Asbestos surveying is an essential part of any building’s maintenance plan. Not only can asbestos cause potential health risks if left undetected, but the cost of not testing for asbestos can be much higher than the cost of testing in the long run.

In short, it’s something worth investing in if you have a repair, renovation, or demolition project on the horizon.

Here’s what you might be wondering in terms of dollars and cents:

All About Asbestos Surveying

Asbestos surveying is the process of identifying the presence of asbestos in a building or material. Asbestos surveying involves collecting samples from suspect materials and sending them to a laboratory for analysis.

The laboratory will identify the type, amount, and condition of asbestos present in order to determine if it poses a risk to people’s health. Samples are typically collected from walls, ceilings, insulation, and other materials in a building.

Again, an asbestos survey is an important part of any building’s project plan, as it can help protect the health and safety of occupants by identifying potential hazards. If asbestos is identified in a building or material, it will help inform the plan of action for all involved parties.

Additionally, an industrial hygiene specialist may need to be hired to oversee the asbestos surveying and control activities.

The Average Cost of Asbestos Surveying

The overall cost of an asbestos survey can change from one property to another depending on the type of asbestos and the size of the area where testing will take place. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of the project.

Not scheduling an asbestos survey can cost you more in the long run. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause severe health problems if it’s not handled properly. Otherwise, asbestos remediation will be needed to mitigate the health risks of exposure.

Unfortunately, many people think that not surveying for asbestos — or even performing a DIY survey — is cheaper than having it tested and taken care of properly, but this could not be further from the truth.

The Costly Consequences of Not Scheduling a Survey

Not only can you ultimately pay more for a safe and proper home repair or renovation if you fail to invest in an asbestos survey, but failing to properly test for asbestos can cost you a significant amount of money in the form of fines and lawsuits from those affected by asbestos-related negligence.

For example, when remediation contractors unknowingly remove, transport, and/or dispose of asbestos-containing materials, they are violating laws established by:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — The EPA regulates asbestos removal.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — OSHA oversees standards regarding safe work processes and workplace exposure.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) — The DOT regulates processes that involve asbestos transportation and disposal.

And remember, always ask for proof of an asbestos license if you are hiring someone to conduct an asbestos survey. Asbestos credentials in Florida can be verified HERE.

Luckily, both Dave and Shannon Luce of Luce Air Quality are qualified industrial hygienists in the State of Florida! Consequently, all Luce Air Quality projects are overseen, reviewed, and approved by them.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today at 904-803-1014! We look forward to helping you find asbestos answers you can trust.