New York City, NY · Member since 2015 · 40 posts · 7 votes
BP,
My wife and I just got an offer accepted on a two family that was built in 1960 and in pretty good shape. An inspection found old insulation in attic that needs to be replaced. What's the general consensus on asking the seller to remove and replace before going to contract? Is that acceptable or is that something that the buyer would normally just take care of?
Rental Property Investor · NC · Member since 2018 · 776 posts · 776 votes
7y
You can ask them to credit you for the replacement or require them to replace due to the results of the inspection. Up to you. I doubt they would remove it though. Especially if it’s the blow in insulation.
Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
7y
You can certainly ask. As long as you’re willing to lose the deal over it, ask away. (The second you send an amendment to the deal saying “our offer is now this price after you fix the insulation.” The seller can say no thank you I have this better offer over here, goodbye. Until you send that amendment the seller is stuck with you.)
New York City, NY · Member since 2015 · 40 posts · 7 votes
7y
@Frank Geiger and @Bill B. thank you for getting back to me. I appreciate your time. I did a little research and it does not appear to be a major expense to get it done which is making me lean towards taking care of it on our end. I would hate to lose this deal over that ask. Thanks again.
Investor · North Central Montana · Member since 2018 · 40 posts · 17 votes
7y
I would insulate over the top. Just be sure not to cover any intake vent baffles on the eaves of the house. That can cause moisture to build in the attic in your area.
Real Estate Investor · Williamson County, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 961 votes
7y
@Michael Tranzilli Shot? I cannot imagine why insulation would need to be removed unless it is wet or maybe rat carcases, feces everywhere. Usually old insulation gets compressed or is just inadequate and new sruff is blown over it. There is some sort of aesbestoes typw insulation they used a long time ago but often the advice with aesbestoes is to leave it undisturbed.
I was going to say the same thing as @Matt M. and @Marian Smith. The specific kind of attic insulation that may or may not be contaminated with asbestos is called vermiculite. It looks like little fluffy pellets of stuff and cannot be confused with any sort of insulation sold in batts, rolls, sheets or blankets.
New York City, NY · Member since 2015 · 40 posts · 7 votes
7y
Matt Michaelson and Marian Smith thank you very much for your advice. This is my first go around with REI and I am learning on the fly. I appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Thank you!