1. Asbestos can only be positively identified through testing done by a qualified laboratory. Was this done, or are you making assumptions?

2. If asbestos was released during all this work, the area could be contaminated. If you are certain asbestos-containing materials were disturbed, it would make sense for you to have air testing done before moving back in to see if the asbestos fiber count exceeds background levels. (There is always a minute amount of asbestos fibers floating around in the air, and this is called the background level. But work that disturbs asbestos will significantly elevate the levels of airborne fibers detected.)

3. If contamination is found, it can last a long time, and you might need a qualified abatement crew in to clean the place. Ordinary cleaning methods, like vacuuming with a regular vacuum are not only ineffective in cleaning up asbestos, but they make things worse because asbestos fibers are so small they pass right through the vacuum's filter and become airborne again.

Can't add much to the very sage post by kudzu about asbestos. So, setting that aside, let's talk about 'clouds of toxic-smelling air.' If that's mold and mildew, it's hard to say, but if it smells that strongly, I would definitely be concerned. Did they do any cleanup of the framing, i.e. scrubbing mold off and rinsing with bleach? If not, I am not sure I would sleep in there until it's cleaned up. Airing the place out might be a good idea, or use a charcoal air filter, or even a rental ozone unit.

First time post, for my friends....comments from the peanut gallery....

^^ What?