Asbestos Testing Prior to Remodeling

Smart home remodels include asbestos testing prior to remodeling. Keep reading to learn why.

Reason for Asbestos Testing

The client is planning an extensive remodel of their property and complete demolition of the upper level. When the waste disposal company came out to provide a bid for disposal of debris, they informed the client that a full AHERA site survey would be required. Unfortunately, building owners and contractors are often unaware of the needs for asbestos testing until late in the project. A qualified AHERA inspector can help to limit abatement costs and provide a thorough report that will get the project done safely and within all relevant laws and regulation.

Excerpts from the client report below will give you an idea of what to expect from a professional survey. Review the photos, floorplan, and description of all suspect materials. If you contractor simply looks around, takes a few samples, and sends you a lab report, you are not getting your money’s worth!

Want to find out which materials may contain asbestos? Check out our Asbestos FAQ.

Sample Documentation

This represents a brief excerpt from the final report, and are consistent with what you will receive if you hire Hawk Environmental Services, Inc.

• Homogeneous Sampling Area: Jk-01
• Description of material: Wire insulation
• Color: Grey and white
• Pattern: Woven
• Condition: Good
• Category: Miscellaneous
• Locations: Throughout
• Quantity: Unknown
• Number of samples taken: One
• Sample ID number Jk-01-01
• Result: We did not detect asbestos in any of the sampled materials (please see PDF lab report for more information).

• Homogeneous sampling area: Jk-04
• Description of material: Variegated green/gray VCT
• Color: Green/gray
• Pattern: Variegated
• Condition: Good
• Category: Miscellaneous
• Locations: Kitchen, lower level hall, lower level bath, laundry room
• Quantity: Approximately 300 square feet
• Number of samples taken: One
• Sample ID number: Jk-04-01
• Result: The floor tiles in this sample tested positive at 3 percent chrysotile asbestos. The associated mastic in the sample did not contain asbestos.

• Homogeneous sampling area: Jk-17
• Description of material: Wood stove flue
• Color: Silver exterior, white interior
• Pattern: Corrugated
• Condition: Damaged
• Category: Thermal surface insulation
• Locations: Dining room ceiling, second level attic space, above the roof
• Quantity: Approximately 10 linear feet
• Number of samples taken: None
• Sample ID number: None
• Result: Based on a visual inspection, we assume that this material contains asbestos.

• Homogeneous sampling area: Jk-22
• Description of material: White fibrous boards
• Color: White
• Pattern: None
• Condition: Good
• Category: Thermal surface insulation
• Locations: Basement posts and joist nearest furnace
• Quantity: Approximately 10 feet by 4 inches
• Number of samples taken: None
• Sample ID number: None
• Result: Based on a visual inspection, we assume that this material contains asbestos.

Floorplans

A good asbestos site survey will include floorplans with the locations of all suspect materials clearly labeled. This takes time, but is invaluable to the client. With this detailed information, getting pricing on abatement and walking regulators through the project is easy.

Final Thoughts

Many clients will simply hire an abatement company to perform some testing and generate a bid. This may create a conflict of interest and yield high final abatement costs that may have been ultimately necessary. A qualified AHERA inspector will take the asbestos site survey seriously and work to produce a detailed final report. We tested the above property in 19 locations, and the clients ended up spending significantly less on abatement than they had projected. If you have an upcoming project that you would like to discuss, don’t hesitate to contact us today.