Asbestos is hazardous when airborne; if inhaled, tiny particles can cause lung or stomach cancer. Details about where asbestos might be found are provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Tearing asbestos releases tiny airborne particles, so it's best to cover or otherwise control asbestos rather than removing it. If it's completely intact and in good condition, asbestos is not dangerous. Visit BetterHomesandGardens.com for an overview.
Typical costs:
Removal costs vary widely depending on circumstances. Removing a 10-foot section of asbestos pipe insulation could be $400-$650. Some contractors have a minimum fee of $1,500-$3,000, no matter how small the job is. And a complete removal in a 1,500 square foot home with asbestos everywhere--walls, floors, ceilings, attic, roof, pipes--could be as high as $20,000-$30,000.
Have an independent inspector do an initial asbestos inspection; the White Lung Association says this costs $400-$800 for an average 1,500 square foot house, including lab fees; and a re-inspection at the end of the project can be $200-$400. If lab work is done separately, a sample analysis averages $25-$75.
What should be included:
One company should inspect your home and make recommendations about containing or removing the asbestos; a separate firm should do the actual work; the first company will do a follow-up inspection. The work site must be sealed off from the rest of the house and clearly marked as a hazard area. The Environmental Protection Agency provides details
Do-it-yourself asbestos removal is discouraged because improper handling creates a real hazard. If you're determined, check with your state and local health department for training programs. To see what's involved, NaturalHandyman.com gives step-by-step details for removing an asbestos-laden "popcorn" ceiling. Note: If you pay someone to remove asbestos, even a family member, they have to be a trained asbestos professional.
Shopping for asbestos removal:
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization outlines guidelines for choosing a qualified asbestos contractor.
Confirm (in writing) that the inspection will include a complete visual examination and lab analysis of carefully collected samples, plus frequent site visits to ensure the work is being done properly. A list of accredited laboratories is provided by Environment, Health and Safety Online.
The written contract should list details of the work and cleanup, and any federal, state and local regulations that must be followed, including notification and disposal procedures. To find out what these are, contact your state and local health departments and the EPA regional office. When done, the contractor should provide a written statement saying all required procedures were followed.
Jimmy was friendly and professional he came out and estimated the job $450. Will hire them to do job. They also did Mother in laws house for around the same price.
Our kitchen/bath/laundry linoleum was really old and the flooring store wanted it tested to make sure, and while there was no asbestos in the flooring itself, there was some in the glue used to attach it. Even though it's non-febrile, we decided to use a professional abatement firm. We discovered the old vanity cabinet sat on top of the old flooring, so the project included removal of the old cabinet, unattaching the sink, faucets + the old toilet, which pushed the cost up to $1,080. I was satisfied with the work -- they showed up at 8am, blocked off the area with plastic sheets, stuck a negative air machine out the window, went underneath the linoleum and took out the underlayment beneath the flooring, plus scraped any glue (used to attach the floor base) off the walls. The next morning, they took all the equipment out.
Posted by: 1st Time Homebuyer in Texas in Somewhere in Central Tx, TX.
Posted: July 23rd, 2010 08:07AM
Areas: External Walls
Sq/linear Feet: 1700
In the beginning process of purchasing a home found out the external walls of this 1935 year home contains asbestos shingles, under hardiplank. What should I do? Back out while I can? Or is this not a problem because it is not on the interior? Please advise if you have the answer. Thank you.
Posted by: Asbestos Consultant in Dallas in Carrollton, TX.
Posted: July 27th, 2010 07:07PM
Areas: External Walls
Sq/linear Feet: 1700
To 1st Time Homebuyer in Texas... I work in the asbestos field for a consulting agency. The asbestos in the shingles under hardiplank can be of concern depending on the condition of the shingles and the hardiplank. Asbestos is only dangerous if it becomes friable, which means able to be crumbled by hand pressure. If the hardiplank is in good condtion I would have minimal concern as the hardiplank acts as a "casing" for the asbestos material and makes an exposure minimal.
This was for popcorn on vaulted ceilings that were, for the most part, at least two stories high and up to three. If you're in the Seattle/Redmond area, I'd recommend Affordable Environmental... we had three quotes and they were the cheapest. They did the work quickly and we don't have any complaints. :) (Note: this DOES NOT include the cost of repairing and painting the drywall afterward, which they do not do.)
I am a first time homebuyer looking to buy a house on the south shore or mass. I looked at a house i really like but the furnace and about 10 feet of pipe looks like it's covered in an abestos heat sheild. Should I walk away or ask the seller to pay for testing/possible removal fees???
Posted by: First time home buyers trying to decide what's best... in Denison, TX.
Posted: March 29th, 2011 03:03PM
Areas: Outside house
Sq/linear Feet: 1480
me and my husband are 1st time home buyers, we found a house we like and found out it has asbestos siding, we have a toddler and a new baby on the way, would it be safer to just remove the siding or would it be ok to leave it? Could we possibly have it encapsulated for cheaper? Also if we do go for removal should we have the current owners pay for it because it'll be at least $7,500 to remove it and that doesn't include cost for residing!
I recently discovered vct tile under the carpet that I was going to remove. I am intereted in finding an abatement co. in or around the south lake Tahoe area, ie, Reno, Carson city, sacramento, to contact me to give an estimate as to the cost of removing said material from said sfrnmy email is: dolfan462000@yahoo. comrnThank you
getting ready to purchase a new home. inspection revealed there is knob and tubing wiring in the attic, as well as vermiculite insulation. Since vermiculite insulation is known to contain asbestos, it would need to be removed before upgrading the wiring. Has anyone had experience with vermiculite insulation, know the costs, and can recommend a contractor in the Denver, CO area to handle the abatement?
I bought a home that has vents made intirely of asbestos. There are 5 vents in the concrete slab. they need replacing, looking for a affordable contractor in the Chicago land area.
the guys came in and were very professional.covered the walls and floors with plastic.had machines filter the air.set up a walk through shower.they explained the whole process to me,and showed me the area before they started the work.
We are first time home buyers. We love this house 1400 sq ft but it has popcorn ceiling & needs a new roof. How much is it for for removal and replacement? Should we walk??we would be all in. We don't know how to negotiate the price. Its on the market for $89900. Need some pearls of wisdom...please!
If I do the asbestos removal in a unit that I would like to buy (mine is 1700 sq ft, and is one of 9 units). How does this removal impact me and the other 8 owners, if they don't do any removal? Is a permit allowed for only one of nine units?rnThank you,rnPatrick Doherty
Posted by: Asbestos homebuyer in Charlottesville, VA.
Posted: March 17th, 2013 02:03PM
Areas: utility/bathroom
Sq/linear Feet: 180 sqft
Contractor: OCW Environmental
We had asbestos floor tiles removed from our basement. This cost included pulling the sink and toilet, and moving the washer dryer to remove the flooring underneath. They set up a containment system and were very thorough removing all the adhesive and cleaning up after themselves.