What does it cost to have asbestos kitchen tile removed?
Jugi asked:
We just bought a house and discovered that there is old asbestos tile under the linoleum in the kitchen. We were planning on putting in hardwood. Roughly how much would it cost to remove the asbestos tile? It’s not a large kitchen – it’s 9′ x 10′. I know no one can give me an exact cost, I’m just wondering what ballpark we’re talking about. Thanks!
We just bought a house and discovered that there is old asbestos tile under the linoleum in the kitchen. We were planning on putting in hardwood. Roughly how much would it cost to remove the asbestos tile? It’s not a large kitchen – it’s 9′ x 10′. I know no one can give me an exact cost, I’m just wondering what ballpark we’re talking about. Thanks!
March 20th, 2010 at 8:16 am
It’s too bad you can’t have someone come in and cut around the total kitchen with a little special saw and then tear up the whole underlayment floor……..then after you lay the hardwood you won’t be to high for the dishwasher to get out or any problems with anything else. Most the time the refer is alright, but not always. That would be the easy way………just cut and tear it up……….I use to do it all the time…………but it’s been a while now…….good luck.
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:26 am
It is difficult to say without knowing what state you live in. Some states like New Jersey, New York and California have very strict and complicated rules that will add to the cost of removal.
Also part of the cost of removal is the cost of disposal. You can’t just bag this stuff and leave at the curbside on trash day. In New Jersey it can lead to a $10,000 fine and even jail time.
Now for the good news, if you are dealing with just asbestos – vinyl floor tiles, they are not as dangerous as asbestos pipe insulation or plaster with asbestos in it. The asbestos fibers are locked into the vinyl and unless cut with saw or smashed up, the tiles pose a very small health risk.
My first question is how do you know the tile have asbestos in them? Where the tiles tested in a certified lab? I ask because if the tiles really don’t have asbestos in them -then you don’t have a problem.
If your kitchen is in New Jersey then it would probably cost at least 3 – 7 thousand dollars to to remove and dispose of the tiles. It’s difficult to say because each job might have its own special circumstances and all of the removal companies are private contractors in a business that few people do any comparative shopping in.
Maybe you should start with a call to your state department of health, though in New Jersey they would direct you to the department of community affairs for information on asbestos (bueacracy you got to love it). Many states will give a list of approved contractors for asbestos removal. And they should provide you information on your state’s laws regaurding asbestos. Once again some states have almost no rules at all.
What ever you do keep records of what happened just in case any questions should arise in the future or if you should sell your house.
Also see if your state allows you to sue the former owner of the house for the cost of removal. Some states demand the seller of a home has to have an inspection and a certification that the home they are selling is free of enviromental hazzards like asbestos and lead paint. Once again it depends on what state you are in and the terms spelled out in your agreemnet of sale when you bought the house.
March 23rd, 2010 at 6:36 am
If the tiles are in good condition, why not put the hardwood on top of them.
I presume the previous tenants never had a problem with the floor.