Many homes in Burbank, Illinois were built during the same decades when asbestos-containing construction materials were widely used across the United States. While the city sits just minutes from Midway Airport and continues to attract new homeowners, much of the housing stock dates back to the 1950s through the early 1980s. When renovations begin in these older homes, materials such as flooring, insulation, or ceiling finishes may need to be evaluated before work proceeds.

Asbestos inspections help identify materials that could contain asbestos before they are disturbed. For homeowners planning remodeling projects—or buyers considering a property purchase—testing provides documented answers about what is actually present in the building materials.

Licensed asbestos inspections are available throughout Burbank and the surrounding southwest Chicago suburbs for homeowners, buyers, contractors, and property managers who need clear testing results before renovation or construction work begins.

A Basement Inspection in a Burbank Ranch Home

A homeowner recently contacted us about a property located near Narragansett Avenue and 79th Street, one of Burbank’s long-established residential areas. The house was a typical mid-century ranch with a finished basement that had been remodeled several times over the years.

During the inspection, attention focused on insulation surrounding several heating pipes in the mechanical area of the basement. Older insulation products occasionally contained asbestos, particularly in homes built before the early 1980s.

A small sample was collected and sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The result came back negative, confirming the insulation did not contain asbestos. With the documentation in hand, the homeowner moved forward with their renovation plans without uncertainty about the material.

Situations like this are common in Burbank, where many homes have been updated over time but still contain original construction elements behind finished surfaces.

Why Asbestos Questions Come Up in Burbank Homes

Burbank developed rapidly after World War II as Chicago expanded southwest. Large numbers of ranch homes, Cape Cods, and brick bungalows were built during the same decades when asbestos was used in a wide range of construction products.

Because of that history, inspections are often requested when homeowners begin projects that disturb older materials. Even well-maintained houses may still contain original flooring systems, insulation materials, or ceiling finishes installed decades ago.

Neighborhoods surrounding State Road, Cicero Avenue, 79th Street, and the areas closest to Midway Airport contain many of these mid-century homes.

When remodeling projects begin—especially kitchen, basement, or flooring renovations—testing provides confirmation before materials are removed.

Situations That Often Lead to Testing

In Burbank, asbestos inspections are most commonly requested during moments when construction or ownership changes are happening. Examples include:

• preparing an older home for remodeling

• replacing flooring that may cover earlier vinyl tile

• updating plumbing or heating systems in a basement

• evaluating materials before finishing a basement

• real estate transactions involving homes built before the 1980s

• contractors verifying materials prior to demolition work

These inspections help homeowners and contractors understand the materials they are working with before any disturbance occurs.

What Happens During an Inspection

A typical inspection involves a walkthrough of the areas related to the homeowner’s project or concern. The inspector identifies materials that may warrant evaluation and determines whether laboratory testing is appropriate.

If sampling is needed, small material samples are collected and submitted to an accredited laboratory. The resulting report documents the findings and provides clear confirmation of whether asbestos is present in the tested material.

The goal is not to sample every surface in the house, but rather to focus on the materials relevant to the planned work.

Renovation and Documentation Requirements

When renovation or demolition work is planned on older buildings, local building departments or contractors may require asbestos documentation before the project begins. This helps ensure that materials potentially containing asbestos are properly identified before construction work disturbs them.

Inspection reports are commonly used for:

• renovation planning

• contractor documentation

• permit preparation

• demolition safety compliance

• property transaction due diligence

The type of inspection and testing depends on the scope of work involved.

Inspection Fees

Residential inspection – $375

Includes:

• on-site inspection

• up to three samples when sampling is required

• accredited PLM laboratory analysis

• written inspection report

Commercial inspection – $550

Appropriate for larger buildings or commercial property evaluations.

Additional samples – $75 each

Expedited laboratory results – $25 per sample

Licensed Asbestos Inspector

Lead by Frank Masoud (Illinois IDPH License #100-20238), our team provides expert asbestos assessments for residential and commercial properties. Based in Burbank, we proudly serve Cook County and the entire Greater Chicago area with the certified expertise you need to ensure your building is safe.

Questions Burbank Homeowners Often Ask

Do homes in Burbank commonly contain asbestos?

Many homes built between the 1950s and early 1980s used materials that sometimes incorporated asbestos. Testing is the only way to determine whether a specific material contains asbestos.

When should homeowners consider testing?

Testing is usually recommended before renovation work that will disturb older flooring, insulation, ceilings, or other building materials.

Can inspections be done during a home purchase?

Yes. Many buyers request inspections before closing so they understand the condition of the property before completing the purchase.

Does every older home require testing?

Not necessarily. Inspections focus on materials related to planned renovation or areas where suspect materials are present.

Is asbestos removal included?

No. The service is limited to inspection and laboratory testing so results remain independent and unbiased.

Schedule Asbestos Testing in Burbank

Call 312-972-2321

Inspections are available for homeowners, buyers, and contractors throughout Burbank and nearby communities.

Nearby areas served:
Chicago • Oak Lawn • Bridgeview • Evergreen Park • Bedford Park