Call Us Anytime!
(844) 935-2345

The Price Of Asbestos Removal: A Guide To Cost And Safety

Published on March 29, 2023

Hidden
Address Autofill

By clicking Get Cash Offer Now, you agree to receive text messages, autodialed phone calls, and prerecorded messages from We Buy Houses 7 or one of its partners.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Asbestos removal is a cost that must be considered when remodeling a home. In 1979, the carcinogenic material had been banned internationally. However, stockpiled materials continued to be used in many homes during the 1980s. Because asbestos poses a significant health hazard in the home, its removal has to be strictly regulated. Removing asbestos costs between $450 and $6,000, depending on the specific removal process, the amount of asbestos present, and the space size. 

cost of asbestos removal

In this case, remediating a whole home costs between $15,000 and $30,000. Contacting several local asbestos removal firms is best to get the most accurate estimates.

Asbestos Removal Cost Breakdown

Asbestos removal has a wide range of costs because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people may only need to remove the asbestos from around their basement pipes, while others may have to replace their entire roof. Let’s review the relevant cost factors.

Size of Affected Area

The larger the area, the more expensive it is to remove and dispose of asbestos. This is particularly true if the removal requires you to seal large areas. The average cost of asbestos indoor remediation projects ranges from Between $5 and $20 per sq. foot depending on where you are. 

cost of removing asbestos

Costs of removing the substance from external locations such as a roof, siding, or a wall. Spend $50 and get a freebie at $150 per square footThe accessibility of the home has increased dramatically. Whole-home remediation that comprises indoor and outdoor areas costs $5,700 or more, depending on the house’s overall square footage. 

Interior Square FootageAverage Removal Cost
100 to 200 Square Feet$1,250 – $2,500
From 200 to 400 square foot$2,500 – $5,000
400 to 600 square foot$5,000 – $7,500
600-1,000 square feet$7,500 – $12,500

Asbestos Location

Asbestos removal is cheaper inaccessible areas, whereas inaccessible places may require extensive sealing or demolition. For example, to remove asbestos from a floor pipe spanning three rooms, each room must be sealed off, and you’ll have to use multiple negative air fans. That’s before demolishing the floor. If a pipe of a similar length is in an exposed basement, you’ll have to seal the basement off, but demolition isn’t needed.

Asbestos LocationRemoval Cost
Walls and Drywall$8 – $13.50 per square foot
Attic Insulation$11 – $25 per square foot
Roof Shingles$50 – $120 per square foot
Siding$7 – $9 per square foot
Flooring and Floor Tile$5 – $15 per square foot
Pipe Insulation$5 – $15 per square foot
HVAC Units$35 – $55 per square foot
Basement$5 – $20 per square foot

Walls and Drywall

asbestos removal prices

You’ll typically pay 8 to 13 dollars per square foot To remove asbestos from a drywall or wall. For example, the cost of removing asbestos from 1,500 square feet will be about $20,000Encapsulation is a cheaper alternative to removing asbestos. Encapsulation is a cost-effective way to stop asbestos fibers from entering the air. The price per square foot ranges from $2 to $6.

Attic Insulation

The amount of insulation and its accessibility will determine the cost. There’s a wide range of costs, but attic asbestos removal typically costs. The price per square foot ranges from $11 up to $25. After removal, installing new insulation will cost Between $1,700 and $2,100.

Roof Shingles

Asbestos removal in roofing is very expensive due to the accessibility issues. Roof asbestos removal is usually priced between The price per square foot ranges from $50 to $120Plus the cost to install new roofing. The average roof replacement costs $5,800 to $12,500.

Siding

Removal of asbestos siding costs between 7 to 9 dollars per square footMost homes built before 1980 contain asbestos as a fire retardant. Removal isn't required in some states, like New Jersey, so modern homeowners often prefer to repair and encapsulate the siding to keep costs low. Replacement siding costs From $5,600 up to $17.500.

Flooring and Floor Tile

Most homeowners will pay. The price per square foot ranges from $5 to $15 to remove asbestos from floor tiles. The removal of asbestos from floor tiles requires mechanical removal. However, most homeowners will only need to cover the asbestos with new flooring. This is the case. tile floor installation would typically cost between $800 up to $4,550.

Pipe insulation and wraps

The cost of removing asbestos from pipes is typically around ÂŁ400. The price per square foot ranges from $5 to $15. For wraps, you’re looking at around. The price ranges from $2 to $5 a linear foot. The higher the price, the harder it is to get these features.

