Asbestos Siding is it worth the hassle

[Brian Foote]

I am looking at a house that has asbestos siding under the newer vinyl siding. I have never dealt with asbestos siding.

The house is priced right, but I am wondering if dealing with the removal of the asbestos is worth the hassle and cost, especially if I am going to rehab and rent? 

[Anthony Angotti]

@Brian Foote depends. 

Are you able to see what the condition is? Also if it is behind siding check to see if that is good enough to be considered "encapsulation". 

Since it is outside of the house it's probably not as much of a risk to anyone living there, but that does not mean that there is NO risk. 

Generally speaking if it isn't friable or broken up then many people in my area just keep it painted well when it's outside which prevents it from becoming damaged/airborne. 

Your call and your risk though. First thing I'd do is see if that is good enough for encapsulation and get the cost on removal. The main problem I see is that if you ever want someone to work on it you'll have to tell them....some contractors then won't do anything unless you have it remediated. 

Will be a bigger problem with disclosures when trying to sell then renting it out because people just don't really understand actual risks of certain things in houses. If they see knob and tube, asbestos, water in basement, or mold they generally freak out.....even if it may be less than $2000 to fix. 

Long story short.......as long as you are compensated for the risk or cost to remove by a good purchase price......then I don't see the big deal personally.