Dallas Real Estate Remodeling:Popcorn Ceilings Prior To 1978 May Contain Asbestos
A while back, someone asked about getting rid of a popcorn ceiling — a bumpy, uber-textured dry wall ceiling finish that was the cat’s meow in the 1960’s and 1970’s, some even getting glittery. (Or rosy.) Well, I didn’t know that some popcorn ceilings installed prior to 1978 contain asbestos. If you have a popcorn ceiling or want to remove one, please read this article: asbestos causes mesothelioma and is carcinogenic, but the asbestos particles are only dangerous if released. If you want to save the ceiling — and Lord knows, with the mid century modern craze, popcorn ceilings may return — sealing it with paint will seal the asbestos. But if you remove it, well, be careful. Be very careful.
Question: if you buy a home with a popcorn ceiling installed prior to 1978, does that have to be listed on the Seller’s Disclosure Statement?
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This is still my nightmare (that’s my picture – and for the record, no, it’s not pink. Thank goodness!) We removed it in a small bathroom and found out it has been painted over, making it even more difficult to remove (and my biceps, triceps and back muscles did not appreciate it!) We did get it all down and retextured the bathroom, but as for the rest of it, I’ve resorted to giving up, or trying to locate a company who’s willing to remove it for me. Any suggestions?
Homes built prior to 1978 require a Lead Based Paint Disclosure to be completed and signed by the seller. The seller must disclose if they have any knowledge or reports of lead based paint on the property. The key words are knowledge and/or reports.
This does not address asbestos. They must note on the standard seller’s disclosure if there have been any repairs or treatments to remediate environmental hazards such as asbestos. There is no where on the seller’s disclosure where a seller must disclose that their popcorn ceiling may or may not contain asbestos.
In my opinion there shouldn’t be either. Imagine if you had to disclose the materials your pipes are made of, your ductwork, your carpet padding, etc. This would be worse that the new energy audit and disclosure requirements in cities like Austin. Its hard enough to sell a home in today’s market without adding additional costs and restrictions to the sellers.
A good inspector can and should inform the buyer of concerns about the hazards of an older home.