Buying A House With Asbestos In Massachusetts

Published on Mar 2nd, 2023

Buying a house with asbestos can be risky as it is a dangerous material that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer. So it's best to avoid any homes with this hazardous material.

If you're looking for a new house, ask the seller whether or not the property contains asbestos. If asbestos is present, you may want to consider looking elsewhere.

You can take some steps to reduce asbestos exposure, but it's usually best to steer clear of properties that have this material.

So before you start touring houses, please read this guide about buying a home with asbestos, as it contains necessary info that will save you from potential risks and a lot of trouble in the long run.

Essential Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A House With Asbestos In Massachusetts

So, you're thinking of buying a house with asbestos? Congratulations! You are about to start an amazing journey into the world of potentially deadly asbestos exposure.

The ideal way to protect your home from unwanted asbestos contamination is to evaluate the extent of asbestos in the property and its condition and develop a plan to manage it.

Of course, the easiest way to deal with asbestos is to have it removed by a professional. However, this can be expensive and may not be necessary if the asbestos is in good condition and not likely to be disturbed.

Whatever you do, ensure you stay informed about the risks of asbestos exposure and take steps to protect yourself and your family.

You need to check and assess the asbestos level in the home:

• You must inspect the house adequately and review the telltale asbestos signs and asbestos-containing materials.
  

• It would help if you talked to your real estate agent about the presence of asbestos in the house before buying it.
  

• If you think professional asbestos testing is necessary, go for it and let your real estate agents know about it.

The presence of asbestos in a home is not necessarily a deal-breaker. Some asbestos-containing products and materials don’t possess good health risks, which means that the risk of asbestos exposure will be low or even non-existent (in some cases).

However, it is vital to be aware of the potential risks involved with asbestos before making a purchase.

If asbestos is evident and present in the house you like, ensure it is inspected by a qualified professional to assess the condition of the asbestos-containing materials.

If necessary, go for a thorough and detailed home inspection. With a little bit of due diligence, you can buy your dream home without worry.

Luckily, these days construction and building materials have only 1% asbestos, meaning there are no safety hazards. Besides, many asbestos products are not harmful to humans.

We also advise you to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are undisturbed and correctly by your contractor before purchasing or renovating a home with asbestos.

Lastly, don’t forget to check and review your state's laws and federal laws about managing asbestos.

How To Tell If There Is Asbestos In The Home You Consider Purchasing In Massachusetts?

When home buyers consider their options, they typically focus on finding a property in good condition. However, one potential deal breaker is often overlooked: asbestos.

Asbestos is a heat-resistant material used in various home construction materials, including floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles, and joint compounds.

While removing asbestos from homes is not legally required, it can be a significant concern for home buyers. 

In addition to the several health risks associated with asbestos exposure, the removal process can be costly and time-consuming.

As a result, buyers should be aware of the presence of asbestos before making an offer on a property.

Commonly used building materials that have asbestos along with potential asbestos locations in homes include:

• Between wall cracks, partitions, and Insulation boards.
  

• Find asbestos on the heating ducts.

• Insulation near boilers, ducts, pipes, wood stoves, and fireplaces.

• You might find asbestos near cement siding, floor tiles, and ceiling tiles.

• Almost all cement products, such as cement siding, gutters, and rainwater pipes.
  

• Adhesives and glues are used in the home, especially under floors.

• Near decorative material, textured walls often contain asbestos.

• Asbestos materials can be seen near roofing products.
  

• You will find asbestos fibers near Vinyl floor tiles and vinyl sheets.

Buyers, be aware: asbestos may be lurking in your prospective home. And it would help if you thought about how to remove asbestos from your home ASAP.

However, don't be alarmed just yet - if the building material is not damaged or "weak," the asbestos fibers will not get air-borne particulate and pose a health hazard to potential home buyers. But still, you should aim to remove asbestos from your home.

So, if you are out in the market looking for a new home and come across some suspicious materials, ask the home seller about it before you move forward with the purchase.

It's always better to be safe than sorry - especially when it comes to your health.

How To Manage The Asbestos Risks 

Luckily there are several options to manage the asbestos risks and asbestos-related diseases, according to the certified asbestos inspector. However, the three options are highly effective in minimizing the asbestos risks. These are:

Leave it alone-

If the asbestos inspection report states that it is in good condition, it would be better for you to leave it alone as long as it remains undisturbed.

Encapsulation –

In simple words, encapsulation is a simple process of making existing sources of asbestos safer with a sealant.

The sealant is compelling and builds a protective layer between the affected material and the indoor environment. This sealant also works against asbestos fibers and asbestos materials.

Asbestos Removal -

If your home contains harmful and damaged building materials such as crumbling drywall, insulation, or other affected soundproofing elements, you need to go for asbestos removal.

Remember, asbestos removal might not be straightforward, but it worth's it.

Bottom Line: Should You Consider Buying A House With Asbestos Siding In Massachusetts?

Asbestos was once a common material used in home construction. But today, it’s best known for its potential health risks. If you’re considering buying a home with asbestos siding, you should know a few things.

First, removing asbestos siding can be a costly and time-consuming process.

Second, even if the siding is left in place, there is still a risk of exposure if it becomes damaged or disturbed.

Finally, you should know that some lenders may be reluctant to provide financing for a home with asbestos siding.

However, if you’re comfortable with the risks, buying a home with asbestos siding can be a great way to get a deal on your dream home.

So, do your homework first and consult with the real estate agent and realtors to ensure you’re making the best decision for your situation.