Lead and asbestos abatement

Why abatement comes first

Asbestos and lead abatement are self-contained operations with their own licensed contractors and their own clearance protocols. They run before the GC mobilizes for demo because:

1. The areas being abated are sealed off and pressurized — incompatible with a working construction site around them.
2. The clearance process (air monitoring for asbestos, dust wipe samples for lead) requires the spaces to be empty.
3. The GC's general-trade subs can't legally enter areas with known asbestos or lead until abatement is cleared.

Who does it

• Asbestos: WA L&I-certified asbestos abatement contractor. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency requires written notification ahead of any removal — the abatement contractor handles this.
• Lead: EPA RRP-certified contractor (which can be your GC if they're certified — see step 4.2). For larger lead jobs, a separate lead abatement specialist.

What it costs

Depends entirely on quantity:

• Small asbestos scope (basement pipe wrap, one section of vinyl floor): $3,000–$8,000.
• Medium scope (popcorn ceiling, wider pipe wrap, vinyl floor on a level): $8,000–$15,000.
• Large scope (whole-house lead paint with significant disturbance, or vermiculite attic insulation): $15,000–$30,000+.

What "clearance" means

For asbestos: post-abatement air sample shows fiber count below the threshold, certified in writing. For lead: dust-wipe sample of cleared surfaces below the EPA action level, certified in writing.

The GC needs the clearance letter on file before they restart work in the abated areas.