Oil tank in basement - should I remove?

Oil tank in basement - should I remove?

Investor · Morristown, NJ · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 1 vote
Converting from oil to gas furnace. Should I remove the oil tank in the basement? Quote to remove is $700. It's a flip, but could be a rental if it doesn't sell at the right price. Thanks, David
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Lender · Berkeley, CA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 549 votes
9y
Take it out Be glad it's not underground.
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  • Contractor · Loganville, WI · Member since 2015 · 65 posts · 44 votes
    9y

    I left mine in when I replaced the furnace on my primary residence.  

    The main question is the basement living space or storage.  Also is the tank tucked away out of sight or easy to see.

    My basement is for storage and it was tucked way back in a corner that was very unlikely to ever be used for anything.  

  • Investor · Morristown, NJ · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 1 vote
    9y

    Thanks Nathan. It's sort of hidden, so not a problem from a storage perspective, but I'm worried about resale or further issues of contamination. It's in New Jersey, which seems to be more sensitive to oil tanks.

  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y
    If it is going to be a deficit on sale take it out. If you want to potentially save the $700.00 you can wait until they ask you to remove. It will come up in inspection I expect.
  • Lender · Berkeley, CA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 549 votes
    9y
    Take it out Be glad it's not underground.
  • Rental Property Investor · Yardley, PA · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 561 votes
    9y

    Keep it. You never know when you will have to hide a body!

  • Investor · Morristown, NJ · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 1 vote
    9y

    Thanks David. As a lender I'm guessing you see a risk. 

  • Lender · Berkeley, CA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 549 votes
    9y

    This just recently become a discussion point in the office, and the suggestion is "...just get rid of it..." 

    As for burying of bodies, it is New Jersey...

  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y
    In NJ, I'd remove it. You're likely going to have to when you sell it. As a rental, I'm sure no one will care... but at some point, it's gonna have to go.
  • Investor · Wyckoff, NJ · Member since 2015 · 100 posts · 35 votes
    9y

    @Account Closed

    For $700, I wouldn't even think about it.  No homeowner wants to think about potentially dealing with something like that.  Yank it out and move on!  Good luck with the project...

  • Investor · Morristown, NJ · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 1 vote
    9y

    thanks! It's clear, I will remove it ASAP! 

  • Darren SagerPro Member
    Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y

    Remove it, but $700 seems quite pricey to do that @Account Closed.  

  • Contractor · Greenfield, MA · Member since 2017 · 107 posts · 99 votes
    9y
    I've seen a rental property that was flooded with heating fuel because the renters assumed it was oil and the tank and the fill pipe were still there but no longer attached. Renters called for a delivery the truck came and pumped away. Remove all traces of it!
  • Lansdale, PA · Member since 2017 · 174 posts · 77 votes
    9y

    get a few quote on thumbtack, probably get it done for less than 500.

  • Investor · Asbury, NJ · Member since 2015 · 226 posts · 205 votes
    9y

    I would get more quotes on removal, that seems really high.

  • Bridgewater, NJ · Member since 2015 · 100 posts · 31 votes
    9y
    Get rid of it. most likely you will be asked to remove it when you go to sell the house.
  • Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    9y

    If it's pumped out just cut it up with a saws all and sell it for scrap.

    Start by drilling a hole to allow the saws all blade access and cut a window in the side to access any remaining oil. Clean it out and cut it up as small as necessary. It's not a big job.

    It is not explosive.

  • Real Estate Agent · Elmwood Park, NJ · Member since 2015 · 151 posts · 36 votes
    9y

    Get rid of it not worth dealing with it later plus in the eyes of the buyer they are usually discouraged in buying a house with a tank. 

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