Asbestos and lead in Lehi homes: what to know before you remodel
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If you’re planning to remodel, remove flooring, scrape popcorn ceilings, or open up walls, it’s worth thinking about more than finishes and fixtures. In older homes, demolition and construction can disturb materials that may contain asbestos or lead, creating hazardous dust. The safest time to address these risks is before the project begins, not after debris is already in the air. Reach out to our Water Damage Specialist restoration team in Lehi to learn more about Utah asbestos and lead abatement!
Where asbestos and lead can hide
In many older properties, asbestos may be present in certain building materials, especially those historically used for durability or heat resistance. Lead hazards are most commonly associated with older painted surfaces, particularly when sanding, scraping, cutting, or demolition is involved. Older plumbing components can also be a concern depending on the property.
Because these materials aren’t always obvious, it’s risky to assume you’re in the clear based on appearances.
Why testing first matters
The biggest mistake homeowners and contractors make is starting demolition and hoping for the best. Proper inspections and testing help you confirm what’s actually present, where it is, and what needs to happen next. That can save you from:
- contaminating the home with dust
- delays mid-project
- higher cleanup costs
- avoidable health and safety risks
What the process typically looks like
A safer order of operations usually follows this path:
- Inspection and sampling to identify asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paint
- A plan for how to handle the materials safely (manage in place or remove)
- Abatement if removal is required
- Clearance steps to confirm the area is safe for re-occupancy or continued work
When abatement is the smart move
You should strongly consider abatement if your remodel will disturb suspect materials, especially when you’re cutting, sanding, or removing old building materials or painted surfaces. If the building is occupied during the project, taking the cautious route matters even more.
Simple takeaway
If your home in Lehi is older and you’re planning renovations, test first and make a plan. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep a remodel from turning into a hazardous dust problem, an expensive cleanup, or a major project delay.