Duplex in Connecticut - Asbestos and Knob & Tube Electrical

[Eric Tallarita]

My partner and I have our first duplex under contract.  The home inspection revealed the following big ticket items:

• Possible asbestos in the following locations:
  • Popcorn ceilings of Unit 1 (peeling, must be replaced)
  • Attic insulation of Unit 2
  • Basement tile of Unit 2 (badly damaged and crumbling due to water damage years ago)
• Windows that need to be replaced (exterior shingles are asbestos)
• 60 Amp service boxes and Knob and Tube electrical throughout

I'm looking for advice from the BP community on these issues.  I have the following questions:

Can the homeowner (me) legally perform the asbestos abatement if they follow all safe protocol to remove?

Does anyone have experience replacing windows on homes that have asbestos siding?  Can you do it without requiring asbestos abatement?

What is the ballpark cost to gut and replace the knob and tube electrical system on a 2700 sf duplex (side by side, 2 story plus basement and attic)?

Thanks in advance!

Eric

[Arvi Carkanji]

Hey Eric, you got some stuff going on here man. Those are big expenses! I would normally shy away from all these things. New electrical you're probably like $10,000 if not more. for the window replacement, if you get them the same size as the existing maybe you don't have to touch the siding and thus avoiding it. 

and yes as a homeowner you can remove asbestos up a certain point. I forgot what it is but it's something like if it is above 0.7 then you need professional help, the homeowner won't be able to do it. You have to get an asbestos test done either way to find out. Hopefully this helps a bit.