Both buying and selling a home are exciting ventures, especially in Massachusetts. There are many reasons why this US state makes for a beautiful place to call home:
- A great school system and one of the highest rates of educated populace in the US
- The beauty of all four seasons throughout the year
- Some of the most delicious seafood you’ll ever find
- Incredible, natural beaches
However, there may be a hidden intruder in your home that you need to be mindful of before you sell or purchase a house in this beautiful state.
Asbestos - The Hidden Intruder in Your Dream Home
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral. In the past, it was used in many building and industrial products because of its resistance to heat and fire. However, it is also the cause of serious health issues to the respiratory system which can lead to death.
If a house was built before 1980, there is a high likelihood that asbestos was used in the construction of the home. If it does exist in your home or a house that you wish to purchase, these are the places where you are likely to find it:
- Insulation for boilers and pipes
- Siding and roofing materials
- Loose fill insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles
You will not be able to discover asbestos simply by looking at a home. More importantly, do not try to remove asbestos on your own!
When asbestos is tampered with, the dangerous fibers are released into the air and may be inhaled by people and pets around it. You must always hire a professional to do the job. We will discuss this later in more detail. First, let’s look at the legal aspects surrounding homes with asbestos in Massachusetts.
Do You Have to Disclose Asbestos in Massachusetts?
If you are selling your home in Massachusetts, legally, you do not have to disclose the presence of asbestos. However, if your home contains formaldehyde foam insulation or lead paint, you do have a legal obligation to notify the buyer about their presence.
Although, if you suspect that your home may have asbestos issues, it is important to indicate this information in the disclosure agreement for the sake of the buyers and their family.
Similarly, if you are looking to buy a home and are worried about asbestos, either ask the current home owner to be honest about their experience or hire a licensed contractor to inspect the home before you buy it.
Always Hire A Professional to Remove Asbestos from A Massachusetts Home
If you are worried that asbestos might be posing a danger in your current or future home in Massachusetts, hire a team of professionals to assess the situation for you and ensure that life can continue as normal for the homeowner. There is no price on health, and it is everyone’s personal responsibility to ensure that asbestos will finally become a thing of the past in US homes.
For example, RidAway offers a professional asbestos removal service, which includes 100% asbestos removal, industry safety protection, and free insulation installation.
Don't wait for a health problem to appear! Call RidAway now to deal with any asbestos issues on time and let us help you make your life in beautiful Massachusetts even better!