HVAC Units

The cost of removing asbestos from HVAC insulation depends on the level of contamination. The cost of removing asbestos from an HVAC is typically around ÂŁ500. From $35 to $55 a square foot due to the difficulty in accessing ductwork or working in small spaces. In some cases, it’s more affordable to replace the HVAC unit than bother with remediation, costing Between $5,000 and $12,500 for a replacement.

Basements

The cost of asbestos removal depends on the accessibility. Basements finished can be expensive. Enjoy 25% more than unfinished basements because they require more setup and demolition. You can expect to pay around ÂŁ500 for basement asbestos removal. The price per square foot ranges from $5 to $20.

Costs of Setup and Precleaning

cost for asbestos removal

The cost of asbestos removal can be high, with 60 to 70% of the total bill being labor-intensive. These efforts range between $240 to $350 per hour, depending on the job's complexity, and total anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 or more. 

Pre-cleaning or prep work is crucial. This involves turning off HVAC systems, creating a decontamination space, and installing fans that remove contaminants by using filters. Some asbestos removal experts even place warning signs and prepare disposal containers before the job. 

Labor Costs

The average homeowner spends 75 to 200 dollars per hour on asbestos removal for labor per crew member. The average two-person team takes about eight to ten hours to complete the project, depending on the room's amount of asbestos. In general, labor costs add up to $1,200 up to $3,200 and often include a separate contractor fee of Between $800 and $1,500 to cover permits, overhead, and asbestos disposal. 

Materials and Equipment 

Asbestos can be a hazardous material that requires many different tools and materials. This equipment and tools add up to approximately $450. The job you do will determine the type of. 

You can expect to find a wide range of safety equipment, such as fans and sealants. Respirators can be expensive. Spend $30 and Get $150 per unit; protective eyewear costs $10 to $30 per pair, and Tyvok whole bodysuits cost $25 to $50 each. Asbestos removal pros also wear rubber boots and disposable gloves when working with asbestos. 

Asbestos Disposal

Asbestos can be classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of according to EPA guidelines. Costs vary from state to state, but it’s typically From $10 to $50 per cubic foot and $50 to $100 for the permit.

Asbestos Test Cost

You may also want to hire an asbestos professional to test before. The following are some examples of how to get started: after removal. It will allow you to assess the problem. After, it ensures that no asbestos has snuck into your HVAC system and no longer asbestos fibers are in your home’s air. An asbestos test costs Between $250 and $850. The average cost for a complete air quality report is $400.

Additional Asbestos Removal Cost Factors

asbestos remediation cost per square foot

Commercial Buildings

Removing asbestos from commercial buildings doesn’t differ too much from residential spaces. Commercial buildings will require different licenses and permits, depending on the city and state. EPA guidelines are required for all commercial work. 

Additionally, office buildings are usually much larger in size than comparable residential properties, so the overall cost of working there will be much more expensive. Sealing off commercial property takes more time and requires more material. 

Types of Asbestos

Asbestos

All removal processes are similar types, and the colors of asbestos fibers are much smaller than others and require more attention during installation and removal. Each asbestos type has its own characteristics and removal costs.

  • Chrysotile WhiteThis type of asbestos is most commonly found, and its fibers are between 0.5 and 0.6 microns. This type of asbestos is most affordable to remove due to its abundance. 
  • Crocidolite (Blue)It is the most hazardous asbestos, and its fibers range between 0.7 to 0.9 microns. Due to the danger of this type of asbestos, there is an increase in costs. You can expect a cost increase of approximately five percent on asbestos removal.
  • Amosite Brown This type of asbestos is rare and the only type that can pass through most HEPA vacuums. These fibers have a size between 0.20 microns and 0.26. The smaller-than-average size of these fibers requires removal specialists to be cautious to prevent accidental inhalation. This increases costs by five to ten percent.

Asbestos Encapsulation

Since encapsulation saves on demolition and disposal costs, it’s usually 15% to 25% cheaper than removal. Encapsulation is cheaper than removal. The price per square foot ranges from $2 to $6The cost of encapsulation quality sealing is generally high. $115 per gallon.

