Pre-Renovation and Demolition Surveys Asbestos-Containing Building Materials EPA and OSHA regulations require the identification of asbestos-containing building materials that would be affected by renovations or demolitions. Asbestos surveys are required of buildings regardless of age for asbestos, including private residences. Most forms of asbestos are required to be abated or removed prior to renovation or demolition. Demolition by burning requires removal of all forms of asbestos. Tri-Tech can assist homeowners and developers with meeting pre-demolition asbestos survey requirements. Tri-Tech can provide recommendations for how to most cost-effectively remove asbestos from a building. Once asbestos have been removed from the building, a visual clearance re-inspection is required. Additional air clearance testing is also typically required. Pre-demolition asbestos survey of a small house starts at $550.

Tri-Tech can often provide a convenient and competitive quote without seeing the property based on internet research of the property by address In general, asbestos can be surveyed and categorized as follows:

• high-risk forms of asbestos that must be removed in all circumstances

• asbestos forms of lower risk that may possibly be left in place if certain precautions and controls are utilized

• low risk forms of asbestos that doesn't require abatement and includes few or no controls or limitations beyond worker right-to-know requirements and additional recordkeeping (the most common is example is asphaltic roofing)

Cost saving tip: Some low-risk forms of asbestos can be legally removed by a homeowner or a contractor. Since Tri-Tech is not affiliated with any abatement companies, Tri-Tech will provide cost-saving advice where applicable that could eliminate the need for unnecessary abatement costs. Contact Tri-Tech for details.

No asbestos survey can be considered exhaustive. Demolition contractors should always budget a contingency fee for unexpected asbestos encountered that was hidden from the inspector. Tri-Tech offers a convenient  self-testing service of unexpected suspect materials  encountered for contractors as permitted under Michigan law. Learn more about the most common types of asbestos associated with home renovation and demolition:

Asbestos duct insulation ,  Vermiculite insulation,   and  Asbestos in drywall joint compound .

Universal Wastes and other Hazardous Materials Large projects require compilation of large amounts of data to meet the EPA requirements of describing asbestos types, locations and quantities for every room or other space in a building. Tri-Tech utilizes an efficient semi-automated computerized data entry system. See how it works on a series of  YouTube videos !

EPA, OSHA and DOT regulations may require the identification and removal of certain various other hazardous building components and materials that would be affected by renovations or demolitions. Identification of the types of materials is dependent on specific project and disposal requirements. These materials may include the following:

• batteries included in alarm, mechanical or other systems

• chlorofluorocarbon-containing devices such as drinking fountains, chillers/A.C., and fire-suppression equipment

• radioactive materials including luminescent exit signs and smoke detectors

• mercury-containing devices includes lighting, thermostats and sump pumps

• pharmaceuticals and biomedical wastes

• suspect PCB-oil containing devices

Survey results include types of special waste types identified and recycling and disposal advice.

Radioactive exit sign identified during  the survey of a school

Fluorescent light ballast trays with leaked PCB ballast fluid

Drinking fountain tagged during decommissioning  to verify refrigerant recovery

Liquid mercury switch identified on a boiler

Found in an abandoned industrial building. Special handling and disposal methods were definitely required!