Before any renovation, demolition, or abatement project in a pre-1980 Philadelphia property, a certified asbestos inspection is the essential first step. You cannot determine whether a material contains asbestos by looking at it — laboratory analysis of a collected sample is the only reliable method.
Philadelphia's building permit process for older structures increasingly requires documentation of asbestos surveys, and mortgage lenders and buyers often request testing reports as part of real estate transactions involving pre-1980 properties.
Types of Asbestos Testing We Provide
Pre-Renovation Survey
The most common testing request. Before beginning any renovation that will disturb building materials in a pre-1980 Philadelphia property, a certified inspector surveys the home, collects samples of all suspect materials, and submits them to an accredited laboratory. You receive a written report identifying which materials contain asbestos and at what percentage, along with a recommended abatement plan if needed.
This survey is required by Philadelphia AMS regulations before renovation or demolition permits can be issued for properties containing asbestos-containing materials.
Bulk Material Sampling
If you have already identified a specific material you're concerned about — pipe insulation, floor tiles, ceiling texture, siding — we can sample that material specifically without a full-property survey. Results are returned from our accredited laboratory within 24–48 hours and provided in a written report suitable for permit applications or real estate disclosure.
Air Quality Monitoring
Air sampling is performed when airborne fiber concentrations need to be measured — either as a baseline before work begins, during abatement to ensure containment is effective, or as a final clearance test after abatement is complete. Air samples are collected using calibrated pumps and filter cassettes and analyzed by NVLAP-accredited laboratories using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) or Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Post-Abatement Clearance Testing
Federal and state regulations require independent air clearance testing after asbestos removal before an abated space can be re-occupied. Our inspectors perform clearance testing independently of the abatement contractor, providing the unbiased verification required by EPA regulations. A written clearance report is provided within 24 hours of sample analysis.
Real Estate Transaction Testing
Philadelphia's older housing stock means asbestos disclosure is a real consideration in property sales. Whether you're a seller preparing to disclose, a buyer seeking peace of mind, or a real estate professional protecting a transaction, we provide written inspection reports that document the asbestos status of the property clearly and professionally.
What Happens During an Asbestos Inspection?
A certified AHERA inspector visits your property and conducts a systematic visual survey of all accessible areas. Suspect materials are identified based on their age, location, and physical characteristics. Small samples (typically less than 1 square inch) are collected from each suspect material using proper personal protective equipment and immediately sealed in labeled containers.
Samples are submitted to our NVLAP-accredited laboratory partner. Results are returned within 24–48 hours for standard service or same-day for rush projects. You receive a written report listing every material tested, the percentage of asbestos content if present, the condition of the material, and recommended actions.
Philadelphia Specific: The Philadelphia Air Management Services office requires written notification before asbestos abatement begins. Our inspection report provides the material inventory documentation required to complete that notification. We handle the AMS paperwork for you as part of every abatement project we coordinate.
How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost?
Testing costs depend on the number of samples collected and the type of analysis required:
- Single bulk sample + lab analysis: $150 – $300
- Pre-renovation survey (typical row home): $400 – $700
- Whole-home survey (larger property): $600 – $1,200
- Air clearance testing (post-abatement): $300 – $600
- Rush/same-day results: Additional $100 – $200
Testing costs are typically a small fraction of the abatement work itself, and accurate testing prevents unnecessary abatement costs when materials are found to be asbestos-free.
Do I Need Testing if I Already Suspect Asbestos?
Yes. Even if you are nearly certain a material contains asbestos based on its age or appearance, laboratory confirmation is required before a licensed contractor can submit an AMS notification and proceed with abatement. The type and concentration of asbestos fibers present also affects the abatement methodology and cost — information that only laboratory analysis can provide.
In some cases, testing reveals that suspect materials are asbestos-free, saving thousands of dollars in unnecessary abatement work. The testing investment almost always pays for itself.