Asbestos in Homes: Can You Still Buy or Sell the Property?

Asbestos Removal Stockton, Ca

If you're buying or selling a home in California, one question might stop you in your tracks: Can you sell or buy a house with asbestos? It's a common question, especially if your home was built before the 1980s, when asbestos was used for insulation of boilers and pipes or in siding or roofing materials. 

So, if you've discovered it, you might wonder, "Can I still go through the sales?" Well, the answer is not that straightforward and depends on several factors. While having asbestos in your house isn't dangerous or illegal, when it gets damaged, it can cause several health risks to people living in the home. 

So, some homeowners might get thrown off once they hear about the asbestos. But with the right information and professional guidance, asbestos doesn't have to be a deal breaker for buyers or sellers. If you want to know how, then we'll give you a full picture in this blog!

Worried About Asbestos at Home? Get a Professional Check!

What's Asbestos? Where Can You Find It In Your Home?

In simple terms, asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that was once used as a building material because of its insulating and fire-resistant properties. But then, studies during the 1970s began to show how airborne asbestos fibers, when inhaled, caused serious health problems like:

  • Lung cancer,
  • Asbestosis,
  • Mesothelioma,
  • Pleural disease (lung disease).

So, its use sharply declined. Although asbestos is not used as a building material now, in buildings built before the 1980s, it can still be found in:

  • Attic and wall insulation,
  • Textured ceilings (like popcorn ceilings)
  • Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives,
  • Drywall joint compound,
  • Hot water pipe wrapping,
  • Cement sheets and pipes,
  • Roof shingles and siding.

As asbestos was used in several materials while building a home, the only way to be sure if your home has asbestos is through professional asbestos testing.

Suspect Asbestos? Don’t Wait—Book an Inspection Now!

Can You Sell A House With Asbestos?

Yes, of course, you can legally sell a house with asbestos in Stockton if the asbestos is not disturbed. Asbestos is not harmful to your health until it's disturbed or damaged, which can release dangerous fibers into the air, causing health issues. But here's what you need to know before selling an asbestos (undisturbed) containing property to the buyer.

1. Asbestos Testing

Knowing and confirming if your home has asbestos or not with professional help is the first step that you need to perform before planning on selling your property. While cheap at-home kits for testing might sound like a convenient option for asbestos testing, trust us, it's not the right way. If you unknowingly disturb the asbestos while testing, you can risk exposing yourself or your family to asbestos.

2. Disclose & Negotiate Honestly 

As per the laws of California, you'll need to disclose the presence of asbestos in the property to your buyer before selling it, even if it's in an undisturbed state. This transparency can also help buyers make informed decisions about the purchase. Trust us, not all homeowners will walk away after knowing about asbestos in the property. Some may negotiate the price of the property or request testing or removal of asbestos before making a purchase.

3. Removing/Sealing Asbestos

Although you're not legally required to remove asbestos (unless it's damaged) before selling your home, removing or sealing it might make your property more appealing to buyers. So, if the asbestos is in good condition and undisturbed, sealing it might be a safer and more cost-effective solution. 

But if it's damaged, you need to go for professional asbestos abatement. This option requires disturbing the asbestos, so always rely on a professional who can properly remove and dispose of the asbestos safely, using the right tools.

4. Selling Your Property As Is

You can legally sell your property without removing asbestos (if it's not damaged). While listing your property, you can disclose that it contains asbestos and offer discounts to the buyer. This way, you'll attract only serious buyers who are aware of the condition and are willing to take on any necessary remediation after the purchase.

With the right approach, honest disclosure, and expert guidance, you can successfully sell your home with asbestos without any worries!

Should You Buy a House With Asbestos?

Absolutely! You can buy a house with asbestos as long as you know what you're getting into. Here's a list of points that you can use as your guide while buying a property with asbestos.

  • Always ensure you've asked the seller about the presence of asbestos in the property.
  • If your seller informs you about asbestos in the property, get it inspected by a professional asbestos company to know if the asbestos present in the property is in good or damaged condition.
  • If you're buying a house where asbestos isn't disturbed or the area is sealed properly, there is no immediate health harm to you or your family. So, you can buy the house without a second thought.
  • If you plan to remodel the house, you might end up disturbing the asbestos inside your home. So, it's best to take professional guidance to remove asbestos and then remodel the house. 

After the initial inspection, if you find that the asbestos is damaged, you can ask your seller to remove the asbestos from the property. Once it's asbestos-free, you can buy the property without any worries. Buying a home with asbestos can still be a safe and worthwhile investment if you're aware of the asbestos condition and take the right precautions with professional guidance!

Need Help With Asbestos?Talk to Our Experts Today!

Takeaway

Buying or selling a house with asbestos is entirely possible as long as you handle it responsibly. If you're a seller, you need to fully disclose the presence of any asbestos materials in your property to the buyer as per the law. If the asbestos isn't damaged, you've no legal obligation to go for asbestos removal before selling the house. 

But you can still get it removed with professional help to make your property more attractive to buyers. If you're a buyer, you can invest in a property with asbestos (undisturbed) without any worries. But when in doubt about the presence or the condition of asbestos in your house, always rely on a professional asbestos removal company to properly inspect the property.

Read More About:

JM Environmental, Inc. - For Safe, Fast & Certified Asbestos Removal in Stockton

If you're looking for a quick inspection or removal of hazardous materials like asbestos from your property, JM Environmental, Inc. is the name you can trust. With over three decades of experience, we are your reliable option for asbestos removal in Stockton.

All our experts are certified and well-trained, and they can efficiently handle the removal of asbestos by complying with the necessary guidelines. We use advanced tools and always maintain safety in our work area by monitoring the air quality during and after our services. 

So, if you need to remove asbestos from your property, give us a call at 866-726-0304 today!