2024 Asbestos Removal Cost Guide - How Much to Budget?

Ever wondered if there's asbestos in your home? Asbestos is a mineral fibre found and used worldwide from the late 1800s to the early 1990s. It was commonly used in building materials and insulation, since it doesn't catch fire easily, making it the perfect fire prevention material.

However, using asbestos comes with its risks. The World Health Organization has estimated that millions of people die each year from exposure to asbestos fibres and other materials containing asbestos. Inhaling or ingesting these tiny fibres can lead to cancer, lung disease, and other serious health problems.

How Expensive Is Asbestos Removal in Canada?

What Factors Affect Asbestos Removal and Cleaning Costs?

Scope of Work

A key cost-determining factor in asbestos abatement is the amount of asbestos present in the home. The bigger the contaminated area, the steeper the cost.

Location of the Asbestos: Floor Tiles vs. Attic

As a rule of thumb, the harder the asbestos is to reach, the more expensive its removal will be. For example, if asbestos is found in a tight crawl space or cramped attic, the contaminated area isn't only more difficult to access, but the removal process is also more hazardous for the technician working in such a confined space. If found under flooring, even if some degree of work is needed to pull back the floor tiles, removal is generally easier than in an attic.

Type of Asbestos

Abatement costs change based on the asbestos type since some varieties are deemed more of a health risk, requiring stricter safety measures. Amosite asbestos is one of the most hazardous and is generally more expensive to remove given the heightened safety measures required. On the flip side, chrysotile (white asbestos) is cheaper to remove, whereas crocidolite (blue asbestos) is somewhere in the middle, mirroring two different difficulty and risk levels associated with each type. 

Asbestos Testing

If asbestos contamination hasn’t yet been confirmed, a specialist will have to carry out a visual assessment coupled with laboratory testing to determine whether the substance is asbestos or not. The selected abatement service will factor in sampling and testing fees.

How Much Should You Budget for Asbestos Abatement Per Square Foot?

Source: Canva

For an average-sized project, you can expect to pay between $4,000–$5,000 for a one-storey home under 3,000 square feet. However, for more complex or large-scale projects, costs can exceed $6,000, upwards of $11,000. Typically, costs are split between homeowners and their insurance providers. The removal process can last anywhere between four days to two weeks and generally is divided into multiple stages. 

As for removing asbestos-contaminated flooring, costs will depend on the size of your home and the amount of asbestos to remove. For example, removing 10% of the flooring in a two-storey, 2,000-square-foot house, will cost roughly $1,500. On the other hand, if 90% of the flooring must be removed, costs will be around $2,750 for a same-sized property.

What Services Are Included in Asbestos Removal Cost?

Asbestos abatement typically includes the following services:

• Initial home inspection

• Removal of loose or friable materials, such as drywall, ceiling tiles, or insulation

• Before removal, the remaining material surfaces are hosed with a sodium bicarbonate and water solution

• Post-removal, all surfaces are cleaned with a detergent solution

• Complete cleaning of all surfaces inside and outside the building

• A negative air machine will be used to create a vacuum-sealed environment during the cleanup

• Site cleanup

• Follow-up visits for post-removal services

What Are the Additional Costs?

Repairs

If the asbestos abatement service company must tear down walls, rip out flooring, or carry out any other type of demolition work, the damage left behind will be yours to repair. Although the latter isn’t directly linked to the cost of asbestos removal, it’s still something to consider when assessing overall expenses.

Size of the Contaminated Area

Removal will be relatively simple if the asbestos found is confined to specific areas around the house. However, if asbestos is found in pipe insulation or wrapping, many rooms throughout the house may likely be affected, depending on the pipeline’s trajectory. As a result, the need to seal every room to proceed with the abatement does qualify as additional work, which, in turn, incurs more costs.

Our Tips for Making a Well-Informed Decision

In conclusion, asbestos removal projects can represent a significant investment, which will differ based on several factors, such as the size of the contaminated area, the type of asbestos found, and job complexity. Although costs may be quite steep, hiring qualified professionals is important to ensure a safe and efficient removal. With meticulously planning and factoring in said aspects, you can better manage your expenses and guarantee a healthy environment for yourself and your family.

FAQ

Who is qualified to clean up asbestos in Quebec?

In Quebec, there isn’t an official licensing or certification program for professionals working on asbestos-contaminated sites. However, to ensure you hire a qualified contractor, with the appropriate training, you can visit the Registre des détenteurs de licence (licence registry) to check whether the contractor is licensed by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. As for specialized contractors, their licence should include the following subclass: Sitework Contractor (2.7) or Insulating, Waterproofing, Roofing, and Siding Contractor (7.0). For general contractors, look for the following subclasses: Small Buildings Contractor (1.2) or All Buildings Contractor (1.3).

How much does mould or vermiculite removal cost?

To learn all about mould and vermiculite removal, check out our article Go-To Guide for Decontamination and Remediation Processes.

How much does it cost to dispose of asbestos?

Don't attempt a DIY asbestos removal. Leave it to qualified, asbestos abatement professionals. Your hired contractor will dispose of it but note that there's likely to be a slight quantity-based fee. 

How much does it cost to remove an old popcorn ceiling with asbestos?

Note that removing popcorn ceilings can be quite a messy job, therefore, hiring a licensed abatement professional is paramount. Also, prices will differ based on the square footage and the scope of work. That said, it typically ranges from $6 to $10 per square foot. However, do budget for additional fees as professional contractors must sample and test the asbestos prior to removing it. Moreover, depending on the scope of work and square footage, budget for disposal fees (prices are based on the amount of waste), as encapsulation is not an option here.