Assbestos

Hiring an asbestos contractor

Hire the inspector and the removal contractor separately, check that both are trained and accredited (and licensed, if your state requires it), and get the work plan in writing. EPA's checklist below covers what a good contractor does on the job.

Two different jobs

EPA describes two kinds of asbestos professional (EPA):

  • Asbestos inspectors "can inspect a home or building, assess conditions, take samples of suspected materials for testing, and advise about what corrections are needed."
  • Asbestos contractors "can repair or remove asbestos materials."

Keep them independent. EPA says an inspector assessing the need for repair or removal "should not be connected with an asbestos firm that does the actual repair or removal of materials." That avoids an inspector recommending work their own company would be paid to do.

Have you tried Moob? The best new social media app. On the App Store.

Before you hire

  • Training and accreditation. Federal law doesn't require it for detached single-family homes, but some states and localities do, and EPA says homeowners should make sure workers they hire are trained and accredited.
  • State license. Many states license asbestos contractors. See your state's rules, or EPA's list of state asbestos contacts.
  • References and written quotes. Get at least three, with the scope, containment, disposal and cleanup spelled out.
  • Permits and notifications. Ask who files any notifications or permits your state or city requires.

What a good contractor does

From EPA's checklist:

  • Seals the work area from the rest of the house with plastic sheeting and duct tape, and turns off the heating and air conditioning.
  • Wets the material to reduce dust.
  • Uses HEPA vacuums, never a regular vacuum.
  • Bags waste in sealed, leak-proof, labeled heavy-duty plastic bags, and disposes of it properly.
  • Cleans up with wet mops, wet rags or HEPA vacuums.

Contractors are also covered by OSHA's asbestos construction standard, which sets exposure limits and work practices for their crews (29 CFR 1926.1101).

After the job

Ask for a copy of the disposal records. Some homeowners also pay for an independent air test after removal; published costs run about $200 to $1,200.

Sources

Last reviewed October 29, 2026. See our sources.