Short answerIn older homes, asbestos may be found in some vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring backing, cement siding and roofing, pipe and duct wrap, and some insulation. EPA advises that material in good condition is usually best left alone. It becomes a hazard when damaged or disturbed. Testing and removal are jobs for trained, licensed professionals.
What do inspectors check?
Inspectors note suspect materials but cannot confirm asbestos without lab testing.
What are the common findings?
- Common in materials from before the 1980s.
- Usually not an insurance issue, but remodeling plans change the math.
How serious is it?
The hazard is fibers released when material is damaged or disturbed.
What does it cost to fix?
| Item | Planning estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos testing or removal | Licensed specialist quote only |
Planning estimates, not bids. Local contractors may price differently.
When is a specialist needed?
A licensed asbestos professional for testing, removal, or encapsulation.
If you are selling
Fix cheap safety items before listing, get a quote on anything big, and disclose what you know. What to fix before listing. Do not disturb suspect material.
If you are buying
Sort the finding into normal for age, negotiate, specialist, or walk away. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove asbestos tile myself?
Do not. Hire trained professionals.
Is asbestos siding dangerous?
Intact cement siding is generally stable. Cutting or breaking it releases fibers.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.