Meth Lab - InspectionNews

Peter Wigle · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 12:41 PM

I've been asked to do an inspection on a house which has been used as a meth lab.

NOTE: I'm NOT being asked to comment on whether or not is was a lab. I don't need info on identifying a lab, nor legal considerations, warnings of booby traps, etc.

I would like to know what, apart from air quality, can be afffected? Where should I look for problems (corrosion affecting metal in the heating system, for example?)? Could some damage be hidden but predictable due the the house's former use?

Happy Fourth (You're always three days behind us! (on the other hand, you're also 92 years ahead!)

Michael Thomas · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 02:23 PM

I personally would not enter a former meth lab unless:

1) Your state has science-based standards for decontamination, and

2) A qualified person had determined they had been met.

See for example:

Meth-labs

imported_John Smith · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 04:22 PM

I agree with Michael. I wouldnt do it unless it got a clean bill of health from an environmental professional. Meth mouth looks horrible and would make it hard to sell yourself to potential clients.

Rick Hurst · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 04:32 PM

If you know that it was a meth lab, don't go in it. You could be not only jeopardizes your health but your own family also.

Not worth the extra money.

rick

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 07:19 PM

Peter,

Given that it was a known meth lab, you can tell your client everything thing they *need to know* by phone:

1) Do not buy that house as it is, not without some scientifically based decontamination and certification. (As Michael stated.)

2) Buy that house *at your own risk*, *I* want no part of helping you buy it.

Heck, I would not even charge them for that advice.

Peter Wigle · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 07:33 PM

Thanks All,

I've been doing A LOT of reading in the meanwhile and I have come to the same conclusion. Too much that could be wrong but which a home inspector can't determine - with serious health risks, and substantial costs to remediate.

Jim Luttrall · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008, 11:08 PM

Heck, I don't know that I would even want the land under the house.

Rick Hurst · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 06:49 AM

Jim,

You may not want it, but if they hold out long enough they can probably sell it to Starbucks.

Jerry Peck · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008, 10:03 AM

Rick,

Starbucks is closing over 600 stores ... now there will be a longer walk between stores ...