Asbestos is beneficial in many ways. It is fire-resistant, is sound absorbing, and is also resistant to electrical, heat, and chemical damage. However, some of the chemical properties of asbestos are known to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, so I would consider it not an important part of a newer house remodeling.
To find house plans you may go to Lowes.com or Home Depot.com.
Asbestos was banned from use in construction materials in the UK in 1999. Since then, it is no longer used in house building due to its known health risks.
Asbestos use in the United Kingdom and EU are now banned , it can no longer be used, sold, imported or exported, you can't even give it away. In the US asbestos is not banned, but its uses are limited and new construction materials should not contain asbestos as an intentionally added ingredient.
Surgical masks are NOT designed to protect the wearer and should never be used for protection from hazardous dusts such as asbestos. Asbestos containing materials should be removed only by someone formally trained in the proper removal and disposal of asbestos.
Friable asbestos is material that contains asbestos fibers and that can be crumbled into dust in the hand without the use of tools.
Asbestos roofs are secured in the same manner as non-asbestos roofs that use similar materials.
Many older homes are still in use with asbestos siding. As long as the asbestos is not damaged and is sealed off, there is little danger at the moment. If the asbestos is damaged or frayed, the home is possibly dangerous and the siding should be removed. To prevent asbestos from becoming a threat, cover it with vinyl or have it painted over with a thick layer of vinyl paint.
Asbestos was banned in sheet materials in the United States in the late 1970s. The use of asbestos in sheet materials has declined globally due to health concerns associated with asbestos exposure and regulations restricting its use.
The paper on the exterior of drywall made in 1977, or the spackling compounds use to bridge the space between two pieces of drywall, may contain asbestos, or it may not. The only way to know for sure is to have a sample collected by a person who is qualified to do that, and have it analyzed by a lab that is qualified and experienced in asbestos analysis.
While some countries began banning asbestos or restricting its use in the the 1970's others continue to permit its use. Although use of asbestos is limited in the United States, it has not been banned or "outlawed."
It is probably not a good idea to install new asbestos pipe. Asbestos pipe requires remediation if and when it deteriorates to that it may be releasing asbestos fibers. Whether it is legal to install asbestos pipe depends one what legal jurisdiction you are in. Some countries have forbidden all use of asbestos containing products and some permit some uses to continue.
My basement quality needs to be upgraded. What are some good basement remodeling tips?