[grahamsmom98]

The continuing saga of renovations on my late Dad's house.

The "popcorn" ceiling is pure asbestos (had it analyzed at the lab this past week). It is 39 years old, covered with nicotine/cigarette smoke, grease, dirt, cobwebs you get the idea. Very 1970, too. I can't see anyone liking the house upon seeing the ceiling!

Abestos abatement will cost $4,000+. New countertops will be $2,000+ (that's Formica, not solid).

I am thinking that a prospective buyer won't think twice about the older counters (in perfect condition, by the way!) versus knowing that the asbestos has been removed. New counters could be of their own choosing (but, not part of the selling price) after they purchase the house.

Wouldn't YOU rather know the asbestos ceilings were gone and you have to buy the new countertops?

We are adding new, energy-efficient windows, too (they go in this coming week!) as the old wood-framed windows are dry-rotting and, literally, falling apart (you can even see between the frames, in some places!).

I am already at $45,000 on this home renovation, more than over budget, but the things I am doing are pretty much all about safety, code, energy efficiency & health, not just cosmetic..

So, new countertops or asbestos-free ceilings?

I think I know what everyone will say, but still.....................

 

[lightheart]

I say get the ceilings removed and replaced. The new buyer of the home could live in the house while having the countertops redone, couldn't do that when they were redoing the ceilings.

 

[Amylcd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightheart I say get the ceilings removed and replaced. The new buyer of the home could live in the house while having the countertops redone, couldn't do that when they were redoing the ceilings.

I agree. Definitely replace the ceiling.

 

[Fujiko]

Another vote for the ceilings here. I would prefer to get to pick my countertops and have to do it myself than have to deal with the ceiling.

 

[~PurityLake~]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahamsmom98 I am already at $45,000 on this home renovation, more than over budget, but the things I am doing are pretty much all about safety, code, energy efficiency & health, not just cosmetic.. So, new countertops or asbestos-free ceilings? I think I know what everyone will say, but still.....................

Asbestos-free ceilings.

 

[Jodie]

Asbestos removal!

Plus a nice smooth ceiling will sell better.

 

[bigteamug]

Ceilings! I always cringe when I see older houses with the asbestos tiles over the ceilings, knowing that I would have to deal with it someday. Counters are, as you said, cosmetic. Happy to hear about the windows, too!

 

[sunnysandiegan]

Another vote for the ceiling.

 

[Limabean1975]

Ceiling.

 

[Ola_]

I agree with the ceiling too. We've just recently had our (asbestos-free) popcorn ceiling removed in the kitchen/dining room and it has made a big difference in how it looks. So even though it's not as "flashy" as a new countertop would be it will still improve the looks of the house for selling purposes.

Plus when you are selling the house you would need to disclose the asbestos now that you know and that would definitely hurt more than the lack of new counters.

 

[broodymama]

Ceilings has my vote too. I loathe our (sparkly!) popcorn ceiling, having it gone would have made the house much more attractive to me as a buyer. I would rather have smooth ceilings, the previous owners put in new countertops and they aren't to my taste.

 

[Eman'smom]

Another ceilling vote, but I'd seriously think about doing the countertops also. If you've already spent that much, I'd redo the counters also, it will sell faster. Most of the work you are going is amazing and needs to be done but not very "flashy" KWIM?

 

[crl]

I'd prefer ceiling also. I HATE popcorn ceilings and knowing that it was asbestos would most likely keep me from buying the place. I honestly prefer houses with terrible kitchens so I can redo them without guilt though, so I'm probably not the typical buyer.

Catherine

 

[Fujiko]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Sonja Ceilings has my vote too. I loathe our (sparkly!) popcorn ceiling...

Haha! One of my childhood friend's house had sparkly popcorn ceilings. I had another friend who worked in home construction while these were in style, and she said they have this contraption that you wear like a forward backback and crank it, and it shoots glitter onto the ceiling. Bizzare.

 

[LISSA~K]

I vote ceiling as well. The previous owners of our house had the asbestos removed from our ceilings and I think it was definitely a selling point. Not to mention how much better a non-popcorn ceiling looks!

 

[annekevdbroek]

Ceiling - 100% ceiling. You have to tell the potential buyer that the ceilings are asbestos, and I think that will be a show stopper.

 

[2cutiekitties]

ceiling. Everyone hates a popcorn ceiling and I would like to pick out my own countertops!

 

[jennifercp8]

Ceiling. Hands down.

 

[artemis33]

Definitely the ceilings! We had popcorn in our old house so I feel for you. I hate that stuff!

In the meantime (I have followed your threads a bit) have you considered butcher block for the kitchen counters? In our new house (which isn't 'new' at all, but new to us!

) the kitchen is nicely remodeled. They chose a lovely stone (really pretty soapstone) for the counter surrounding the sink - so wise because of water issues! - but put simple butcher block in the rest. It works quite well!

Also, have you considered checking salvage type places (like re-store, related to habitat for humanity) for some of your supplies? Just wondering because the formica idea has been a turn off for me since the beginning (sorry

) so I'm trying to think of ways you could acquire a more appealing material for less $.

Good luck with the project!

 

[Irishmommy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahamsmom98 Wouldn't YOU rather know the asbestos ceilings were gone and you have to buy the new countertops?

Most definitely.

And I must say, I'm very impressed at the thought you are putting into making this house safe for its new owners.