Asbestos was a building material used due to unique properties such as affordability, tensile strength, heat and acid resistance. However, scientific research shows that asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. As such, property owners often conduct property inspections to establish if their homes contain asbestos on the walls, insulation, roof or floor. Typically, asbestos inspections are conducted by accredited abatement companies or asbestos inspectors. The inspectors identify the type and location of asbestos on the property. Below are several compelling reasons why your property requires an asbestos inspection. 

The Safety Of Property Occupants

Asbestos is quite challenging to identify since it is often bonded with other building materials. As the material wears, it slowly releases its fibres. Over time, some of your family members could develop allergies or mild symptoms of chronic illnesses associated with inhaling asbestos. If you do not remove the asbestos or move out of the property, the property occupants will develop asbestos-related diseases, which are chronic and challenging to treat. An asbestos inspection is the first step to determining whether your property contains toxic asbestos elements. After the abatement, the inspector conducts additional tests to ensure the property does not have asbestos fibres floating around. 

You Intend To Sell The Property

When selling your property, you should make disclosures regarding the property's condition in the contract of sale. For example, the property could have a defective drainage system or a leaking roof. The disclosures help you justify the asking price. Besides, they ensure the buyer knows what they are buying into. An asbestos inspection will help you identify the presence of asbestos on the property. If you fail to disclose the presence of asbestos, two things could happen. If the buyer conducts a pre-purchase inspection, their building surveyor will certainly identify the asbestos. Therefore, the buyer could negotiate the asking price or back out of the deal. Suppose the buyer bought the property without knowing it contains asbestos; they could initiate legal action against you. Ultimately, you may have to compensate them a substantial amount. 

You Intend To Renovate The Property 

Most people are usually in a rush to renovate their properties. It is especially so if they intend to flip the property or move in within a short while. In most cases, they forego an asbestos inspection since they presume their homes do not have any asbestos. However, this oversight puts the builders at risk, as they may inhale asbestos fibres as they work. Besides, the builders could file liability claims, which could cost you millions of dollars.