Property ownership comes with many different obligations. If the house was built from 1975 to 2021 then there might be regular infrastructure maintenance that needs to be done to ensure the house is safe. However, homes that were built before 1975 have a high chance of having dangerous substances, such as asbestos.
What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?
Asbestos is a highly dangerous fibrous substance that can be found in many homes and buildings. This substance was used as insulation in many older buildings and homes, as it is heat resistant, decay resistant, and a fire retardant. Asbestos, if kept in good condition, has the potential to not pose any dangers to humans, according to Massachusetts regulations.
However, once this substance turns into dusty, microscopic fibers, it can cause long-term health problems for humans which include asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other life-threatening asbestos-related diseases. These health impacts come from the fact that when asbestos breaks into the microscopic fibers, they can remain in the air for long periods of time and be unknowingly inhaled by humans. Once asbestos is found in a home or building and it is not in safe conditions it is very important that it is removed immediately.
How Much does Asbestos Removal Cost?
If there is a home that has asbestos and is posing a threat to those who inhabit it, there are some Massachusetts regulations that should be known prior to removal.
First, when asbestos is identified in a home or building and the intention is to have it removed, the Massachusetts DEP must be notified ten (10) working days prior to the removal, and the Massachusetts DLS must be notified ten (10) calendar days prior to removal.
Second, when notifying these agencies, you have to fill out an asbestos removal notification which requires a $100 fee for non-residential buildings. This also includes residential buildings that are being renovated into non-residential buildings. If the building requiring the asbestos removal is a residential building (a home with 4 or less units) or the removal is on behalf of cities, towns, counties, and other qualifying buildings then there is no fee required. There is also no fee required if the non-residential building is being renovated into a residential building after the asbestos removal. But, no matter what the building getting the removal is, the notifications still need to be sent to avoid illegal asbestos removal penalties.
Third, there is a cost for the actual removal of the asbestos. These prices vary by contractor and building size, this article features some
If you have any questions about asbestos removal in a home you are looking to purchase, our licensed real estate experts will have contacts that can provide you with more information.
How to Ensure that Your Home is Safe
In order to know if your house has asbestos, it is important that you know when your house was built and if there have been any major renovations since. As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, if your house was built after 1975 the chances of it having asbestos are low. But, if your house was built before 1975 then there may be asbestos in the infrastructure. However, if this is the case, it is important to know if the house has been renovated since it’s initial build. Renovations will disturb the asbestos and would require removal. Since Massachusetts is a “buyer beware” state, you may not have any prior information about your home other than the year it was built. If this is your situation, then you would need an inspection done. Inspections can be completed via test fibers, which the EPA can help you find places that can test the fibers for asbestos.
Suspect Asbestos is in Your Home? We Can Help
Home ownership has many aspects to it that can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first home. If the time and/or costs of asbestos removal is too much for you, we may be able to help you sell your home quickly in as-is condition without the need to go through the asbestos remediation process.
We are local professional cash home buyers that strive for the best outcomes for our clients. We can conduct a free consultation for you to help you get out of a potentially dangerous and expensive home due to asbestos by providing you with a cash offer and fast cash closing for your home. Our licensed real estate experts are here to help!
If asbestos is preventing you from having a safe home, feel free to contact us at 781-309-7085 or by using our online form and we will set up a FREE consultation (no obligations at all!).