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September 23, 2009
Asbestos Removal Question
We are hoping to close soon on a south slope two-family. during the inspection it was discovered that the pipes in the basement are all wrapped in asbestos. the seller has agreed to remove/abate and pay for it, but doesn't want to do it until after the tenants move out, which is 60 days, right around the closing.
Does anyone have any advice or companies I could call myself to see if this is indeed a harmful process or if it could be completed while tenants are still occupying the building?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Comments
In my opinion this could definitely be done with tenants in the building (I assume they are not living in the basement). Most old houses have asbestos wrapped piping. Mine had it when I moved in. I can't remember the company I used but there are plenty of threads around recommending them. Then I had another company come in and test the air and give me a certificate that it was asbestos free.
Posted by: wasder at September 23, 2009 11:59 AM
If the seller is just gonna rip it out himself, take the money. If he's gonna get a pro to do it, then there's no need to move anyone out as there will be no asbestos in the air during and after the removal.
Posted by: denton at September 23, 2009 12:03 PM
denton is totally right. If the landlord is going to take a vacuum cleaner down there and say its done you are better off asking for a credit to have it done and getting it done correctly yourself.
Posted by: wasder at September 23, 2009 12:10 PM
You need to get the advice of a Licensed Asbestos Investigator. I an a registered architect and have used a firm called GAC Environmental for many years. I've always been pleased with their service. That said, abatement can be expensive. GAC's Tel # is (212) 875-9506. You can speak to Aaron, Matt, or Wayne. There are also many other reputable firms out there, but these are the guys I use.
Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 23, 2009 12:26 PM
I agree with denton and wasder. Seller has no financial incentive to do this right. Get a good, reliable quote and negotiate a concession in that amount. A bad job will increase your exposure.
Posted by: slopefarm at September 23, 2009 12:33 PM
I've been told that the reason asbestos has to be handled the way it is is to protect the contractors. With continued exposure, a person can develop health problems such as mesothelioma, etc. Obviously it needs to be cleaned up properly because you wouldn't want it circulating in your home but chances are your home is heated with steam, not vents. This is why there are so many cases of people that cleaned up after 9/11 being terminally ill - it was continued exposure. I found this place online that will come and give a free estimate - maybe try calling them.
Posted by: bedstuytownhouse at September 23, 2009 12:34 PM
bedstuy, this is old news indeed.
Posted by: denton at September 23, 2009 1:09 PM
To update, no there are no tenants in the basement (it's pretty gross). And we are going to put in the contract that the abatement MUST be done by a licensed asbestos abatement company and that we must have a copy of the paperwork and be able to inspect afterward to be sure the procedure was completed properly and safely.
I guess if it would be easier to do it the other way, the seller could agree to a price and deduct it from our offer and we could take care of it ourselves. Maybe then we wouldn't worry about whether or not she actually used a reputable company or the cheapest she could find.
Posted by: maribrooklyn at September 23, 2009 1:34 PM
if you did it yourself, wouldn't you need the cash? For my house, it was 3K. It's almost like adding to your down payment. I don't think that they can give you a cash refund (though I could be wrong). I think I'd actually lean towards letting the seller do it, so you have a nice clean house when you take possession. Just make sure you get the paperwork, including the air-quality tests afterwards.
Posted by: cottontop at September 23, 2009 1:51 PM
one lil' thing, after the abatement is done, make sure you re-insulate using fiberglas, else you'll be losing all that heat.
Posted by: denton at September 23, 2009 1:54 PM
Good point, denton and cottontop. Yes, we'd need the cash which is tight already, so our preference is for the seller to do it. I guess we should include the reinsulation in the contract as well, which I had not thought of.
So a different company tests the air quality afterward, correct?
I guess we should add that in as a contingency as well.
Man, that asbestos is a REAL pain. :)
Posted by: maribrooklyn at September 23, 2009 2:00 PM
I saw have them take care of the issue. Give them a list of two or three companies to choose from to ensure they use a reputable company - write this in the contract. If you were in their position, you would find the cheapest place to do it - we all would.
Posted by: bedstuytownhouse at September 23, 2009 2:17 PM
If the lining is good condition and you're not planning any parties in the cellar, why not leave well enough alone? You can always do the abatement later.
Posted by: cmu at September 23, 2009 2:38 PM
All old houses had this at one time or another. I don't blame the current tenants for not wanting to live there while its going on. I don't see why it matters one way or the other - as long as its done by a professional company before you move in, the net result is the same.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at September 23, 2009 4:13 PM
Here is a good consultant I have used: http://www.habader.com/.
Posted by: AbruzzoBodziak at September 23, 2009 11:16 PM
is this the house on 18th Street bet 4th & 5th? I seen the job, u are better off getting it done yourself...
Posted by: alrosariojr at September 24, 2009 12:06 PM
actually 5th & 6th :)
Posted by: alrosariojr at September 24, 2009 12:08 PM
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