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Question:

asbetos floor tiles and home purchase?

I am looking at purchasing a home but on the disclosure form from the seller, it shows that there is asbetos tiles on the basement floor.I know asbetos is a problem but in this case how much would it cost to remove it? should this be a deal breaker?

Answer:

Asbestos floor tiles aren't a health hazard as long as you don't try to remove them. The best way to prevent any possibility of a problem is to cover them with another floor covering. Follow Up: Asbestos based floor tiles were manufactured as late as the 1970's, and existing supplies were allowed to be installed into the early 1980's. Lead paint wasn't an issue then, and asbestos pipe insulation wasn't either. It would depend on the age of the house, but if disclosure noted the tiles and nothing else, it is unlikely there is a problem. Real Estate agents are under considerable liability if they fail to disclose such things. I know because I used to do C of O repairs for a Real Estate agency.
Carpet, Tiles and floating floors.
Best thing is to cover the tiles with another floor covering, rather than to try to remove them. They're not dangerous just sitting there, it's the dust from breaking them up/apart/removal that can be really bad. Check on the local laws of removal.
The disclosure form is making you aware of the problem. You can do one of two things. You can require the tile is removed by THEM before you purchase the home (before closing) or you can get some estimates to have it removed and ask for a reduction in price by at least that amount. Or you could just walk away from the deal. If there's asbestos tile on the floor there is likely to be asbestos in the walls along with lead base paint if the house is old. I would probably walk away unless you can ABSOLUTELY have the rest of the house tested for those qualities. They may exist and that's why the owners are selling. Those are just my thoughts

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