How Should I Handle the Issue of Asbestos as a Home Seller?

Selling a house can be a pretty difficult process, especially when the presence of asbestos keeps getting in the way. Asbestos is a naturally occurring and toxic mineral which has been widely used in various industries, such as automotive and textile. Its remarkable properties also turned asbestos into the winning candidate when it came to raw materials for building products. This means that most houses built before the 1980s - when its use was not regulated - contain asbestos in one form or another. Because selling such a house comes with great legal responsibility, we have prepared a list of very important tips to help you sell your property without any further problems.

Keep yourself updated about the situation

The presence of asbestos can decrease the value of a property, as buyers can be put off by this aspect. This is why it is essential to get an asbestos evaluation in order to know for sure to which extent the selling process might be affected by the presence of this mineral in the house.

Moreover, an inspection will allow you to correctly inform the buyer about the potential danger of asbestos exposure from the house's building materials. Depending on the condition of the asbestos-containing products, removal might or might not be necessary.

Use the evaluation results to decide whether asbestos removal is really necessary

Knowing what to do with the results of the inspection is of great importance. Asbestos products are only dangerous if found in poor condition. When damaged, asbestos-containing materials release harmful fibers which can easily be inhaled. This mineral can cause serious health problems like asbestosis or mesothelioma if it enters the human body.

If, however, the materials are in good condition, they pose little to no risk of exposure and it is better to leave them undisturbed. It is also recommended to avoid removing asbestos-containing materials on your own, as performing incorrect removal might be dangerous to your health.

Have the troublesome materials safely removed

The chances of selling your house might increase if you decide to remove asbestos, even if the evaluation showed that its presence is not dangerous. Moreover, potential buyers might request the removal of the contaminated materials, regardless of the exposure risk. If this happens, they might also demand to have the cost of removal included in the price of the property, without additional expenses.

If removal is needed or requested, you must know that most U.S. states have strict rules when it comes to this. It is recommended to hire a certified company to perform the removal procedure in a safe and correct way and you should also ask their professionals to deal with waste disposal.

Disclose the presence of asbestos to potential buyers

Last but not least, notifying potential buyers about the presence of asbestos on the property is a legal obligation you should not overlook, as failing to do so can have serious consequences. Even though asbestos has been used in a lot of houses built before the 1980s and can still be found in insulation and roof tiles, it is not always seen as a big problem by buyers. Therefore, it is better to be honest from the start in order to avoid unnecessary trouble.