It is much harder to spot the 'fatal flaw' under the pressure of making a rushed or pressured decision. The following list of common mistakes is intended to slow down and rationalize the decision making process. Some of these 'obvious' mistakes may sound too elementary to worry about, but our files and those of the Better Business Bureaus and the courthouses are full of such cases. If the house is on fire, call 911. If not, take the time you need to make a calm and informed decision.
Help is available .
Most of this information is free but even if you need to bring in an independent expert, you will find that consulting fees are a fraction of the cost of most disasters which result from rushed home repair decisions. By the way, if you did buy that asbestos-containing product, don't rush into a contract to remove or encapsulate the asbestos. You have nothing to loose but expert and useful information. The history of home construction techniques is replete with failed miracle products. It should be written in plain English.