How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in 2024?

If you’ve discovered that 500 square feet of your house contain asbestos, you will likely spend between $2,600 and $9,850 if it’s located within the building. However, removing it from the home exterior may set you back $5,500 to $73,500. The asbestos removal costs can fluctuate based on the location, accessibility, asbestos type, containment methods, disposal fees, and project scope. More extensive or widespread contamination typically leads to higher expenses due to the increased labor and materials required.

The price of asbestos removal for a 500-square-foot area

Asbestos Abatement Cost Breakdown

From roofing shingles to insulation to pipe coatings, your home may be literally covered by asbestos-contained materials if it was built or renovated before the late 1980s. Once the integrity of these surfaces is disturbed, they release needle-like fibers into the air, becoming a health hazard. The risk is heightened during home renovations or demolitions. Professional and regulated asbestos abatement is required to prevent potential exposure and eliminate the long-term health risk. How much does asbestos remediation cost? Keep reading to discover. 

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Inspection

If you suspect the presence of asbestos at home, you need to schedule an inspection and laboratory testing, which can cost from $245 to $860. As a visual check is nothing but crystal gazing, specialists collect multiple samples from different parts of the house and send them to a specialized lab for analysis. 

Preparation

Professionals can charge you $1,000 to $3,800 for your home preparation, covering everything from planning to providing materials required to prevent asbestos from contaminating other areas. Contractors will look after your HVAC system, air ducts, and the site. They’ll also install negative pressure units to prevent contaminants from circulating. Homeowners are usually required to vacate the premises during abatement.

Encapsulation

In some cases, contractors can apply a coat of specialized sealant to asbestos-containing surfaces to bind the fibers, preventing them from becoming airborne. This method ensures the hazardous asbestos particles do not pose a risk of inhalation. Encapsulation is often a preferred alternative to total removal as it typically costs up to 25% less.

Removal 

If encapsulation is not an option, you can spend $1,200 to $3,200 to remove asbestos-containing materials. Contractors wet the surfaces to prevent noxious particles from lifting into the air. Once the materials are adequately dampened, they carefully bag and seal them to ensure that the fibers are contained. These sealed bags are then placed in specialized protective units for safe transportation to disposal facilities. 

Cleanup 

Once the asbestos removal is over, contractors will install a specialized air filtration system (HEPA filters) to capture even the tiniest particles remaining. Additionally, they may conduct clearance testing to confirm that the area is contamination-free. Post-removal procedures are typically included in the overall asbestos abatement cost.

Disposal

The disposal of asbestos materials is charged separately, ranging from $11 to $62 per cubic yard of asbestos waste. After the procedure is completed, you will receive official documentation confirming that everything has been performed following regulations. This documentation proves that the asbestos has been safely and legally handled, providing peace of mind.

The home asbestos removal cost 

Factors Affecting the Total Asbestos Removal Cost

When making a ballpark estimate of upcoming asbestos removal, several key factors come into play. These include the project scope, the type of asbestos-containing materials, and their location around the house. Understanding these variables can help you manage expenses and ensure a safe, compliant, and thorough asbestos abatement process.

Asbestos Type

Asbestos comes in various types, with some being more venturesome than others. Chrysolite is the most widespread and pocket-friendly option to remove, while crocidolite, or ‘blue asbestos,’ is the most dangerous. Hence, due to the higher risk involved, the average asbestos removal cost can increase by 6%. Moreover, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to asbestos abatement, meaning contractors may charge more for specific procedures. 

Size of the Treatment Area

Removing asbestos inside your house can cost $5.20 to $19.70 per square foot. If you need to clean asbestos off your home’s exterior, you should be ready to outlay $11 to $147 per square foot. 

The asbestos removal cost per square foot

Asbestos Location in the House

Residential asbestos removal costs depend significantly on the location of the contaminated area within the house. For example, asbestos confined to a single room – found in ceiling, tiles, or floor – typically requires less extensive work than asbestos seated in a pipe or duct system. The latter can extend through multiple rooms or even the entire house, increasing the number of person-hours and efforts required to complete the job. Additionally, areas that are difficult to access, such as tight crawl spaces or attics, may increase labor costs, further affecting the total expense of the asbestos removal process.

