Should You Buy A House With Asbestos?
Team Oulahen
Generally speaking, most homes with asbestos are sold to buyers who are comfortable managing a renovation. With that, asbestos is a very small line item in the total budget of a renovation.
Generally speaking, most homes with asbestos are sold to buyers who are comfortable managing a renovation. With that, asbestos is a very small line item in the total budget of a renovation.
Maybe you should, but make sure you do your homework first.
Asbestos was commonly used in building products until the late 1970s and may appear in homes that haven’t been on the market in the last 30 or 40 years. Generally speaking, most homes with asbestos are sold to buyers who are comfortable managing a renovation. With that, asbestos is a very small line item in the total budget of a renovation.
1. Hot Water Radiator System
Asbestos is very commonly found around hot water radiator heating systems and pipes around them.
2. Forced Air Duct Work
Duct tape containing asbestos was commonly used on air duct joints. The tape is wider and thicker than normal duct tape, and is usually white.
3. Floor Tiles
Most floor tiles made before 1980 contain asbestos. Tiles manufactured between the 1920s and 1960s have a higher chance of containing asbestos.
4. Exterior Siding Shingles
Asbestos-reinforced concrete was a common element used in siding materials.
5. Plaster
Asbestos was added to plaster to reinforce insulation and fire resistance.
Airborne asbestos has been associated with cancer.
We found that, generally, asbestos is limited to specific areas can be removed either by a certified asbestos removal contractor or (fully informed) equipped home owner. Yes, it is a risk with the possibility of causing asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe), mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) or lung cancer. The highest risk is during removal, but technology is available for air purification and managing the rooms that are exposed in a secure and safe manner. Asbestos is not a reason not to buy a house, but can affect the price of a house. Often it is isolated to certain areas, which can be identified during a home inspection. This is why we always encourage getting a home inspection, so buyers can be as informed as possible.
For free information or if have any real estate questions, or even considering selling your home, call us at 416-222-1212 or email us at team@oulahen.com. We would love to help you.
Refreshingly Honest Family Real Estate Team
Copyright © 2024. Oulahen Team Realty Inc. Brokerage. All rights reserved.
| Design by Tuyo Project