If the property is <30 years old, it is most probably a "plastic" pipe (CPVC, PVC, ABS, etc).

The water dept didn't allow plastic pipe that only would've cost me less that $150.

Actually, this is a good point.The typical off-the-shelf plastic laminate counters are post-formed with the 4" backsplash attached.  

The remediation company will typically put up a plastic sheeting barrier to contain the affected area and will use a HEPA air scrubber to remove any spores in the air. 

As we finish a room we seal it off with plastic sheeting and frog tape.

Is it cheap plastic or stone?

Over time, the synthetic slate products made of different plastics and polymers will begin to fade and look less like real slate and more like real plastic.

If you attack the frontage windows to get dual pane, use the Anderson wood frames and not the vinyl plastic stuff - - just ruins the architecture. 

I would probably put plastic down to keep moisture in the ground in general.

Bathroom - no shower older style tub- buy a shower kit for 6-7 hundred bucks or replace everything with new tube and shower (I am replacing sink and toilet)Living room - has carpet that I admit has been their a while (my whole live) but my parents never walked on it they had plastic runners and carpet down over the carpet to protect it all these years.