Asbestos possibly in ceiling!

[Lorraine Martin]

Asbestos!! We are trying to figure out what to do with our rental property we are fixing up. It has flooring that we are pretty sure had absestos. My husband is handy. Should he remove? With a mask and be very careful? 

should we just cover it up?

ceilings in basement we aren’t sure if they asbestos but they don’t look very nice so trying to decide what to do with the ceilings to, it is ’ functional but trying to improve property - it’s so expensive to hire someone to remove asbestos 

[Scott Mac]

Hi Lorraine,

Re the ceiling possibly being asbestos: https://www.homedepot.com/p/PRO-LAB-Asbestos-Test-Kit-AS108/202731785

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A52EuoBP7_I

Some inspiration below, from WWII fallout bunker to modern entertainment room.

A little pet resistant carpet, some flooring, a couple of pony walls and pole covers, and bingo--a room fit for relaxing.

(probably a little too posh for a rental, but just some food for thought for you).

Good Luck!

[Eliott Elias]

Call an expert and see their opinion. Asbestos is harmless if it’s not exposed, the second you start poking holes in the wall you’re going to have to pull it all out 

[Lynn McGeein]

I think there is also a difference in lenience given for DIY for owner occupied vs rental property in many areas.  If renting it out, to protect yourself, you'll probably want a licensed contractor to evaluate and remove if needed so you'll have some proof it was handled correctly, for both asbestos and lead.  

[John M.]

Might be cheaper to get an asbestos abatement license and do it yourself.

[Nathan Gesner]

As long as it remains in place or is covered with something else, you should be fine. Asbestos is only a problem when you work on it and the dust becomes airborne.

It would be cheaper to get your asbestos license and remove yourself, but it would also be a pain. I would just cover it up or save the money and hire someone.

[Henry T.]

Put on a respirator and go to town. If it gets dusty you can spray it a little water on it.  You can dispose of it yourself with a special city fee usually(buy the special overpriced disposal yellow plastic bags marked ASBESTOS), or ask an abatement contractor what he'd charge you to dump it in his can. Its fun, but it can be hard work.  Some contractors really are not that expensive, now that the field is loaded with them, get a few bids.

[John Warren]

@Lorraine Martin I would just cover the floors with a vinyl plank or other floating floor option. For the ceiling, why not go over the top with a thin layer of drywall? You can do 1/4 inch and skim coat it? Or you can just update the lighting a bit and leave it in place.