Asbestos testing necessary?

I’m about to start renovations on my Brooklyn coop and the asbestos issue has come up. My building was gut renovated in the late ’80s and our offering plan includes a signed & notarized statement from the original architect stating that the entire building was tested for asbestos and found to be asbestos free. Will the DOB accept this? Is there any way to look up the building to find out if this statement corresponds to anything official? I know in the scheme of a renovation 2K for asbestos testing is a drop in the bucket, but I’d sure like not to have to pay it… Thanks!

noushigjan

in Renovation 9 years and 6 months ago

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eileengray | 9 years and 6 months ago

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DEP has been extremely zealous in the last five (plus) years in auditing certified asbestos inspectors. They can be fined for failing to test a material being removed even if it is clearly not asbestos – i.e. sheetrock installed 5 years ago – as well as a host of other things – failure to document with photos, etc. If the prices for inspections seem high, don’t assume the inspectors are just greedy; they are getting squeezed by DEP. The number of certified inspectors has dwindled because the DEP thinks the inspectors are cheating with regard to inspections. That said, $2000 seems high but the prices reflect the number of samples that are sent to the lab which the inspector pays for. (Disclaimer: I am not asbestos inspector nor do I have one my family)

curated | 9 years and 6 months ago

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A by the book inspection can cost as little as $500 and as much as $2,500 depending on work scope and samples needed. I know of no way to get a permit without a current asbestos inspection. www.curatedny.com

Lurker | 9 years and 6 months ago

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If they do the testing by the book, they double test every surface you will disrupt. So one for walls, ceilings, flooring (multiple?) window caulk, adhesives etc. Ours was a couple grand.

neweco | 9 years and 6 months ago

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2000 is too much . Some of these guys are slick . Get a few referrals .

carmenf | 9 years and 6 months ago

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HelloBrooklyn12345 it can cost that much and more, depending on the number of samples. We were 7 layers of linoleum deep in some rooms and each unique pattern had to have two samples taken from it. We were slightly over 2k, however the inspector said it was the most samples he had ever taken. Just saying, if you’ve got a LOT of layers…

sqhaexgkh | 9 years and 6 months ago

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Not sure how much our testing was but it was nowhere near 2k (4 story row house)

eman134 | 9 years and 6 months ago

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You need a new asbestos test to get any permit…but a stamped and sealed asbestos form runs $350 tops, whoever line itemed $2000 is hosing you. I would be worried about all of their other line items if they are marking up the asbestos test sixfold