How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost? Ranges and Missouri Rules

Published guides put asbestos testing at about $250 to $850 for a home. Thumbtack reports $255 to $579, with most people paying about $369. HomeGuide says $250 to $850 on average. The gap comes from test type, the number of samples and who does the work.

These are national figures from third parties, not AES prices. AES quotes each job; call (314) 865-2662 or use /contact. The rest of this post shows what you are paying for and how Missouri rules decide the order of steps.

What do the published asbestos testing prices say?

Two sources, two ranges. They overlap, but they are not the same.

HomeGuide adds that a visual inspection alone costs $150 to $500. Compare quotes on the same scope, not on the headline price. A quote that lists one sample is not the same as one that lists six.

What changes the price of an asbestos test?

Five things move it.

• Number of samples. HomeGuide says lab fees depend on the number of samples. Some inspectors include a set number and charge more for extra ones.
• Test type. A physical sample of a suspect material, such as floor tile or pipe wrap, is the common case. Air and dust tests are priced separately.
• Home size and the area to test. HomeGuide says air testing depends on the area size.
• Turnaround. A rush at the lab costs more per sample.
• The report. A written report that lists every suspect material, with lab results, takes the inspector’s time. Ask for it by name.

Thumbtack makes one more point. A home inspector who adds asbestos testing to a full inspection is “the most affordable way to go because the inspector only has to come to the property once.” That helps a buyer. If you plan to renovate or demolish a regulated structure, Missouri asks for an inspection by a certified asbestos inspector, as the Missouri section below explains.

What does a lab charge per sample?

Lab fees are small next to the inspection. HomeGuide says laboratories “charge $20 to $80 per sample on average, depending on the number of samples and the desired turnaround time.” It adds that the quicker the turnaround, the higher the cost per sample. Some inspectors include a set number of samples in the survey price and charge extra for more.

That detail matters when you compare quotes. A low price may include one sample. A larger price may include six. Ask for the number. Our post on what PLM asbestos testing is explains the lab method behind most sample results.

Why can you not just test it yourself?

You cannot tell by looking, and taking a sample can release fibers. EPA says: “Generally, you can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled.” EPA’s guidance is that a trained and accredited asbestos professional should take samples, since a professional knows what to look for and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released.

HomeGuide says you can buy DIY kits for $50 to $250, depending on the number of samples you submit, and that hiring a licensed professional is best because of the health risks. Missouri’s rule for regulated projects asks for a certified inspector, not a kit. Our post on test kits versus a professional survey goes through the trade-offs.

Do not scrape, sand or cut old material to “see what happens.” Our guide on testing an older St. Louis home explains the order of tests when you buy or renovate. For floor tile, see asbestos floor tile and our post on whether old asbestos floor tiles are dangerous.

What does Missouri require before demolition or renovation?

For regulated structures, an inspection comes first. Missouri DNR states that “regulated structures or those areas that will be subject to demolition or renovation activities must be thoroughly inspected by a Missouri certified asbestos inspector.” The inspector should identify suspect materials, collect samples for lab analysis and write a report.

The exception is narrow. DNR says “a single residential structure that contains four or fewer dwelling units” is excepted. Projects with two or more residential structures are not exempt. A structure used for any purpose other than residential, “such as being converted from residential to commercial use or converted from commercial to residential use,” is not exempt either.

That means the test is not optional paperwork on a regulated project. It is the starting point for the notice and the abatement plan. Read our post on the Missouri 10 working day notification for the notice. In the City of St. Louis, also read the post on the City asbestos abatement permit, and see the guides to City and County permits.

Not sure which row you are in? Do not guess. Ask a certified inspector or Missouri DNR.

What should the inspector hand you?

A good report is the product you are paying for. Missouri DNR says the report “should identify all suspect materials present, and indicate the amount, location, category and condition of the suspect materials,” and should include the analytical results and chain of custody for the samples.

Use this checklist when you compare bids:

1. The inspector’s Missouri certification, in writing.
2. The number of samples in the price, and the fee for each extra sample.
3. The lab’s turnaround time and any rush fee.
4. What areas the inspector will cover (every room, attic, crawl space, exterior).
5. A written report with lab results.
6. Whether the report will support your permit or notice.
7. What happens if the lab finds asbestos.

How does the test result change your costs?

A negative result lets the project move on. A positive result starts a new set of choices. Material that contains asbestos is not always removed. Our asbestos encapsulation page covers sealing, and our guides on asbestos removal cost and the removal process show what comes next. Know the term asbestos-containing material and the difference between friable and non-friable material, because they affect the plan.

If your house is older, our post on what year builders stopped using asbestos helps you decide which rooms to test first. EPA states that it “does not have funding available to homeowners for asbestos testing or removal,” so plan the budget yourself.

Who tests in St. Louis?

AES’s site says it is made up of “AHERA Certified Building Inspectors” and that Mr. Ruckman “is trained and certified as an Asbestos Inspector & Supervisor.” AES offers asbestos testing and surveys for homes and commercial projects in St. Louis, St. Charles and Columbia, Missouri. See asbestos testing and the asbestos survey page. Cost and quote: AES quotes each job; call (314) 865-2662 or use /contact.

Next step

If you plan to renovate or demolish an older building, start with an inspection. Read our asbestos testing page, then call (314) 865-2662 or use /contact for a quote.