The process of selling a house usually involves reviewing several things, especially the components of the house itself. If you’re looking to sell a house with asbestos or one that you suspect has some, then there are certain steps you need to take.
Here are 5 things to do when selling a house with asbestos, but first, what’s the big deal about asbestos anyway?
Asbestos Overview
Asbestos has a long history of use in properties especially those constructed before the late 1970’s. Estimates show that over half the entire homes in the U.S. contain asbestos.
It was so commonly used in both residential and commercial building projects because of its strong resistance to heat and flames. It was an excellent insulator as well. As a result, home builders used alongside roofing materials, to reinforce cement, sound absorption, and to insulate in walls and around pipes.
However, over time, health problems in people who worked with disturbed asbestos such as mechanics who breathed in loose asbestos fiber when swapping out brake pads began to rise. These people developed lung cancer at a faster and higher rate than the rest of the population.
Once the link between these health problems and asbestos was established, the government began to place a ban on its use by the late 1970’s. Presently, the EPA has a ban on the use of asbestos in rollboard, flooring felt, and other products.
However, the use of asbestos today is not entirely banned, rather, it is restricted under the Toxic Substances Control Act. It can still see applications in fireproof clothing, roofing products, and automotive brake pads and gaskets.
Of the members of the asbestos family, the most commonly used are amosite and chrysotile. They belong to the serpentine asbestos category which accounts for 95% of total asbestos use worldwide. Of the two, Amosite has the higher cancer risk even though both were mainly used in roofs, ceilings, floors, walls, insulation, and cement sheets.
Test for Asbestos
The first step is to determine whether your house really is an asbestos house, and as such, you would need to test for it. You could opt for do-it-yourself kits to take samples, however, this isn’t advisable because of the danger it poses.
When left alone, asbestos fibers do not necessarily pose an active danger, however, the moment they are airborne, there’s a chance of exposure through inhalation or ingestion.
So, if you think you’re dealing with one of the asbestos old homes, you would need to invite a trained professional in to take test samples.
Let the Buyer Know
Once you’ve got the samples back, and it’s confirmed to be an asbestos house, disclosing this piece of information to potential buyers is critical. Granted that it might be a dealbreaker for some, it’s a much better alternative than having it discovered during the home inspection.
Ensure to indicate in the home disclosure whether or not the asbestos is in good condition. According to federal law, disclosure isn’t mandatory. However, this may vary based on state or local requirements. Overall, disclosing this bit of information is selling in good faith.
Fix the Issue
Again, federal law doesn’t mandate fixing the issue. However, you could take care of it to allay buyer fears or request repairs post-home inspection. There are two options to dealing with asbestos:
- Sealing it in (usually if it’s in good condition)
- Abatement or removal (particularly if it is damaged)
Sealing It In
In certain cases, sealing it in is the most ideal option. Recall that asbestos only poses a danger when disturbed. So, this is a valid option and is 15%-25% cheaper than having it removed.
Sealing asbestos is done by professionals. For pipes, it involves dipping fiberglass cloth in water, activating a resin that solidifies and becomes a permanent covering after rolling the cloth around the asbestos.
For other areas, spraying with a high-grade sealant is ideal.
Abatement
This process refers to the removal and disposal of asbestos in your home by professionals. Since this process involves disturbing the asbestos, it is a high-risk one and has to be done over a period.
You would have to vacate your home when it’s happening and after the process, it might take another 48 hours or so before it’s safe to go back into the house. Ensure that post-abatement air testing is done before going back in.
Removal costs usually depend on factors like the amount of asbestos present, where it’s located, and the level of damage. It usually ranges from $1,200 to $2,100.
Offer Credit for Abatement or Sealing
You would very likely have enough time to handle the abatement or sealing. However, if you don’t, or you simply don’t want to deal with an asbestos house, you can offer the buyer credit for it.
Buyers would typically request credit anyway, and of course, this takes a chunk out of your selling price. Ensure you get estimates from several companies to determine what the best price is. You could also refer the buyer to the company you’ve contacted, so they can get it done at said price.
Sell As-Is
This might be the ultimate solution to the entire asbestos old homes or asbestos house hassle. You may be wary of the time, money, and work that would go into this process, and be looking to skip all of it.
We can help out with that! We buy asbestos homes and basically any other properties in different conditions. At dsouzahomebuyers, we can provide you with a cash offer for your house in no time!
You don’t have to deal with any of this hassle. No need for repairs or renovations!
Fill out this form to get the process started, and we could be closing in as few as 7 days! Remember, no fees, no commissions, no closing costs!
If you have any other questions, definitely call us at (925) 503 8193.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos is a dangerous material that has to be handled with care. Remember that it’s critical to call in professionals rather than take care of it yourself. Also, if you’re looking to skip the entire hassle, we’re here to take it off your hands. Reach out to us today!
