How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in 2025?

Asbestos Removal Cost Factors

Several key factors affect the total cost of asbestos removal, including the size of the affected area, where it is in your home, disposal requirements, and initial testing. 

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 $1,000 and $4,000. Exterior removal costs more due to the additional labor and equipment required. The cost to remove asbestos from shingles or siding can range from $50 to $150 per square foot.

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. 

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 the location of the asbestos, you can choose to encapsulate it rather than remove it. Instead of demolishing and removing the asbestos, a contractor will create an airtight seal around it to prevent the fibers from escaping. The average cost of encapsulation ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot, less than half the cost of removal.

Other Asbestos Removal Cost Factors

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

Local asbestos removal companies may charge an hourly rate instead of by square footage. You’ll often pay an average of $75 to $200 per hour per crew member. Most jobs require a two-person team and take eight hours, costing $1,200 to $3,200 in labor. 

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.

Does Asbestos Removal Increase Home Value?

Asbestos removal can significantly increase the value of your home. Sellers are legally required to disclose the presence of asbestos, which deters many buyers due to the significant health risks and removal costs. Knowing that the abatement is already complete will attract more potential buyers and increase the value of your home by 1% to 15%.

Budgeting for Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is a complex project that can quickly add up depending on the size and location of the affected area. To keep your costs down, consider the following budget-friendly tips: 

• Inquire with local and state governments to see if they offer financial assistance or grants for homeowners who require asbestos abatement. 

• If the area allows it, opt for encapsulation rather than removal to cut your costs in half.

• Compare prices from local asbestos abatement companies to find the most cost-effective option in your area.

• While you can’t remove any asbestos-containing materials yourself, you can save on preparation costs by clearing the area of furniture and unaffected materials.

• 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.