Remodeling or Flipping a Kokomo Home -
A Word of Caution
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It is my pleasure to have a guest posting today from the fine folks at The Mesothelioma Center. They want to get the word out to Kokomo area remodelers and “flippers” about the hazards of asbestos in homes built prior to 1980.
Tips for Kokomo Home Remodeling and Construction:
Asbestos Prevention Tips
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In the home remodeling and construction world, there are many additional responsibilities home owners have. Highly regarded throughout the 20th century, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that gained popularity due to its flame resistant, highly durable and inexpensive qualities. Commonly found in pipes, insulation, roofing and flooring, asbestos possesses many toxic qualities.
Homes and buildings built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos materials. Asbestos exposure is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions. Having the assistance of an experienced Kokomo real estate professional can make all the difference during these situations.
Asbestos Tips in the Home
It is not always an easy process to determine whether or not a particular insulation contains asbestos. Anyone who is unsure about the insulation in their home should have the materials in question tested. Home professional consultants can provide an evaluation of the home.
If any suspected asbestos is located, leaving it undisturbed is advisable as this will prevent its fibers from becoming airborne. In a home remodeling scenario, your remodelers will have to wear protective equipment and be notified if any hazardous materials are present. A notification is required if asbestos materials are present in roofing, flooring and siding materials.
However, if its fibers become airborne, long term exposure can lead to the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of asbestos lung cancer. Physician diagnosis has been a difficult task because mesothelioma symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions. With a latency period that lasts 20 to 50 years, it isn’t until the later stages of progression when physicians usually are able to accurately diagnose this disease.
The Environmental Protection Agency suggests:
- Asbestos insulation should be left undisturbed in your attic.
- Limit the amount of accessories and items stored.
- Do not allow children’s access.
- It is recommended for homeowners to hire licensed abatement contractors who are trained to remove and handle hazardous materials. If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations, hire professionals to handle asbestos to safely remove the material. Removing asbestos yourself can potentially spread fibers throughout your home and to your family.
Going Green
Currently, many cities in the U.S. have lumberyards where you can purchase recycled building materials that are authentically strong and inexpensive. Conducting a study in 2003, the United States Green Building Council also reported a savings of $50 to $65 for green constructed buildings.
Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods. The implementation of green alternatives such as cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. These new environmentally-sustainable alternatives create healthier and more energy efficient homes in the 21st century.
Note: Be sure to check the links above for more information about safe remodeling of your Kokomo home.
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