Before you start, check for asbestos and then follow our requirements carefully – failure to do so can result in deadly health problems, or a notice of violation and monetary penalties. Also, check with your local building department as they may have additional requirements for demolishing your house.

1. Conduct an asbestos survey.

Surveys must be conducted by an AHERA-certified building inspector. You can find these inspectors listed in the phone book under “Asbestos Consulting and Testing.” You must share the survey results with your demolition contractor and anyone else who may come in contact with the material, and keep a copy of the survey on site.

Watch the following video to learn more about asbestos survey requirements:

• Explaining Asbestos Survey Requirements Video

2. File an Asbestos/Demolition Notification.

An Asbestos/Demolition Notification and a filing fee must be submitted to this agency before any asbestos removal or demolition begins. This applies to all structures, including mobile homes with greater than 120 square feet of roof area. Print a copy of the Notice you submit and keep it available for inspection.

• Asbestos/Demolition Notification
• Please refer to our Regulation III, Section 4.03 (PDF) for details about notification and fees.

Watch the following video to learn more about how to file an asbestos project notification:

• How to Submit an Asbestos Project Notification Video

3. Properly remove all asbestos.

Remove all friable asbestos-containing material prior to demolition. Nonfriable asbestos-containing material may be left in place during the demolition, provided it remains undisturbed (non-friable), but must be promptly transferred to a disposal container with a sign identifying the material as “nonfriable asbestos waste”.

Note: We strongly encourage you to employ a certified asbestos abatement contractor to remove any asbestos. The work is difficult, time-consuming, and dangerous to you and your family’s health if procedures and regulations are not strictly followed. These experts have specialized equipment and training and employ techniques to control asbestos fibers not available to homeowners. In addition, asbestos removal work is physically demanding, requiring a respirator, non-breathable coveralls, rubber gloves and boots, working in high humidity and on wet, slippery surfaces.

If you remove friable asbestos-containing material yourself, you must follow Regulation III, Section 4.05 (b) Friable Asbestos Removal Work Practices (PDF) and 4.07 Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Waste Material (PDF). The following homeowner instructions for three common types of friable asbestos-containing materials are available to help you remove the material yourself:

• How to Properly Remove Spray-on “Popcorn” Ceilings From Owner-Occupied, Single-Family Residences Only (PDF)
• How to Properly Remove Sheet Vinyl Flooring with Asbestos Backing From Owner-Occupied, Single-Family Residences Only (PDF)
• How to Properly Remove Cement Asbestos-Board Siding From Owner-Occupied, Single-Family Residences Only (PDF)

If you remove nonfriable asbestos-containing material yourself, you must follow Regulation III, Section 4.05 (c) Method of Removal for Nonfriable, Asbestos-Containing Material (PDF).

4. Properly dispose of the asbestos.

Take friable asbestos-containing waste to an Asbestos Disposal Waste Facility authorized to receive the waste. Complete and bring an Asbestos Waste Material Shipment Record (PDF) to dispose of the friable asbestos waste at the disposal site. Nonfriable asbestos-containing waste must be promptly transferred to a disposal container labeled "nonfriable asbestos waste". Please contact your local disposal company for further instructions.

5. Demolish the structure.

You must wait 10 days after submitting an Asbestos/Demolition Notification to demolish your house, whether or not there is an asbestos project involved.