EPA rules and pre-1978 real estate values

[Stephen Tashiro]

Will the new EPA rules about remodeling pre-1978 buildings have much effect on real estate prices of pre-1978 construction?

Since hazardous material removal is becoming a more well known procedure for contractors, are the costs of doing it going down? Is better equipment for it available?

[Joe Pelonio]

It's such a specialized process requiring a lot of safety precautions, that I would not expect a big drop in prices. That, and the disposal of hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead are going up.

Selling such a home is going to require disclosure and more often than not a careful inspection. Even if you cover an asbestos tile floor with hardwood if you know about it law requires you to disclose that to potential buyers. Yes, it would likely mean a lower price if the work has not been done ahead of time. Glad this house was built in 1982!