Asbestos testing and inspection in St. Louis
Missouri requires an inspection by a Missouri-certified asbestos inspector before regulated renovation and demolition projects.1 Most single-family remodels aren't regulated, but in a city where the median home dates to 1938, testing before you open walls or lift tile is still the safe move.2
Typical cost
$250–$850
HomeGuide's national range for professional asbestos testing. Within city limits, the City of St. Louis also lists a $200 asbestos inspection fee.34
When to test
EPA recommends an inspection by a trained, accredited professional before remodeling, or when materials are damaged. If materials are intact and won't be disturbed, EPA says testing isn't needed.5 For exempt homeowners, Missouri DNR suggests either having suspect materials checked by a Missouri-certified inspector or assuming they contain asbestos and handling them accordingly.1
When inspection is required
For regulated projects, which include most commercial buildings, larger multi-unit buildings, conversions to or from commercial use, and projects involving two or more houses, Missouri requires an asbestos inspection by a Missouri-certified inspector before renovation or demolition, and notification at least 10 working days ahead.61 If you are tearing down a garage or house in St. Louis County, the County's demolition notification asks for the inspection report.7
Who can inspect in St. Louis
- State certification: Missouri DNR certifies asbestos inspectors for regulated work.6
- City permit: inside city limits, Ordinance 65442 requires asbestos inspectors to hold a permit from the City's Air Pollution Control program.4
- Independence: EPA advises hiring an inspector who isn't tied to the company that would do the removal.5
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Get my free referralTakes under a minuteWhat testing costs
| Service | National range |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | $150–$500 |
| Professional testing | $250–$850 |
| Pre-renovation inspection | $600–$1,500+ |
| Lab fee per sample | $20–$80 |
| Dust sample testing | $150–$250 |
National figures from HomeGuide.3 The City of St. Louis separately lists a $200 asbestos inspection fee in its Air Pollution Control fee schedule.4
A note on DIY kits
Kits run $50 to $250, but EPA does not recommend taking samples yourself, because sampling done incorrectly can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone.35
Next steps: asbestos removal in St. Louis and what it costs.
Common questions
Does Missouri require an asbestos inspection before renovating a house?
Not for a single residential building with four or fewer units, which is exempt. Regulated projects require an inspection by a Missouri-certified inspector and notification 10 working days ahead.
Does an asbestos inspector need a City of St. Louis permit?
Yes, inside city limits. City Ordinance 65442 requires asbestos inspectors and abatement contractors to hold a permit from the City's Air Pollution Control program.
How much does asbestos testing cost in St. Louis?
No local price survey exists. HomeGuide's national range is $250 to $850, and lab fees run $20 to $80 per sample.
Should the inspector also do the removal?
EPA recommends using two different firms so the company that assesses the problem doesn't profit from the size of the fix.
General information summarized from the public sources listed below. It isn't professional, medical or legal advice. A licensed professional who inspects your home can tell you what it needs.
Sources
- Missouri DNR, "Asbestos Requirements for Demolition and Renovation Projects" (PUB2157)
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25034 (year structure built), B25035 (median year built) and B25003 (tenure)
- HomeGuide, "Asbestos Testing & Inspection Costs" (national figures, Oct. 2, 2023)
- City of St. Louis Department of Health, "Air Pollution Control" (asbestos notifications, permits and fees)
- U.S. EPA, "Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos"
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources, "Asbestos"
- St. Louis County Department of Public Health, Asbestos NESHAP Notification of Demolition and Renovation