Frequently Asked Questions:
How Often Should My Home Be Tested for Asbestos/ Mold/ Lead?
Asbestos: The Federal government mandates the testing of ANY & ALL buildings
anytime the possibility of material disturbance presents itself. Additionally, most States
carry varying levels of Asbestos inspection requirements and statues. Currently, all New
England states require a licensed Asbestos Inspection prior to any demolition and
renovation project taking place. It is the property owner’s legal responsibility to ensure
that no asbestos is disturbed in their renovation project except by a licensed asbestos
abatement contractor. Currently, there is no established “cut-off” date for the use
of Asbestos. Asbestos is still actively transported into the US on a daily basis
and buildings of all ages and conditions should be considered for testing.
Mold: We recommend getting your home tested for mold anytime you have an indoor air quality concern. Generally, homes with significant humidity problems, unfinished basements and crawl spaces, or older constructed structures may benefit from routine inspections or at least humidity checks even when mold isn’t visible. This is because if left unaddressed, mold growth has the potential to worsen exponentially, especially within hidden areas.
Lead: If your home was built before the 90’s, we’d recommend testing your home for
lead right away, as lead paint conditions have the potential to deteriorate quickly, which
could lead to disastrous consequences. At minimum, an inspection and risk assessment
is required prior to the If your home was built after the 90’s and you have previously had a licensed lead risk assessment and survey, you should not need to retest your home
multiple times.
Does Safer Homes Perform Hazardous Material Testing for Businesses?
Absolutely! We offer both single residences and apartment unit style residential
inspections, in addition to commercial inspections in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont
and Massachusetts. Currently, the requirements for testing in a commercial space are
the same as those in residential homes.
Does Safer Homes Offer Same-Day Hazardous Material Testing
Appointments?
Yes. Safer Homes understand that when hazardous materials are discovered, time is of the essence. Safer Homes Environmental carries a standard turnaround time of approx. 3-5 business days. However, to accommodate all scheduling needs we offer same and next day options for many of our services. Generally, inspection appointments are available within 2-4 business days of your initial call.
How Long Does it Take to Receive the Results Back from a Hazardous
Test?
Ultimately, this depends on the material tested, requested analysis methodology,
laboratory work volume and client preference based on cost consideration. At Safer
Homes we try our best to expedite each analysis we submit, working with local
accredited laboratories in order to provide the best results. Asbestos results can
generally be returned within one to two business days. Mold sampling can take up to 3-
7 business days for the laboratory results to be made available. Lead sampling is often
tested onsite, and results can be available within a few hours.
My House Tested Positive for Asbestos, Mold or Lead. What Do I Do?
Safer Homes Environmental is dedicated to helping clients feel safe in their properties
and navigate through these complex processes. We have an extensive network of
reputable, reliable contractors for each respective hazard that are qualified to abate and remediate various hazardous materials you may have in your home.
Got a Question You Don’t See Here? Contact Safer Homes Today!
Reach out to us on our website or call us at (603) 854-2264. We’ll be in touch soon.