards like asbestos, many homebuyers question: Do home inspections check for asbestos?
In most cases, the answer is no. Most home inspectors don’t look for asbestos, often because they are not specifically trained to spot asbestos within a house.
Whether you’re considering a home in Detroit, MI, San Diego, CA, or anywhere else, this Redfin article explains all you need to know about asbestos and home inspections.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once widely used in building materials because of its strength and heat resistance, making it an ideal addition to materials like insulation, tiling, siding, and roofing materials.
The problem with asbestos in homes is not its presence alone but its potential to become airborne. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can be inhaled and lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Because of these risks, knowing whether a home contains asbestos is important for any buyer.
While asbestos is now strictly regulated and used far less often, homes built before the mid-1980s remain the most likely to contain it, as its health hazards weren’t widely recognized at the time.
Do standard home inspections check for asbestos?
In most cases, a routine home inspection does not include testing for asbestos. Home inspectors are trained to look for visible signs of damage or deterioration in a home’s structure and systems. They might point out materials that look suspicious or outdated, but confirming whether asbestos is present typically requires specialized testing.
Inspectors are not legally allowed to take samples or confirm asbestos unless they are certified to do so. Instead, they may recommend that you hire an environmental specialist if there are concerns about asbestos in the home.
Because of this limitation, some experts recommend treating asbestos testing as a separate but essential step during the inspection process:
“Asbestos testing should be included alongside a standard home inspection, especially for properties built before the 1980s, as general inspections do not cover asbestos without specialized sampling and lab analysis,” says Christopher Ruiz, Vice President of Precision Environmental. “Materials like popcorn ceilings, vinyl floor tile, mastic, and pipe insulation can be indicators, but they cannot be confirmed without testing. A common misconception is that asbestos is always hazardous—risk primarily arises when materials are disturbed, which is why suspected or confirmed asbestos should always be handled by certified professionals.”
How can you find out if a home has asbestos?
If you are considering buying an older home, especially one built before the 1980s, it is wise to take extra steps to check for asbestos. There are a few steps you can take:
Review seller’s disclosures: In some states, sellers are required to share known information about asbestos. Always ask for these disclosures up front.
Request past reports: Ask the seller if they have any records of previous asbestos inspections or remediation work.
Hire a licensed asbestos inspector: These professionals can safely collect samples and have them tested in a certified lab. This is the most reliable way to confirm if asbestos is present.
When should you have an inspection to check for asbestos?
If you’re buying a home built before the 1980s, consider an inspection for asbestos. Warning signs include:
Older heating systems
Tile floors
Popcorn ceilings
Textured paint
Asphalt shingle roofs
Older insulation
These features don’t guarantee asbestos, but it’s wise to get a specialized inspection from a certified asbestos professional. This inspection usually costs extra unless flagged during the initial home inspection.
Knowing whether asbestos exists in the home allows you to make more informed decisions about moving forward with the purchase. And, if remodeling is on your agenda, an asbestos inspection before closing can save you from unexpected costs later.
How much does an asbestos inspection cost?
The cost of an asbestos inspection varies based on the size of the home, the number of areas being tested, and your location. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $250 and $800 for a professional asbestos inspection.
If multiple samples are needed or if testing is more complex, costs can rise beyond this range. Some companies charge per sample, typically around $50 to $100 per sample. For peace of mind, it is worth investing in a licensed professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation and provide clear, reliable results.
What happens if asbestos is found?
Discovering asbestos in a home does not automatically mean the deal is off. It depends on where it is located and the condition it is in. Asbestos that is intact and undisturbed often poses little risk. However, if it is crumbling or likely to be affected during renovations, it may require removal or containment.
Asbestos removal and costs
Professional asbestos removal, also called abatement, can be costly. Prices often depend on the size of the affected area, the materials involved, and the complexity of the job. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for smaller, targeted removals. For larger projects, such as removing asbestos throughout an entire home, costs can easily range from $15,000 to $30,000 or more.
Because of these potential expenses, it is important to factor asbestos remediation into your budget if it is discovered. You can also use a home affordability calculator to understand how added costs may impact what you can comfortably spend on a home. You may also be able to negotiate with the seller to cover some or all of the costs before finalizing the sale.
Asbestos FAQs:
Are home inspectors allowed to confirm asbestos?
No. Most home inspectors cannot legally confirm the presence of asbestos. Only certified asbestos professionals can provide official testing results.
Can asbestos affect home value?
Yes, asbestos can impact a home’s value because of the health risks and potential cost of remediation. However, many older homes contain asbestos, and it can often be managed safely.
Should I avoid buying a home with asbestos?
Not necessarily. The presence of asbestos is common in older properties. The key is knowing where it is and what condition it is in. Professional advice can help you make an informed decision.
