My husband and I were planning to make an offer on a house, built in 1905, tomorrow. It's our dream house, and thus it disappointed me when I looked at the assessment for the house online and found out it has an asbestos exterior. First off, if the asking price for the home (which is a foreclosure) is $239,000, can we negotiate it down, because of the asbestos? If we did still want the house, does this mean that we could basically never do anything to the exterior of the house -- i.e. Christmas lights, any decorations? The house also has shutters that the previous owners installed. How could they have been installed, assuming that nails had to be used, on the exterior of the house?
My main question is, is it worth buying a house with an asbestos exterior, or is it too much trouble?
2007-10-21 11:03:52 · 5 answers · asked by red_writer 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
What i'd worry about most of all is the view society has on asbestos. Asbestos is known to have caused many medical issues, and thus, people want to stay away from it. So if you want to take the risk (supposing there is one, I'm not really sure when it comes to exteriors of house), then just consider what might happen if you ever down the road decide to sell that house. If Asbestos only becomes less desirable, you may have to ask for a very small price compared to what you're paying now, thus it'd be a not-so-good investment. However, it is your dream home, so just weigh the pros and cons and talk to an expert with the housing market
2007-10-21 11:10:59 · answer #1 · answered by bluebruno2007 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
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RE:
Worth buying a house with an asbestos exterior?
My husband and I were planning to make an offer on a house, built in 1905, tomorrow. It's our dream house, and thus it disappointed me when I looked at the assessment for the house online and found out it has an asbestos exterior. First off, if the asking price for the home (which is a...
2015-08-18 13:25:17 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Asbestos sided homes can last a long time, more than 100 years and there are still quite a few on the market today. They can be repainted with good sealers and may last a lot longer. They can also be re-sided but they must be wet down thoroughly so as not to disturb the small particles which can be breathed in or come in contact with the skin as this can cause serious consequences later in life to those exposed to it's harmful effects. To remove the asbestos and replace it with newer siding will cost a tidy sum. If you choose this option get several evaluations from professional asbestos removers and siding replacement companies, and then furnish these costs to the home seller. They may just take your offer if they are eager to sell.
2007-10-21 11:37:38 · answer #3 · answered by Marina 1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The presence of asbestos is very common in older houses. Asbestos is not a problem as long as it is sealed. This is often done by paint. Asbestos does present health risks if you are exposed to it openly but by simply wearing a mask when you are nailing hooks for your Christmas lights in should be more than enough protection. My point is that asbestos is not acidic or poisonous as people some how come to believe. breathing the fibers has proven to cause cancer, but then again so has second hand smoke.
You could try to negotiate down the price for the sake of the asbestos, anything is possible .. but I suggest you mention other reasons too when making your low ball offer.
2007-10-21 11:13:52 · answer #4 · answered by linkus86 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In California, as long as it is not touched it can remain. However, the cost of dealing with Asbestos, if you need to repair is much higher. This is what you should be thinking of....I would negotiate the abatement cost of the Asbestos and try to reduce the price by that amount.
2007-10-21 11:12:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the asbestos siding on your home was very popular in years gone by, and as itself poses no ill harm effects. The problem with asbestos is when it is in the fiber form, as in the old pipe insulation, when it is disturbed and the fibers float in the air and get breathed in. The hardened siding is not likely to disintegrate and become breathable fibers. and yes I have seen homes with this covered with foil board and vinyl sided without any consequences, and can safely be painted
2007-10-22 10:06:38 · answer #6 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you may be buying a toxic waste dump. Find a contractor who removes stuff like this and find out what it will cost before you do anything else.
2007-10-21 11:09:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