What to Do If You Discover Asbestos During a Remodel in Washington State

You’ve started tearing into your walls or floors during a remodel… and then you see it — old insulation, gray floor tiles, or thick white pipe wrap that just doesn’t look right.

Now the panic sets in: “Could this be asbestos?”

If you live in Olympia or anywhere in Western Washington, finding asbestos mid-project isn’t unusual. Homes built before 1980 often contain asbestos materials in insulation, flooring, siding, and ceilings — even if they look perfectly safe when untouched.

The key is knowing what to do next. Acting fast (and smart) can protect your family’s health, keep your project legal, and save you from major cleanup costs.

Here’s exactly what to do if you discover asbestos during a remodel in Washington State.

🚨 Step 1: Stop Work Immediately

As soon as you suspect a material might contain asbestos, stop work immediately.

Even small actions — like cutting drywall or sanding a popcorn ceiling — can release thousands of asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers are microscopic, can stay suspended for days, and are linked to serious long-term health risks including mesothelioma and lung disease.

Once asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, the area is no longer safe for unprotected workers or residents.
It’s also illegal in Washington to continue renovation or demolition without testing once asbestos is suspected.

Tape off the area, close vents and doors, and avoid walking through or vacuuming the dust. Then move to step two.

🧰 Step 2: Contact a Certified Asbestos Inspection Company

Before you do anything else, call a licensed asbestos inspection company like Advance Environmental, Inc. (AEI).

Our certified inspectors will perform a Good Faith Asbestos Survey, which is required by the Washington State Department of Ecology before any demolition or renovation continues.

Here’s what happens during that inspection:

1. Assessment: We identify suspect materials (insulation, floor tiles, textured ceilings, siding, etc.).
   

2. Sample Collection: Our team carefully collects small samples while wearing full protective gear.
   

3. Laboratory Testing: Samples are sent to a certified lab to confirm whether asbestos is present.
   

4. Report & Guidance: You’ll receive an official report showing which materials contain asbestos and what next steps are required.
   
   

Until that report comes back, it’s important not to disturb or remove anything on your own.

👉Learn more about our certified asbestos inspection process.

🏛️ Step 3: Follow Washington State Requirements for Abatement

If the lab confirms asbestos is present, removal or encapsulation must be done by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor — no exceptions.

In Washington, asbestos work is regulated under:

• WAC 296-62-077 (Asbestos Rules – Labor & Industries)
  

• Washington Department of Ecology asbestos emission standards
  
  

These laws require:

• Proper containment and negative air pressure during removal
  

• Certified workers wearing full PPE
  

• Waste disposal at approved asbestos landfills
  

• Final air clearance testing before re-occupancy
  

AEI handles all of these steps for you. Our technicians follow strict safety and documentation standards so your project passes inspection the first time — saving you time, money, and stress.

🧯 Step 4: Never Try to Remove Asbestos Yourself

DIY asbestos removal is never safe — and in Washington State, it can also be illegal.

Many homeowners assume they can simply “bag it up and throw it away.”

Unfortunately, this creates serious contamination risks. Even a small misstep can spread asbestos dust throughout your home or HVAC system, requiring an expensive professional cleanup.

Here’s why only licensed professionals should handle it:

• Asbestos must be wetted and contained during removal.
  

• Workers need OSHA-compliant PPE and respirators.
  

• Disposal must occur at approved hazardous waste facilities.
  

If you’ve already disturbed the material, don’t panic — just seal off the area, avoid touching anything further, and call AEI right away.

👉Schedule a professional asbestos removal consultation.

🧾 Step 5: Resume Work Only After Clearance Testing

Once abatement is complete, AEI provides a clearance inspection — a final air quality test that confirms your home or job site is safe for re-entry.

You’ll receive a signed clearance report, which can be shared with your city or county permit office, insurance company, or contractor.

This documentation protects you from future liability and ensures your remodel or demolition can safely continue.

🏡 How AEI Helps Olympia Homeowners Stay Safe

At Advance Environmental, Inc., we’ve helped hundreds of Washington homeowners and contractors navigate asbestos surprises safely.

Whether you’ve discovered suspicious materials during a remodel or are planning future demolition, we handle everything from testing to abatement to final clearance.

We’re fully licensed, insured, and certified under Washington State regulations — serving Olympia, Thurston County, Mason County, Grays Harbor County, and Lewis County.

If you suspect asbestos or have already found it, don’t take chances. Let our team handle it the right way, from inspection to cleanup.

📞 Call (360) 357-9144 or contact us here to schedule an asbestos consultation.