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Asbestos Removal Cost

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?

low cost Minimum: $1,500-$3,000
low costHigh: $20,000-$30,000

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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:
  • TheBlueBook.com lists asbestos consultants and contractors. Get cost estimates from several companies. Ask for (and check) references, and see if there are complaints with the Better Business Bureau, your local air pollution control board and your state's worker safety agency.
  • 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.
Article updated November 2006
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Recent Posts
Amount: $5,000.00 Two sections of the celing in my home
Posted by: MsDauzy's Farmer's Expereince in Vallejo, CA.Purchased: January, 2010
Contractor: Farmer's Insurance - Preferred Vendor
I think I've been ripped off!
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Amount: $450.00 15 Ft of Pipe around a boiler
Posted by: RitAnthony in Rockland, MA.Purchased: March, 2010
Areas: 15 Ft of Pipe going around a boilerSq/linear Feet: 15 ft
Contractor: National Abatement Inc. Saugaus, MA
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.
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Amount: $0.00 Questions
Posted by: House on corner in Lake City, FL.Purchased: 2009
Areas: outside wallsSq/linear Feet:
I am in the process of purchasing my home when I was just told that the outside walls are covered in Asbestos. I am a Chronic Asthmatic and have been having breathing problems since October. What do you think I should do first?
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Amount: $1,080.00 Asbestos in kitchen/laundry/bath flooring glue
Posted by: first time homeowner in Campbell, CA.Purchased: April, 2010
Areas: kitchen/laundry/bath flooringSq/linear Feet: about 250-300
Contractor: Alliance
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.
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Amount: $0.00 Asbestos Find
Posted by: 1st Time Homebuyer in Texas in Somewhere in Central Tx, TX.Purchased: July, 2010
Areas: External WallsSq/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.
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Amount: $0.00 1st Time Homebuyer
Posted by: Asbestos Consultant in Dallas in Carrollton, TX.Purchased: July, 2010
Areas: External WallsSq/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.
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Amount: $6,000.00 Vaulted Popcorn Ceilings
Posted by: Pleased Customer in Redmond, WA.Purchased: August, 2010
Areas: popcorn ceilingSq/linear Feet: 1,200 sq ft
Contractor: Affordable Environmental
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.)
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