The cost of asbestos abatement varies greatly depending on the size of the contaminated area and type of material. If the asbestos is in good condition and undisturbed, it can actually be left as is. However, if the material is damaged and flaking, or a renovation is planned, then proper abatement must be done. Although this can seem like a headache, with proper precautions and a capable abatement contractor, it can be an easy and affordable addition to your renovations.
Step 1: Asbestos Testing
Before determining the asbestos removal price, by a licensed asbestos inspector. An asbestos inspection and assessment generally costs between $500 and $2,500, depending upon the size of the renovation project. A whole house inspection can cost as much as $2,500. Asbestos inspections consist of taking a small sample of the suspected material(s) and sending to a lab for testing.
Step 2: Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos abatement costs for a typical single-family home usually run anywhere from 3,000 to $4,000 or more. The most common types of asbestos abatement projects and their average costs are: removal of asbestos covered pipes ($3,000 to $10,000), asbestos siding disposal (up to $35,000 for an entire house), removal of a residential boiler with pipes and fittings ($4,000 to $8,000), or selective asbestos demolition of contaminated sheetrock and joint compound (an additional $1,000 to $2,000 per room when compared to normal demolition). These costs certainly add to a renovation but are still a relatively small percentage of your overall project cost. Besides, it’s required by both state and federal regulations and will prevent you from inadvertently contaminating your house and exposing your family to asbestos health risks.
Step 3: Final Inspection
Once the abatement is completed, a final inspection is the last step. A visual inspection is performed to confirm there is no remaining dust or debris, than air sampling is performed to confirm the air is clean and free of asbestos. It is critical – and required – to complete this final step as asbestos fibers may remain suspended in the air for days after disturbance. This usually costs about $400 to $700.
Once all of this is completed, you can relax in your safe, freshly renovated home! It’s important to realize that while asbestos abatement might seem like an unnecessary cost, it’s a worthwhile investment and essential to the health of its inhabitants.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us!