How to Budget for Asbestos Removal During Renovations
If you’re planning to renovate your home or an office building, you’re probably thinking of fresh paint, new floors and furniture. But there’s something else you need to consider; asbestos.
In the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in construction and if your building was built before then, there’s a chance it’s part of the materials used in building your walls, ceilings or floors. If you discover asbestos while renovating your home, it can slow down the work thereby costing you time and money.
So how do you budget for asbestos removal costs during renovations without getting caught unprepared.
Know Where Asbestos Might Be Hiding
Before you begin the renovation process, it’s important you know where asbestos might be hiding. Some common spots you should check out include:
- Old insulation (especially around pipes and attics)
- Popcorn ceilings and textured wall coatings
- Floor tiles and the glue beneath them
- Roofing shingles and siding
You can’t always see asbestos and they’re only dangerous when they are disturbed. That’s why they become an issue during renovation.
Here’s how you can prepare for asbestos removal during renovations:
- Start With a Professional Inspection
The best decision you can make during a renovation is to schedule an asbestos inspection before starting your renovation. A certified professional can take samples and test for materials that may contain asbestos. This helps to give you a clear idea of what you’re dealing with.
An inspection costs between $250 and $600, depending on the size of your space and the number of materials that were tested. It’s a good investment because it saves you more in the long run.
- Understand the Cost of Asbestos Removal
You must also understand the actual cost for asbestos removal incase it turns out you have some. The price depends on these few things:
- Size of the contaminated area
- Type of material
- Ease of access
- Location and disposal regulations
On average, professional asbestos removal costs between $10 and $25 per square foot. You may also need to budget for:
- Permits or project notifications
- Air monitoring and clearance testing
- Post-removal cleaning
- Build It Into Your Renovation Budget
In order to stay ahead of the game, you can set aside 10-20% of your overall renovation budget for unexpected costs- including asbestos removal. Even if you don’t need it, having that security gives you flexibility and confidence to go ahead with the renovation.
And remember, it’s better to overestimate than underestimate. The last thing you want is to exhaust your funds while you’re still halfway through the renovation project.
Conclusion
Asbestos removal isn’t a fun part of renovation but it can cost you more money if you ignore it. You need to plan properly during renovation to avoid unexpected issues and at the same time protect your health.
If your property is older and you’re planning to make major changes, assume there might be asbestos on the property so you should plan your budget accordingly for removal.
