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Thread: Meth Lab

  1. #1
    Peter Wigle's Avatar
    Peter Wigle Guest

    Default Meth Lab

    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!)

    Similar Threads:
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Re: Meth Lab

    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

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  3. #3
    imported_John Smith's Avatar
    imported_John Smith Guest

    Default Re: Meth Lab

    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.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: Meth Lab

    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


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
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    28,032

    Default Re: Meth Lab

    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.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6
    Peter Wigle's Avatar
    Peter Wigle Guest

    Default Re: Meth Lab

    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.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Meth Lab

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

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: Meth Lab

    Jim,

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


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Meth Lab

    Rick,

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

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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