Repairs

Some states do not require homeowners to remove asbestos siding. They can still make repairs. Repairing asbestos siding costs, on average, about $700 to $5,000, depending upon the size of the repair area and the particular issue. If local regulations allow it, encapsulating the siding may be affordable. For other items like ductwork, drywall, and tiles where encapsulation is not an option, you’ll have to remove and repair the object at an additional cost to asbestos removal. 

DIY Asbestos Removal Costs 

cost asbestos removal

While you can save on any purchase, choosing the most convenient place for your savings is best. $75 to $200 per hour completing asbestos removal or encapsulation yourself, we don’t recommend it. This job is dangerous, and you’ll need the right safety equipment, a HEPA vacuum, sealant, and a way to dispose of the asbestos properly—all adding to your expenses and safety risk. Local ordinances might also prohibit or restrict DIY asbestos abatement. Asbestos abatement is expensive. However, hiring an asbestos removal professional can save you money. local asbestos removal companies can save you serious health risks, time, and hassle.

Cost of Asbestos Removal by Yourself Vs. Hiring Contractors 

You shouldn’t DIY asbestos removal because of the strict laws regulating demolition, encapsulation, removal, and disposal. Professional asbestos removal will help you avoid potential violations. But asbestos is also carcinogenic, and it can cause cancer. affect your health. It’s not hard to accidentally inhale asbestos fibers if you’re not using the proper gear correctly—and most people don’t have a HEPA vacuum lying around. 

If you are hiring an asbestos removal contractor to remove asbestos, ensure they have the necessary licenses and permits and know all local and state laws. The contractor should be familiar with OSHA and EPA standards. OSHA requires those who supervise asbestos removal to meet the EPA Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan, even if your state does not require it.

Saving Money on Asbestos Removal

Asbestos abatement

It’s typically best to let a pro handle asbestos remediation, but you can save on costs in a few ways.

  • Choose encapsulation rather than demolition and disposal for savings of 15% to 25% on the project cost. 
  • Get multiple quotes from professional asbestos removal contractors.
  • Research whether you’re eligible for tax credits for your asbestos removal project.
  • Check to see if your homeowner’s insurance will cover removal costs (usually only applicable if asbestos exposure is due to a covered incident like a tree falling on your roof).  

When Should Asbestos Be Removed?

cost per square foot for asbestos removal

Follow the advice of your asbestos inspector when it comes to removing the hazardous material. Diseases caused by asbestos can take many years to manifest after repeated exposure. In general, remove asbestos when the fibers become airborne. Besides that, you should also be on the lookout for asbestos-related symptoms and consider combining asbestos removal with other home renovations.

Symptoms

Asbestos inhalation is a very serious and dangerous health risk. The symptoms of asbestosis are a persistent dry cough, chest tightness, pain, loss of appetite, and widening of fingers and toes. Asbestos fibers trapped in the lungs cause scarring. It is important to note that symptoms can take between 10 and 40 years to appear. 

Improved Projects

Homes constructed before or during the 1970s are likely to contain asbestos. If you live in an older home and are undergoing renovation or remodeling projects, it’s a good time to inspect and remove offending asbestos fibers as it’s discovered. As you are tearing down a building, watch for any white, brown or blue fibers. As soon as you locate asbestos, use extreme caution. Remember, asbestos only poses a threat when it is exposed or loose. Destroying the building will do both. If you discover it, cover it tight until you can do a thorough test and inspection.

FAQs

Are asbestos removal contractors certified?

There is no federal licensing mandate for asbestos removal contractors, but certain cities and states require certification and specialized training. In New York City, for example, anyone handling asbestos must receive specialized training. Asbestos Handler Certification

How do I know if there’s asbestos in my home?

Test your home to find out if it contains asbestos. You can hire an asbestos removal and testing service to determine if you have this hazardous material and the best method for removing or sealing it.

Do home sellers have to disclose the presence of asbestos to prospective buyers?

Federal law doesn’t require homeowners to disclose the presence of asbestos in their homes, but state and local municipalities may require it. Testing an older home for asbestos and other health hazards is important before starting a home sale.

Can you get free asbestos removal?

Unfortunately, the government does not provide funding for asbestos removal and testing. Some organizations do offer limited grants, but they are very rare. Hiring a professional asbestos removal service is best to ensure your home’s safety.

Hidden
Address Autofill

By clicking Get Cash Offer Now, you agree to receive text messages, autodialed phone calls, and prerecorded messages from We Buy Houses 7 or one of its partners.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Copyright © 2024
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram