Home Asbestos Testing – What are the Costs?
Asbestos Test Cost Variables
Several factors affect how much asbestos testing will cost.
- Home Size – The larger the home the longer the survey can take, and the more asbestos samples will likely be required.
- Ease of Access – Can the inspector easily get to all parts of the home to inspect and/or test?
- Geographic Location - How far will the technician need to travel to get to the property?
Typical Costs
Read on for more about asbestos testing and the variables involved that would affect the cost of having your home tested for asbestos. Based upon all the variables described below, the normal range of asbestos testing is between $230-$780. The national average for an asbestos test is $482. According to Angi (formerly Angies list), the low end for the testing is $100 while the high end is $1,992.
Based upon Turn-Key Environmental 20 plus years’ experience with asbestos surveys and testing, these prices are consistent with our experience.
The Cost of Asbestos Surveys and Testing
Before remodeling, disturbing walls, floors, ceilings etc. or similarly adding an addition to the home, it is important to know if asbestos is present. If it is, then it will need to be abated, or removed. Otherwise, the asbestos fibers will become airborne and create a health concern for the family and others.
Because of its unique properties, asbestos had many uses in the construction industry. Often it can be found throughout a building.
There are a few products that often contain asbestos such as: flooring (see our blog “Asbestos Flooring – What to Know“), mastic, (glue, for the flooring), window glazing, pipe wrap to name a few.
- The Asbestos Survey is an investigation throughout a building identifying where asbestos is likely to be.
- Asbestos Sampling and Testing is performed in the areas identified through the survey as likely to contain asbestos. Samples are taken and sent to a certified laboratory. This testing determines if asbestos is present.
Example of Testing Flooring for Asbestos in a Home
A homeowner has hired a flooring company to install new flooring in their kitchen. When the flooring company arrives, they tell the homeowner they cannot proceed to remove the old flooring until it is tested for asbestos. The homeowner is typically caught off guard by this. All work stops until the floor is sampled, the results are in, and the report is written. If the floor does contain asbestos, it will need to be abated, removed, before the flooring company can proceed.
In this example, a complete home survey was not required. However, a survey of the flooring was conducted to determine how many samples to take. With asbestos floor tiles, each tile can be a different color. By regulation, each color tile must be sampled.
Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Remember when considering the costs of asbestos testing to also consider the dangers of significant asbestos exposure. As we’ve reviewed in other blogs about asbestos, asbestos is a dangerous substance. Asbestos is dangerous because it can break down into microscopic fibers that can remain airborne for days after being disturbed. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can travel deep into the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to serious diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos Regulations
Asbestos is highly regulated by state and federal authorities because it is dangerous. Turn-Key Environmental Consultants has several State of Ohio, licensed asbestos professionals who conduct asbestos surveys and sampling/testing.
There are many variables which can affect costs as you see in the example. Call Turn-Key Environmental Consultants, the asbestos professionals, to help you. 937-335-8807.
