Insulation/Asbestos Specialists?

ak111

Hi everyone! We had the inspection on our current house last Sunday and the inspector indicated that the insulation in the attic (vermiculite) may contain asbestos. It apparently is in the attics of millions of homes but is not of concern unless it is disturbed or leaking into the living space. Anyway, the buyers want it tested and us to provide documentation that it does not contain asbestos or have it removed and replaced which I'm sure will cost a pretty penny. Anyone know anyone who does this kind of work? I ordered a test kit and will send in a sample tomorrow but I also want to get prices on abatement just in case. I have some random contractor I found in the yellow pages coming by to give me an estimate tomorrow but I will want to get at least one other quote to figure out what route we will go. TIA!

Jcubed2003

Sent you a PM.

ak111

Thank you!

northhillsbride

If you're not happy with either of them, ask Peggy - her DH is a contractor, I believe, so he should have names! If not, let me know and I'll contact a couple of people I know back in that area and will get numbers for you. Good luck!

northhillsbride

Oh, and I know you haven't been in the house all THAT long... did this come up in YOUR inspection?

ak111

Claire, My inspector said it was cellulose.  It clearly is not when I looked at pictures online.  Peggy's husband retired.  She keeps saying she wishes he still had his company so he could help.  I got a quote on Friday, $6000!!!  I was barely making more than that on the sell in the first place.  I sent in a sample on Friday so now I'm anxiously waiting for the results.  If it's negative, then the buyers said they are okay with leaving it alone. 

snippet17

ak111 said:

Claire, My inspector said it was cellulose.  It clearly is not when I looked at pictures online.  Peggy's husband retired.  She keeps saying she wishes he still had his company so he could help.  I got a quote on Friday, $6000!!!  I was barely making more than that on the sell in the first place.  I sent in a sample on Friday so now I'm anxiously waiting for the results.  If it's negative, then the buyers said they are okay with leaving it alone. 

I know I don't post on here, but I am a certified PA building inspector and work with a lot of abatement contractors.  I know that you stated that you sent in a sample, but you need at least 2 to prove that it is a negative material and it would be better if you had a person that is certified to take samples to do this task.  According to EPA all you need to prove that it is a positive material is one sample. EPA has stated to treat all vermiculite as positive since most labs are not NIST/NVLAP certified and the tests are typically at least $75 to properly test vermiculite.

6K is a really good quote. 

northhillsbride

How did everything turn out, Abby? I can't believe your inspector was so "off."

I hate the whole home buy/sell process almost as much as buying a car (which, is still worse in my opinion). Good luck!