Is your home an asbestos danger zone?
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

Best course of action
One school of thought is that the best thing you can do with asbestos that is in good condition is to leave it alone. However, if damaged materials are already releasing asbestos fibres into the air, you have two options: repair or removal.

While some people may opt to repair damage themselves, it's not recommended, because improperly handling the materials can create larger problems. A professional will seal or cover the item that contains asbestos to ensure fibres are not released. Removal is a more complicated and costly procedure. It's usually only considered if the damage is extensive and cannot be repaired.

Cost of removal
Costs vary widely with the size and complexity of the project. Lindsay, who won't take on a job for less than $1,000, has charged as much as $40,000 for gutting an entire house down to the structural beams because of asbestos in the plaster. Dala says most of his jobs are in the $6,000 to $25,000 range.

"It's pricey because it's dangerous work," he explains. "All it takes is one (fibre) to go into your lungs."

Who to call for help
That's why smart homeowners turn to professionals. While the average person can't tell if a material contains asbestos merely by looking at it, abatement experts can often eyeball a scenario and deduce very quickly whether it has any. However, it's always a good idea to have samples analyzed at an independent lab that is affiliated with the National Voluntary Lab Accreditation Program. This costs about $50 and the turnaround is three to 10 days.

Some homeowners take their own samples to the lab for testing, but due to potential dangers, it's usually recommended to hire experts with proper equipment and training in the safe handling and disposal of asbestos materials.

While regulations and qualification requirements vary from province to province, professionals should have some form of accreditation and proper insurance. In Ontario, for example, insurance provided by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, or WSIB, is essential and most have taken courses with the Construction Association of Ontario and are asbestos certified by the Ministry of Health and Safety. When this type of work is being done, a license and special containers should be on site.

When hiring any contractor, it never hurts to seek a second opinion and several estimates, as costs may vary widely. Always call references to find out how the removal expert has handled previous projects. "You really want to hire somebody who has experience doing this," stresses Lindsay, adding that not only is asbestos a health concern, but it can also hurt the resale value of one of your biggest assets -- your home.

Buyer beware
When purchasing an older house, asbestos should be on your radar. Sellers are morally responsible for disclosing the hazard if they're aware of it. "Most people are pretty honest," says Ursula Simpson, a sales representative with Sutton Group-West Coast Realty in Vancouver.

Sellers are required to complete a property disclosure statement that details, to the best of their knowledge, the condition of the home. A seller who knowingly omits something from the statement can be sued in a civil court. Smart buyers will always hire an inspector before entering into an agreement.

"It usually comes down to trusting your inspector -- they're pretty knowledgeable on what's OK to live with," says Simpson.

Experts stress that homeowners shouldn't live in fear of asbestos, but they should be smart. While leaving asbestos-containing materials alone is often the best solution, it's important to inspect for wear and tear regularly. If you suspect your home is a danger zone, call a professional.

Michelle Warren is a freelance writer in Toronto.