HELP!! Mid Century Modern dream home - is asbestos a deal breaker?
HELP!!! We're under contract for a super cool 70's/mid-century modern home- It needs a lot of work but it's super solid 2x6 construction and has only had one owner. We did all the normal inspections, plus radon and asbestos (because of the time it was built and the popcorn ceilings).
This morning we got the results back that the ceilings have 6% asbestos (which we weren't too worried about, because we want to remove them anyway, and knew it would likely need to be through an asbestos abatement service) and the joint compound in the walls has 1.2% asbestos. We don't have the budget or desire to completely rip out and re-do the drywall, but worry that if we don't the home will struggle with it's resale value should we ever opt to move. Basically, we don't want to be so blinded by our love for the home that we shoot ourselves in the foot when it comes time to sell.
Are we overreacting? Many people I've talked to have expressed how asbestos sort of just goes with the territory when it comes to old homes. We view it that way, but worry others won't. The inspector told us most all of the older homes in our city have asbestos, people just don't know it. Basically, do you see asbestos to this extent as a deal breaker? The popcorn ceilings will all be abated and we'll be repainting, but the joint compound will still have 1.2%. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!!
Not a great picture - but you get the idea, this is just part of the front room. It needs work, but the bones are there.
Comments (7)
PROChristopher Nelson Wallcovering and Painting
6 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (51)Thanks for your kind words about my abandoned mosaic child :) I *will* get back to her soon, I will, I will :) And oh dear..I sit here at my desk surrounded by my current favorites of my Goodwill-sourced modern art pottery collection, looking at yours...we have very strangely close tastes...I love those splendid little vases and have to restrain myself from buying every one I find, because of my visceral love for glazes and textures :) Those are so dear; I *love* them. Thanks for posting -- maybe I'll photo some of mine and post them so you can see -- not many people appreciate them -- my DH very sweetly tolerates my slight obsessions :) (side note: what's the grouting situation on the plane change of your shelf? Is there grout between the vertical and horizontal tiles? )...See MoreMy vintage stove dream has died... suggestions?
Comments (24)The issue is safety. All current ranges sold must be certified by CSA for safe home owner operation. Vintage stoves that exist in homes already are grandfathered in, but anyone doing a reno will either need to DIY their own install (risky for anyone who actually needs homeowner insurance) or buy a new certified range, if any professional will be involved. Professionals cannot afford to lose their licenses by installing a non rated range. If something were to happen because the range wasn't safe, they's be on the hook for the problem. They don't want to kill your family with a gas leak any more than you do! Which brings us to the actual range itself. Older ranges often aren't in good shape unless they've had a professional restorer's attention, which isn't cheap. Or, they may need nothing more than electronic ignition to be installed to work perfectly. Unless you are highly skilled, you can't personally know the real condition of what you're buying. You can't just buy an old stove stored in a barn (or still operational in someone's home) and expect it to be safe. That's why your insurance company is balking at the vintage stove idea. The only way that I can see them relenting is if the stove went to a restorer and a checklist of services/safety checks was done and certified. Even then, they might change their mind in a few years when new personnel come on board and your file is up for review. I think that the above suggestions can give you a vintage looking kitchen with all of the modern safety you rely on....See MoreDream home requirements. What's on YOUR list?
Comments (50)Elmer, you are right, I was searching for the right word and just missed the mark! Thank you! The closeness works for us, but I understand it isn't for everyone. I think it helps make bit that DD is an only and DH and DSIL have common interests. We also each have our own lives and really, except for special occasions, the time together is off and on from 5:00 until about 7:30 each evening., so it's not like all day everyday. The rest of the time we do our own things, like today DH and I rafted and kayaked (he rafts, I kayak) the river running through town and the kids spent the most of the day on their bikes with the baby. I can babysit while the kids go out with their friends and they will dog sit when DH and I are away. Also because we have a party wall between sides, we have double doors and a closed door means private time. Nicole, no AC. It is pretty rare here, usually put in by southerner transplants who can't imagine life without it. Although we are also southerners we've spent enough time here in the summers before we built that we knew it wasn't necessary. We are at about 7000' above sea level in the mountains. To be perfectly honest, there are probably 7-8 days in the heat of the summer that AC would be nice upstairs and but even then only in the heat of the day (at least for DH, I hated AC even in the south). Evenings are always cool. But even on the hottest days, the temps in the basement won't even get to the low 70s (without the heat on, of course). Last August while we were building, I usually brought a jacket to go down to the basement. Nicole, you are also right. While the type of heating is fairly expensive to install, especially using warmboard, it is very efficient and cheap to operate....See Moreflat roof but not a modern house
Comments (26)Resisting high winds is not a DIY design task nor will you find enough accurate information on the internet. You need a good structural engineer and architect. I've only dealt with high wind loads on ocean front properties but I can tell you that a low-sloped roof (l1/4" per foot) will have serious problems with uplift at the corners and excessive rain drainage in addition to higher maintenance and cost. I'm going to guess a good design team will end up with a 7 in 12 +/- hipped roof well anchored to walls that are well anchored to the foundation with roll down hurricane shutters. But don't rely on my opinion, hire some design professionals....See More
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