We were named an expert in Redfin, powered by Rocket.

You can read the full Redfin article here: Do Home Inspections Check for Asbestos?

We are proud to share that Precision Environmental has been featured as an industry expert in Redfin’s popular article, “Do Home Inspections Check for Asbestos?” — a resource read by millions of homebuyers and homeowners across the country.

Redfin, powered by Rocket is one of the nation’s leading real estate brokerages, has selected our Vice President, Christopher Ruiz, for his professional insight on this important topic. His knowledge was included to help readers understand why standard home inspections fall short when it comes to asbestos and what smart steps buyers and sellers should take.

Christopher Ruiz’s Quote in the Redfin Article

“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.”

Why This Feature Matters for Homebuyers and Homeowners

Purchasing or selling a home—particularly one built before the mid-1980s—requires careful attention to potential asbestos. While a standard home inspection is crucial for evaluating the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and overall structural condition, it does not include asbestos testing. Only licensed and certified asbestos specialists are qualified to safely collect samples and have them analyzed in an accredited laboratory.

At Precision Environmental, we specialize in professional asbestos abatement services. Our goal is to give homeowners and buyers clear, reliable information so they can make confident decisions.

Do Home Inspections Check for Asbestos?

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.

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.

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 abatement 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.

Thank you, Redfin, for featuring our expertise and helping homeowners across the country make safer, more informed decisions. If you have any concerns about asbestos in your home, don’t leave it to chance — reach out to Precision Environmental for certified, professional service you can trust.