How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in 2025?
Learn how to identify, manage, and safely remove asbestos from your home with expert insights on abatement methods and regulations.
Most homeowners pay between $1,190 and $3,256 for asbestos removal.
Costs vary based on location, size of the area, and removal method.
Interior removal costs $5 to $20 per square foot; exterior removal costs $50 to $150 per square foot.
Encapsulation is a cheaper alternative, costing $2 to $6 per square foot.
Hiring a professional ensures safe removal and compliance with regulations.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Asbestos removal costs an average of $2,211, with most homeowners spending between $1,190 and $3,256. Your costs can vary based on factors like location, size, and removal method. Budgeting for this project is crucial, and hiring a professional ensures safe and effective removal. On average, you can expect to pay $5 to $20 per square foot for interior removal.
Asbestos Removal Cost Factors
The cost of asbestos removal varies depending on several factors. You'll pay more or less depending on the size of the affected area, its location in your home, disposal requirements, testing, preparation, and labor.
Area Size
Interior asbestos removal costs range from $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on the area and its accessibility. To remove asbestos from a 200-square-foot room, expect to pay between $1,100 and $4,200. Exterior removal costs more due to the additional labor and equipment required. Removing asbestos siding costs $3 to $15 per square foot, while removing asbestos from a roof and shingles costs $50 to $120 per square foot.
| Square Footage | Average Interior Removal Cost | Average Exterior Removal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $1,350–$2,600 | $5,200–$15,500 |
| 200 | $2,700–$5,200 | $10,500–$31,000 |
| 400 | $5,200–$7,800 | $21,000–$62,000 |
| 500 | $5,200–$7,800 | $26,000–$78,000 |
| 1,000 | $7,800–$13,000 | $52,000–$156,000 |
Location
The location of the asbestos will significantly impact the cost of removal. Hard-to-reach areas require additional labor and specialized equipment, driving up the price. The affected rooms may also need to be sealed off during the process, which is easier in some areas than others.
| Location | Removal Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Flooring | $5–$15 |
| Popcorn ceilings | $9–$20 |
| Pipe insulation | $5–$15 |
| Walls and drywall | $8–$13.50 |
| Attic insulation | $11–$25 |
| HVAC ducts | $35–$55 |
| Roof | $50–$120 |
Asbestos Disposal
Since asbestos is considered a hazardous waste, disposal must follow the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Disposal costs vary by location, but most range from $10 to $50 per cubic yard. You’ll also have to pay $50 to $100 for a disposal permit.
Testing
Before removing asbestos, you must pay for a professional inspection and testing of all suspect materials. Asbestos testing costs an average of $250 to $850, depending on the method used. Dust samples can be as low as $120, while airborne testing may cost over $1,000.
Encapsulation vs. Removal
Depending on where the asbestos is located, you might choose to encapsulate it rather than remove it. Instead of demolishing and removing the asbestos, a contractor creates an airtight seal around it to prevent the fibers from escaping. Encapsulation costs on average $2 to $6 per square foot,which is less than half the cost of removal.
In addition to the above factors, it’s important to consider additional costs such as site preparation and labor.
Site Preparation
Preparation for the removal is one of the most significant cost factors, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. To prevent the asbestos from spreading, a contractor must seal off the area with plastic sheeting and use a fan to create negative air pressure. You will also likely have to evacuate your home during the removal, so it’s important to consider the cost of a hotel or other lodging.
Labor
When hiring a professional asbestos removal company, you may be charged an hourly rate instead of by square footage. Expect to pay around $75 to $200 per hour per crew member. Most jobs require a two-person team and take about eight hours, so you could pay between $1,200 and $3,200 in labor costs.
Asbestos Removal Cost by Type
Asbestos abatement costs largely depend on the type of asbestos in your home. Some types are more dangerous than others, requiring additional labor, preparation, and equipment to remove.
Amosite
Amosite, known as brown asbestos, is often found in thermal insulation and ceiling tiles. It’s quite rare and is the only kind that can pass through high-efficiency particulate air vacuums. You’ll pay 5% to 10% more to remove it than other asbestos types.
Chrysotile
Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is the most common and affordable type to remove. It’s typically found in building materials such as drywall, ceilings, or flooring tile.
Crocidolite
Crocidolite, also called blue asbestos, is highly dangerous due to its extremely thin, needle-like fibers. It’s very rare to discover it in residential or commercial buildings, but it is in some insulation materials, cement products, and tiles. You’ll pay around 5% more to remove crocidolite.
Tremolite
Tremolite is a common form of asbestos found in paint, roofing tiles, and insulation. It’s often in older constructions and contains long, needle-like fibers.
Anthophyllite
Anthophyllite is a yellow-brown asbestos found in some insulation materials, tiles, and natural deposits. Its small and short fibers make it more dangerous than other types of asbestos, resulting in higher removal costs.
Actinolite
Actinolite is often found in building materials such as insulation, cement, and sealant. It contains amphibole fibers, which are easier to inhale than other types of asbestos. Due to its dangerous nature, you’ll often pay more for removal.
Budgeting for Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal can be a complex project that adds up quickly, depending on the size and location of the affected area. To help keep your costs down, here are some budget-friendly tips:
Check with your local and state governments to see if they offer financial assistance or grants for homeowners who need asbestos abatement.
If possible, opt for encapsulation instead of removal to cut your costs in half.
Get quotes from local asbestos abatement companies to find the most cost-effective option in your area.
While you can’t remove asbestos-containing materials yourself, you can save on preparation costs by clearing the area of furniture and unaffected items.
Hire a reputable, certified contractor to ensure the removal is done correctly and avoid future remediation costs.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers once commonly used in building materials because of their resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. However, in 1975, research confirmed that these fibers cause mesothelioma and other cancers, leading to strict usage laws. If your home contains asbestos, removing it can prevent long-term health effects. You'll often find asbestos in the flooring, ceilings, pipes, and roofing of homes built before the 1990s. Common asbestos-containing materials include vermiculite insulation, vinyl flooring, millboard, and corrugated roofing. If you suspect you have asbestos or any of these materials in your home, it's important to hire a reputable abatement company to perform testing.
Currently, there is no federal licensing mandate for asbestos removal contractors. However, certain cities and states require certification and specialized training. For example, in some areas, contractors handling asbestos must receive an Asbestos Handler Certification. Be sure to check your local laws to ensure any contractor you hire meets the necessary requirements.
Homes constructed before the 1990s can conceal asbestos within building materials, and testing provides a definitive answer. You should have your home tested by a certified asbestos inspection service. This professional evaluation identifies hazardous materials and determines whether removal or encapsulation is necessary. Testing safeguards your family’s health and supports smart budgeting for remediation.
Federal law does not require you to disclose the presence of asbestos when selling your home. However, certain states and local jurisdictions impose disclosure regulations that you must follow. Testing and professional remediation confirm that hazardous materials are properly managed. This proactive approach not only meets legal requirements but also protects your property’s value and buyer health.
Asbestos removal affects a home’s resale value because hazardous materials can deter potential buyers. Having toxic substances present lowers buyer confidence and may reduce the property’s value by 1% to 15% if not addressed. Professional remediation ensures safety standards are met and preserves marketability, protecting your long-term investment.
Grants exist at both federal and state levels to support asbestos testing and removal projects. Local housing programs may also offer financial assistance when asbestos is discovered during home repairs. Meeting certification and testing standards is required to secure these funds, which help to manage overall project costs while ensuring safe remediation.
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