Update basement floor- asbestos sticky tiles?

[Nicole A.]

My question today is actually about my personal home which was built in 1973.

We have a finished basement we plan to update. Currently, the floor has two layers of those sticky tiles. Some (of both layers) are coming loose.

I was considering floor choices. One thought was to go back to the concrete floor and polish/stain it. However, I suppose there's a chance that these sticky tile things have asbestos in them, right? 

How much do you think it'd cost to remove potentially asbestos flooring?

How much do you think it'd cost to polish (and maybe stain too) a concrete floor?

Should I forget it and just put a layer of some other flooring on top?

The area is roughly 1300 sq ft.

This is a home we'll probably live in for about another 5 years or more. If/when we move out, we'll rent out the home.

[Bill Tyler]

See if this website will help in identifying your floor tile and as to whether or not they contain asbestos.  

http://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Floor_Til...

Also - State guides for removal are usually very good.  Here is one from Minnesota that you could use as a guide (check to see if Maryland has something more specific).

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asbestos/flo...

How do you guys use your finished basement?  Is it extra living space or mainly storage? If it is extra living space keep in mind that if you choose to go with just the concrete floor - it might be very cold in the winter.  

Homewyse.com is a pretty handy website to estimate labor and material costs.