California homeowner guidelines for asbestos removal

California asbestos removal guidelines. Repair or removal of asbestos by the homeowner may be unwise if the damage is severe, since it may result in unnecessary exposure to airborne fibers. In cases where planned remodeling projects are expected to damage asbestos-containing materials, it is wise to hire a qualified contractor to remove the material.

The homeowner should use the following guidelines in choosing a qualified contractor:

Check to see if the contractor is licensed by the California Contractors State License Board and Registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) for doing asbestos work.

Be aware that some contractors may remove material incorrectly and still charge a substantial fee.

Require references from the contractor and check them to see if the contractor's work is satisfactory.

Require the contractor to specify his safety procedures in writing.

The homeowner can expect to pay three times as much for a small removal job than a large one as it is expensive for a contractor to set up all the necessary safety equipment.

You should consider hiring a certified asbestos consultant to review safety procedures and oversee the performance of the contractor.