If you’ve discovered asbestos in your home, commercial property or industrial building, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: how much will asbestos removal cost?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single price that applies to every asbestos removal project. Costs can vary considerably depending on the type of asbestos-containing material, how much is present, its condition, its location and how easily it can be accessed.

At Atlas Asbestos, we provide asbestos removal services across Liverpool, Merseyside, Manchester and the wider North West. In this guide, we explain the main factors that determine asbestos removal costs and what you should consider when obtaining a quotation.

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?

Asbestos removal costs are normally calculated after considering the specific circumstances of the job rather than simply applying a standard price per square metre.

A small asbestos cement garage roof, for example, is very different from asbestos insulation board inside a commercial building.

Some projects can be relatively straightforward, while larger or more complex asbestos removal projects can require specialist access equipment, enclosures, controlled working areas and additional safety procedures.

For this reason, the best way to establish the cost is to have the project assessed by a competent asbestos contractor.

What Affects the Cost of Asbestos Removal?

Several factors can influence the final quotation.

1. Type of Asbestos-Containing Material

Not all asbestos-containing materials present the same level of risk.

Asbestos cement sheets generally contain asbestos fibres firmly bound within cement and can often be removed relatively intact.

Other materials, such as asbestos insulation board (AIB), pipe insulation and sprayed coatings, can release fibres more readily when disturbed and may require significantly more stringent controls.

The type of material therefore has a major influence on how the work needs to be carried out.

2. Amount of Asbestos

Unsurprisingly, the quantity of material requiring removal affects the cost.

Removing several sheets from a small domestic garage will normally cost considerably less than removing hundreds of square metres of asbestos cement roofing and cladding from an industrial or agricultural building.

However, quantity isn’t the only consideration. A small amount of difficult-to-access asbestos can sometimes require more preparation than a much larger quantity of easily accessible asbestos cement.

3. Condition of the Material

Asbestos-containing materials that are intact can often be handled more easily than materials that are badly damaged or deteriorating.

Broken, fragmented or heavily weathered materials may require additional controls to minimise the potential release of asbestos fibres.

This is one reason why it’s important not to deliberately break asbestos-containing materials before a contractor arrives.

4. Access to the Asbestos

Access can have a significant effect on asbestos removal costs.

Examples include asbestos located:

• On high roofs
• Above ceilings
• Inside confined areas
• Behind other building materials
• Within occupied buildings
• In areas with restricted vehicle access

Roof projects may also require scaffolding, mobile access equipment or other working-at-height controls.

Good access can make a considerable difference to the time and equipment required.

5. Licensed or Non-Licensed Asbestos Work

Some asbestos work requires a contractor holding an HSE asbestos licence, while other lower-risk work can be classed as non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed work.

The classification depends on factors including the type and condition of the asbestos-containing material and the nature of the work.

Higher-risk licensed asbestos removal can require considerably more control measures and resources than straightforward removal of intact asbestos cement sheets.

6. Asbestos Waste and Disposal

Asbestos waste is hazardous waste and cannot simply be placed in a normal skip or mixed with general construction waste.

Removed asbestos must be appropriately contained, transported and disposed of at a facility authorised to receive it.

The volume and weight of the asbestos waste therefore form part of the overall cost of the project.

7. Location

Atlas Asbestos works throughout Liverpool, Merseyside, Manchester and the wider North West.

Location can influence a quotation because travel, waste transportation and access requirements vary between projects.

For larger projects, however, the quantity and complexity of the work will usually have a greater impact on cost than travelling distance.

Examples of Projects We Can Quote For

Atlas Asbestos can provide quotations for projects including:

• Asbestos garage roof removal
• Asbestos cement sheet removal
• Asbestos roof and wall cladding removal
• Shed and outbuilding removal
• Commercial asbestos removal
• Industrial asbestos removal
• Asbestos removal before refurbishment
• Asbestos removal before demolition
• Removal of identified asbestos-containing materials

Every project is assessed individually so that the quotation reflects the actual work required.

Should I Choose the Cheapest Asbestos Removal Quote?

Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration when appointing an asbestos contractor.

You should also consider whether the contractor has appropriate training, insurance, experience and waste arrangements for the work being undertaken.

A professional quotation should make it clear what is included so you can compare quotations properly.

A substantially cheaper quotation isn’t necessarily better value if important elements such as access equipment, asbestos disposal or site preparation haven’t been included.

Can You Get an Asbestos Removal Quote From Photos?

For some straightforward projects, particularly asbestos cement garages, sheds and roofing, photographs can be extremely useful when preparing an initial quotation.

Providing photographs showing the whole structure, the asbestos material and the surrounding access can help us understand the scope of the project.

For larger or more complicated projects, a site visit or asbestos survey information may be required before a firm quotation can be provided.

Asbestos Removal for Commercial Properties

Atlas Asbestos also works with commercial clients, landlords, contractors and property professionals.

Commercial projects can range from small reactive works to larger planned removal programmes.

If asbestos needs to be removed before refurbishment, demolition, roofing works or other construction activity, early planning can help minimise disruption and prevent asbestos from delaying the wider project.

Asbestos Removal in Liverpool, Manchester & the North West

If you’re looking for an asbestos removal contractor in Liverpool, Merseyside, Manchester or elsewhere across the North West, Atlas Asbestos can assess your requirements and provide a clear quotation for the work.

Whether it’s a domestic garage roof or a larger commercial project, we’ll explain what’s involved and provide a quotation based on the individual requirements of the job.

Get an Asbestos Removal Quote

If you have asbestos that needs removing, contact Atlas Asbestos today.

If possible, send us photographs along with the approximate dimensions and location of the asbestos. This can help us understand the project and advise you on the next steps.

Atlas Asbestos — Safe. Professional. Reliable.