Protecting Your Investment: Why Asbestos Testing Should Be Your First Priority When Buying Long Island Real Estate
When purchasing a home on Long Island, due diligence extends far beyond checking the foundation and roof. For properties built before 1980, one of the most critical—yet often overlooked—aspects of the buying process is asbestos testing. This essential step can protect both your family’s health and your financial investment for years to come.
Understanding the Asbestos Risk in Long Island Properties
Until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos, with homes built before 1980 potentially containing some form of asbestos used for insulation, siding, or roofing materials. Long Island’s housing stock includes numerous properties from this era, making asbestos testing particularly relevant for local buyers.
Asbestos was added to various products to strengthen them and provide heat insulation and fire resistance, but breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to increased risk of lung cancer. The material has been linked to severe health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
When Asbestos Testing Becomes Critical
Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed should be left alone, but only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled. However, if the asbestos products are damaged, or if you plan to renovate or demolish areas of the home that contain asbestos materials, you should consider the risks of asbestos exposure.
For Long Island property buyers, this means asbestos testing becomes essential when:
- Purchasing homes built before 1980
- Planning renovations or additions
- Noticing damaged or deteriorating building materials
- Discovering visible signs of wear in insulation or flooring
The Professional Testing Process
You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released.
A certified asbestos inspector will conduct a comprehensive visual assessment of your property, examining areas where ACMs are commonly found, such as insulation, flooring, roofing materials, and textured coatings, identifying potential asbestos-containing materials and assessing their condition.
Financial Considerations for Long Island Buyers
Budgeting for asbestos remediation is crucial when planning to renovate an older home. Consider the potential costs of asbestos removal when budgeting for your new home. Prospective buyers should allocate a budget for both identifying and potentially removing asbestos.
Cost considerations include:
- Removing asbestos from walls usually costs between $8 and $13 per square foot
- Removing asbestos from pipe insulation generally costs $5 to $15 per square foot, while popcorn ceiling asbestos removal costs between $5 and $10 per square foot
- Encapsulation of asbestos in walls costs around $2 to $6 per square foot
Working with Qualified Long Island Professionals
When asbestos is discovered, professional remediation becomes necessary. Companies like Green Island Group Corp., which specializes in Asbestos Abatement Long Island, provide comprehensive environmental services to Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and NYC residents. Green Island Group Corp. has successfully completed over 5,000 restoration services projects in the New York State area, with their mission being to help as many homeowners return to a safe, secure environment as possible.
They follow NYS, NYC, and USEPA regulations to ensure proper removal and protection of workers and occupants, providing the expertise and regulatory compliance essential for safe asbestos handling.
Negotiation Strategies and Legal Protections
You can usually get an estimate from asbestos removal professionals and, from there, you can decide if the home is still worth purchasing. You may even be able to negotiate this added expense into your purchase agreement with the seller of the home.
If asbestos is discovered, you may have options such as requesting the seller to cover removal or encapsulation costs, negotiating a lower purchase price, or ensuring proper management of the asbestos if it’s not removed.
The Bottom Line for Long Island Property Buyers
If you are planning to buy a property on Long Island, an asbestos inspection is a critical step in your due diligence process. It helps you make informed decisions by providing a clear understanding of any asbestos-related risks associated with the property.
You do not necessarily have to avoid purchasing a home if it contains asbestos. Asbestos can be removed safely when done by a professional. The key is understanding what you’re dealing with before you commit to the purchase.
For Long Island property buyers, asbestos testing isn’t just recommended—it’s essential due diligence that protects both your family’s health and your financial investment. By working with qualified professionals and understanding your options, you can confidently navigate the home-buying process, even when asbestos is present.