Do I Need an Asbestos Inspection Before Remodeling or Demolition in Washington State?
If you’re planning to remodel or tear down an older home in Washington State, there’s one step that catches many homeowners by surprise: you can’t legally begin until a certified asbestos inspection—called a Good Faith Survey—has been completed.
Every week, our team at Advance Environmental, Inc. (AEI) helps Olympia-area homeowners and contractors avoid expensive delays, failed permits, or health risks caused by skipping this step.
Here’s what you need to know about asbestos inspections, Washington regulations, and how to stay compliant before your project begins.
⚠️ Why Asbestos Inspections Matter in Washington
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and dangerous when disturbed. They were widely used in homes built before 1980—in floor tiles, insulation, textured ceilings, siding, and even window caulk. Once released, those fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung disease and mesothelioma.
That’s why Washington law treats asbestos as a regulated hazardous material.
Before any renovation or demolition, you’re required to have the site surveyed by a licensed asbestos inspector who can safely collect and test samples.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-65 and the Washington Department of Ecology both require a “good faith asbestos inspection” before remodeling or demolishing any structure that could contain asbestos.
🏡 When You’re Required to Get an Asbestos Inspection
In simple terms:
If your property was built before 2004, assume asbestos may be present until proven otherwise.
You’ll need an inspection before any activity that could disturb materials, such as:
Home remodeling, renovations, or additions
Demolition (partial or full) of any structure
Tenant improvements in commercial spaces
Roof replacement, siding changes, or floor removal
Fire or water damage repairs where materials will be removed
Even smaller projects—like cutting into a popcorn ceiling or removing old linoleum—require testing if the material could contain asbestos.
Ignoring this step can lead to stop-work orders, fines, or contaminated cleanup costs that easily reach thousands of dollars.
🏛️ Understanding the “Good Faith Asbestos Survey”
Washington’s rule isn’t just red tape—it’s a safety law.
A Good Faith Survey must be:
Performed by a certified AHERA-trained inspector.
These professionals collect samples using approved methods while wearing proper PPE.Sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
Results determine if asbestos is present and in what quantity.Documented in writing.
You’ll receive a formal report showing what was tested, what was found, and recommended next steps.
Permit offices across Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Lewis Counties now require a copy of that report before issuing a demolition or remodel permit. Without it, the application won’t move forward.
Pro Tip: Even if your project doesn’t need a building permit, a Good Faith Survey is still required by state environmental law whenever materials are disturbed.
🧑🔧 What Happens During an AEI Asbestos Inspection
At Advance Environmental, Inc., we follow a meticulous, safety-first inspection process used across Western Washington:
Initial consultation – We confirm the project scope and building age.
Site evaluation – Our licensed inspector identifies all possible asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Sample collection – Small, controlled samples are removed under containment using EPA-approved tools.
Laboratory testing – Samples are couriered to a certified lab for polarized light microscopy (PLM) analysis.
Written report – You receive a full report detailing where asbestos was found and recommendations for abatement or safe removal.
This report becomes your proof of compliance when submitting permits or hiring demolition crews.
Looking for certified asbestos inspectors in Olympia? Click Here
🧱 What If Asbestos Is Found?
Finding asbestos doesn’t automatically derail your project—it just means you’ll need to handle it the right way.
AEI’s asbestos abatement team is licensed, bonded, and equipped to remove or encapsulate materials safely. We coordinate directly with your contractor so the site is cleared and documented for compliance.
When abatement is complete, AEI issues a final clearance certificate you can share with your local permit office or demolition contractor.
Looking for licensed demolition contractors in Western Washington? Click Here
🏠 Common Materials That Require Testing
Even experienced contractors are sometimes surprised at how many everyday materials can contain asbestos.
Here’s where we most often find it in Olympia-area homes:
Popcorn ceilings and textured walls
Vinyl floor tiles and adhesive mastic
Pipe insulation and boiler wrap
Cement siding and roofing shingles
Window glazing and caulking compounds
Joint compound on drywall seams
*If you’re unsure, never guess or cut into the material. Always test first.
💬 Local Example: Avoiding a Costly Delay
One homeowner in Tumwater recently called AEI after starting a bathroom remodel. Her contractor discovered a strange gray adhesive under old floor tiles.
Testing confirmed 5% asbestos.
Because she hadn’t completed a Good Faith Survey first, the city issued a stop-work notice until abatement was complete. The delay added two weeks and several thousand dollars.
By getting the survey done before construction, she could have avoided the issue entirely.
🧮 Penalties for Skipping a Good Faith Survey
Washington’s Department of Ecology and local clean-air agencies enforce asbestos rules seriously.
Fines can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per day of violation, and homeowners—not just contractors—can be held liable.
Beyond the legal risk, the health impact is permanent.
Once asbestos fibers are released, they’re nearly impossible to remove completely without professional containment.
🔍 How to Schedule a Certified Asbestos Inspection
AEI makes compliance simple for property owners across Olympia, Lacey, Shelton, Aberdeen, and Centralia:
Call or request an estimate online.
☎ (360)-357-9144Choose a convenient inspection time.
Receive your certified Good Faith Survey within a few days.
Our reports are accepted by Thurston County, Mason County, Grays Harbor County, and City of Olympia permitting departments.
You can inquire an asbestos inspection today by clicking here
🧩 Summary
If you’re remodeling or demolishing in Washington, a Good Faith Asbestos Inspection isn’t optional—it’s your first step toward a safe, legal, and successful project.
By partnering with Advance Environmental, Inc., you’ll protect your family, your workers, and your investment from costly mistakes.
Our certified inspectors handle the process from start to finish so you can focus on your renovation with confidence.
