Asbestos has long been used in building products because of it's strength, and chemical and heat resistance. The problem is, asbestos is an extremely hazardous material. That's why laws have been enacted to help prevent exposure to asbestos, which is known to cause cancer. That's also why asbestos removal cost is very high.
In general, it's believed that after 1980 the use of asbestos in building material had been stopped. However, samples taken by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization in 2007 showed that a number of materials contained asbestos. Some materials, purchased at home improvement centers, for the purpose of testing, contained asbestos.
Although asbestos is not completely banned from use, it's crucial that the construction industry be aware that since there was most likely no asbestos inspection after 1980, there can still be the possibility of violation and liability.
Asbestos Surveys
Surveys differ from project to project and guidelines established by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Respond Act (AHERA) must be followed. Samples must be provided from the inside and outside of the building to contractors from the owner of the building.
Building owners and contractors are subject to a fine of two hundred and fifty pounds or more per day, if they fail to get an asbestos report. Home owners are exempt from getting the report if they are doing the work on their house. However, if contractors are brought in to do the work, they need to have a survey done.
Asbestos Removal Costs
Asbestos removal costs will depend on the size and requirements of the job. In extreme cases, involving pipes, floors, roofs etc, you may pay ten thousand pounds or more. Some charge a removal fee of two thousand, five hundred pounds and more, just for minor jobs. In some cases the contractor may be able to contain the asbestos instead of removing it. When that happens, a two thousand square foot home is usually between one to three thousand pounds, and that will include disposal fees.
Commercial Asbestos Disposal Costs
Commercial costs for disposal will be about ten or twelve pence per pound once the contaminated material is sealed.
