Meth houses are an important topic in Colorado Springs Real Estate, and this is Part II of the Series
Part I: Buying a Home in Colorado, Beware of Meth Homes
What are the dangers of living in a meth lab house?
The dangers that go along with meth houses include exposure to cancer causing chemicals that can saturate 
walls, carpets and other building materials as well as all contents. Lead and mercury are common byproducts. Chemicals, such as solvents, may be disposed of in plumbing or simply poured on the ground. If not removed properly these can cause various health problems.
Meth manufacturing or cooking leaves behind 5 to 7 pounds of chemical waste for each pound of meth that is produced. These byproducts are considered hazardous waste. Mitigation can include:
- REMOVAL: Furnishings, draperies, carpeting, wallpaper, paneling, etc.
- VENTILATION: When solvents and other chemicals that may have soaked into the walls are slowly vaporizing.
- NEUTRALIZATION: Where acids or bases have been used, the potential for harmful effects may be reduced or removed through neutralization.
- DETERGENT-WATER WASHING: Some nonporous and semi-porous surfaces such as floors, tiles, walls and ceilings can be cleaned with detergent washing.
- ENCAPSULATION or SEALING: Contamination may be covered with layers of oil-based paint, polyurethane or other materials.
It's important to understand that to properly clean up a meth house you need professionals. The state of Colorado does not regulate meth lab cleanup. It's also important to understand that insurance companies typically don't cover to clean up a contaminated property. Clean up costs can range from $40,000 to $80,000; and in some cases home owners are told to bulldoze the house; start over; as it costs more to clean it up than the house is worth.
Where are meth labs in El Paso County?
The City of Colorado Springs web site includes a very comprehensive map of meth properties going back to 2007. You can also view a comprehensive alphabetic listing of meth properties from 2001 to 2008. Essentially they can be found in any neighborhood, rich or poor.
What do Colorado Real Estate Contracts say about meth?
The Colorado Contract to Buy Sell has a specific section in the contract about Meth ..................
According to section 11 in the Contract ............. METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORY DISCLOSURE (Residential Property Only). The parties acknowledge that Seller is required to disclose whether Seller knows that the Property, if residential, was previously used as a methamphetamine laboratory. No disclosure is required if the Property was re mediated in accordance with state standards and other requirements are fulfilled pursuant to § 25-18.5-102, C.R.S. Buyer further acknowledges that Buyer has the right to engage a certified hygienist or industrial hygienist to test whether the Property has ever been used as a methamphetamine laboratory. If Buyer's test results indicate that the Property has been used as a methamphetamine laboratory, but has not been re-mediated to meet the standards established by rules of the State Board of Health promulgated pursuant to § 25-18.5-102, C.R.S., Buyer shall promptly give written notice to Seller of the results of the test, and Buyer may terminate this Contract.
What else can I do to make sure I'm not buying a Meth House?
Talk to neighbors. The longer they have lived in the neighborhood, the more valuable their information will be to you! They can sometimes provide an account of the history of the home and the nature of the previous occupants. Ask about any suspicious activity, traffic, smells, or excessive trash that was noticed around the home.
Original Article posted at: Don't let your dream house become a nightmare
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