The price of asbestos removal by location in the house

Additional Expenses to Consider Estimating the Home Asbestos Removal Cost

Do you have a feeling that you overlooked some crucial details when estimating the ballpark cost of asbestos removal in your home? We are here to help you see the whole picture. Below are factors that you must account for when preparing your budget. 

Asbestos Amount

The quantity of asbestos in your home can make the project more affordable or expensive. Larger areas with extensive asbestos contamination will call for more time and effort to complete the job, leading to higher fees. Whether asbestos is limited to a small section of your ceiling or spread across multiple rooms, its quantity present can substantially influence the labor and resources needed for complete removal.

Permits & Disposal Fees

Local regulations often require permits to ensure safe and compliant asbestos removal practices. Additionally, disposing of asbestos waste comes with its own set of fees. Specialized landfills and disposal procedures are mandated to minimize health risks, and these requirements can add to the overall removal costs.  

Materials and Equipment

Specialized gear, such as protective suits, respirators, and containment supplies, is necessary to ensure the safety of both workers and residents. Typically, site preparation can add $450 to $700 to the final bill. 

Post-Removal Repairs

Asbestos removal is not the most light-touch procedure, meaning your home may require additional repairs afterward. Whether patching up drywall, repainting, or replacing flooring, these repairs can add up quickly and should be factored into your overall budget for asbestos removal.

Labor Cost to Remove Asbestos

Professionals can charge from $77 to $210 per hour for asbestos removal. Hence, the total labor fees can land between $1,250 and $3,300, based on your project’s peculiarities. Please note that every step in the removal process comes with its own set of costs. Thus, about 70% of your expenses can be devoted to setup and pre-clean. Contractors can charge from $260 to $875 for testing before and after removal to provide an accurate contamination assessment.

How much does asbestos tile removal cost in your area? Use the MyHomeQuote platform to get a personalized answer. Submit your request, identifying your ZIP code. Once it is processed, you will receive up to five estimates. 

The price of asbestos removal by labor

What Is Asbestos? 

Asbestos represents a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of thin, needle-like fibers. Due to their heat-resistant properties and strength, these fibers were extensively used in various construction materials, including insulation, roofing, and flooring. When it came to light that asbestos is dangerous when airborne, it was banned in most countries. However, it remains in older buildings, making its safe removal essential. 

Top Reasons to Remove Asbestos from Your Home

As it is common knowledge that asbestos fibers can cause severe health issues when inhaled, including lung cancer, its removal is vital to ensure the safety of your household. Plus, homes with asbestos are less attractive to potential buyers. Removing it can increase your property’s market value. In many areas, the law mandates the safe removal of asbestos, especially during renovations or demolitions. Compliance is crucial to keep hefty fines and legal complications at bay. Moreover, knowing your home is free from hazardous materials gives you peace of mind that your living environment is safe for you and your loved ones.

How to Handle Asbestos Safely

Attention: It is always better to delegate asbestos handling to experts as they have everything necessary to minimize exposure. 

If you decide to undertake the task, don’t disturb materials suspected of asbestos. Even minor disturbances can release hazardous fibers. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and disposable coveralls when entering an area with asbestos. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, but avoid using vacuum cleaners that are not equipped with HEPA filters, as they can spread asbestos fibers. Finally, seal off the contaminated area to prevent fibers from contaminating other parts of your home.

Why Trust Experts for Safe Asbestos Removal

Professionals have the specialized training, expertise, and top-notch to complete the project with little to zero health risks. They follow strict regulations to ensure that asbestos fibers do not become airborne, protecting you and your family from exposure. Experts can efficiently identify all asbestos-containing materials in your home, guaranteeing thorough removal. DIY methods often fall short of these standards, putting you at unnecessary risk.