We cover many facts about asbestos and asbestos removal on our Services page, but below are additional questions we often get asked:
The law in Massachusetts is that restoration companies and/or homeowners are supposed to get an asbestos survey done even for minor demolition/renovation work.
If the Massachusetts DEP conducts an asbestos test at the dumpster when a contractor dumps a load containing contaminated materials, the fine is $50,000. This is because contractors ought to know better; the contractor license they need to renew every couple of years includes continuing significant education about asbestos. (If a regular homeowner was caught doing the same, he would likely be warned or subject to a much lesser fine, since he didn’t have the formal education that contractors do and is thus less accountable.)
That depends on the scope of the demo/renovation project area. Costs can run anywhere from $700 – $300 for asbestos testing. For example, testing a bathroom area would be closer to $700, while testing a whole house could run closer to $2,000 or $3,000.
No. There are two parts to the asbestos testing and removal process. Our company is only responsible for conducting the testing and survey, then letting you know if (and where) we find any asbestos. An asbestos removal company will do the actual removal. We can assist by recommending good asbestos removal companies.
If your house is 100+ years old, you don’t need to worry about asbestos. Asbestos was only used in construction from the 1930s through 1980s, with an emphasis on World War II through 1985.