Prior to renovating your home or other structure an inspection must be performed to identify asbestos containing materials when areas greater than certain trigger levels are disturbed. A licensed asbestos inspector will identify those materials. Asbestos inspectors will also discuss the general steps necessary to ensure safe abatement of the asbestos. The trigger levels are:
- In single family residences, 32 square feet or 50 linear feet or will fill a 55 gallon drum. Anything greater will need to be abated using a certified asbestos abatement contractor.
- Other public and commercial buildings, 160 square feet or more than 260 linear feet or will fill a 55 gallon drum. Anything greater will need to be abated using a certified asbestos abatement contractor.
Also, in the state of Colorado, if these trigger levels are exceeded a permit is required. It usually takes ten days to obtain the permit. The permit may require 60 days, if non-standard abatement techniques are used. There are other methods for ensuring safety that do not include removal. Such methods include leaving it as is (if the material is not damaged and not likely to be disturbed), enclosing the asbestos material or encapsulating the material. Use this link to to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to read more about asbestos prior to renovating your home.
Risk Removal is a certified asbestos abatement contractor. Certified asbestos inspectors are found on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment website.
Learn more at our residential services page.
I’m planning on renovating my home. I didn’t know that asbestos might be a problem! It would definitely be a good idea for me to get a professional to inspect my home to make sure that I don’t accidentally unearth some during my renovation.
We are looking to renovate our home for next year. I thought about getting our home inspected for asbestos but was unsure of what the benefits would be. I would completely agree that they can be a huge problem! We would recommend having your home inspected for these prior to remodeling. We will definitely do this before we renovate.
I just started renovating a fixer-upper that I bought, and I didn’t think about the trigger levels for asbestos. It is important to me that it’s taken care of as soon as possible so that I can move ahead with the renovation. I’m glad this article gave me some perspective when it comes to getting your home inspected and treated.
My wife and I want to renovate our kitchen this summer, so thanks for sharing this. I like your point about how a licensed asbestos inspector can check the area first. We’ll be sure to do this so we don’t expose ourselves to any deadly materials.