DIY Asbestos Removal Rules for Spokane Homeowners
Spokane has a limited allowance for homeowners who want to remove asbestos from their own home. It is narrower than most people think. Here are the exact limits.
- Who qualifies
- Who does not
- Safer ways to do it
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The homeowner allowance
An owner of an owner-occupied single-family residence who does their own work does not have to file notice or pay a fee.
Under SRCAA's fact sheet, that owner may remove their own asbestos, though the agency encourages the use of certified workers (SRCAA). The allowance is sometimes written OOSFR, short for owner-occupied single-family residence.
Who does not qualify
- Rental houses, even a single home.
- Vacation homes.
- Mixed-use buildings.
- Multi-unit buildings, including duplexes and apartments.
- Anyone who hires a worker who is not certified, because Washington allows only certified abatement contractors to bid on and perform abatement (WAC 296-65-030).
Wrongly claiming the exemption can bring a substantial fine (SRCAA).
What the allowance does not waive
The survey
SRCAA requires a survey before renovation or demolition (SRCAA).
Safe disposal
Waste still goes to a landfill that accepts it. See disposal.
Other permits
Cities and counties can require separate permits.
Health risk
Breathing fibers is the issue, whether or not a form is required. See health risks.
If you do it yourself anyway
- Test first. Have an accredited inspector sample the material.
- Do not scrape dry. Dry scraping, sanding and power tools release fibers.
- Keep it wet. A light mist keeps dust down.
- Seal the room. Plastic over doors, vents and floors.
- Wear protection. Respirators and disposable suits are used by professional crews.
- Dispose correctly. Double-bag, label and take it to the landfill.
Honestly, the hardest part is cleanup and air control, which is where professional crews earn their cost. See the process page for what that looks like.
Back to the Asbestos Removal Spokane home page.
DIY Asbestos Rules: questions and answers
Can I remove asbestos from my own house?
If it is an owner-occupied single-family home and you do the work yourself, SRCAA does not require notice or a fee (SRCAA).
Can I hire a handyman?
Only certified abatement contractors may bid on and perform abatement work (WAC 296-65-030).
Does the allowance cover rentals?
No. Rentals, vacation homes, mixed-use and multi-unit buildings do not qualify (SRCAA).
Do I still need a survey?
SRCAA requires a survey before renovation or demolition. Ask the agency how it applies to your project.
Where do I dispose of it?
Graham Road Landfill in Medical Lake. See the disposal page.
What is the safest choice?
Use certified workers. SRCAA encourages it even for homeowners.
Rather have a crew do it?
Send the form and we will explain the scope.