Testing
Asbestos testing in Minnesota
If you need to know whether a specific material contains asbestos, SAFE inspects the area and collects a bulk sample for laboratory analysis — then explains what the result actually means for your project.
Who this helps
- Homeowners planning a renovation, repair, or demolition in an older building
- Buyers and sellers who want clarity on a material before a transaction
- Contractors who need to know what they’re about to disturb
- Property managers responding to a tenant report or maintenance need
When to contact SAFE
- You can see a suspect material — floor tile, popcorn ceiling, siding, pipe insulation — and you’re about to disturb it
- You’re mid-project and something unexpected turned up
- A buyer, insurer, or inspector has asked for documentation
- You want facts before deciding whether removal is even necessary
What the process generally involves
- A walkthrough of the area and a discussion of what you’re seeing
- Identification of suspect materials and a sampling plan when appropriate
- Careful bulk sampling with containment practices so the rest of the space isn’t exposed
- Laboratory analysis and a written result with a plain-language explanation
- A clear recommendation on whether the material should be removed or managed in place
Advanced testing
Need to detect asbestos in dust, not material?
TEM electron microscopy finds fibers far below standard test limits — the right tool for dust, clearance verification, and low-level detection. TEM packages are listed below the standard testing packages.
What am I looking at?
Tap a material to see a quick identification guide and request a sample. You can’t tell if a material contains asbestos by looking — only lab analysis confirms it.
Can you spot it?
Match each photo to the right material. You can’t confirm asbestos by sight alone — but recognizing what you’re looking at is the first step to getting it tested.
Which material is this?
Service packages
Pre-purchase your asbestos testing package
Every package includes the same core service: a licensed inspector, a personal results call, a written inspection report, and commercial-grade encapsulation at every sample location. Pick the turnaround speed and sample count that fits your project.
Written inspection report included with every package, as required of all Minnesota-licensed asbestos inspectors.
Advanced testing packages
TEM dust analysis packages
Electron microscopy for dust, clearance verification, and low-level detection — up to 100,000× magnification with fiber-by-fiber confirmation. Every package includes licensed sample collection (ASTM D6480), chain of custody, a defensible written report, and a personal results call from the owner. Learn how TEM compares to standard testing →
Need more wipes? Additional samples are $575 each — itemized as $380 laboratory analysis + $195 professional collection and reporting.
Inspection vs. testing vs. abatement
Which service do you need?
Not sure where you fit? Use this side-by-side comparison to decide — or call and we'll help you figure it out.
Asbestos Inspection
- What it answers
- Which materials in my property are suspect, and what should I do about them?
- What's included
- A full on-site walkthrough and written assessment of suspect materials, with recommended next steps.
- When you need it
- Before a renovation, demolition, or purchase — or when you are unsure what to test.
- What you receive
- A written inspection report identifying suspect materials and a recommended plan.
- Pricing
- A flat inspection fee based on property size and scope.
- Timeline
- Scheduled on-site; written report delivered shortly after the visit.
- Next step
- View inspection
Asbestos Testing
- What it answers
- Does this specific material contain asbestos?
- What's included
- On-site sample collection, lab analysis, and plain-English results.
- When you need it
- Before you disturb a specific suspect material during renovation or repair.
- What you receive
- Lab findings telling you whether asbestos is present in the sampled material.
- Pricing
- Fixed pre-purchase packages starting at $395.
- Timeline
- Two-business-day turnaround (Essential) or next-business-day results (Priority, Comprehensive) — guaranteed.
- Next step
- View testing
Asbestos Abatement
- What it answers
- How do we safely remove the asbestos we already found?
- What's included
- A written scope of work, containment setup, removal, and proper disposal.
- When you need it
- After a positive lab result confirms asbestos is present.
- What you receive
- Documented removal with site, lab, clearance, and disposal records where applicable.
- Pricing
- A custom estimate based on the scope of work.
- Timeline
- Scheduled around your project; timing varies by scope.
- Next step
- Request removal estimate
Verified client reviews
What clients say about working with SAFE
Real feedback from Minnesota homeowners, contractors, and property managers — verified after their project closed.
“SAFE provided outstanding service. Scheduling was easy, communication was prompt, and the testing was completed efficiently. They took the time to answer all of our questions and explain the results in a way that was easy to understand. It's refreshing to work with a company that is both knowledgeable and customer-focused. Highly recommend!”
Syri Jepson
SAFE client
“I had a fantastic experience from start to finish with S.A.F.E. The on-site staff explained everything in layman's terms and completed the project exactly as described (both the testing and the abatement). I especially appreciated that they were willing to move my stuff around as needed, rather than demanding I completely empty the area before they begin their work. While I hope I never have to abate asbestos ever again, they would be first on my list to call.”
Thomas Carr
SAFE client
“Well, I was told by Home Depot that my townhome, which was built in 1979 I think, needed to have an asbestos test on a 3 foot piece of tile flooring in front of my front door. Then, Christopher from S.A.F.E solutions told me I had subflooring under the carpet and tile, and was very honest with me. And, he explained to me that companies like Home Depot blame the State for these "requirements" but unfortunately it is required. If you get work done by Home Depot make sure to call Solutions for Asbestos Free Environment. They can help you come up with a game plan! Thank you SAFE for your help”
Kathryn
SAFE client
Common questions
Asbestos testing & abatement, answered
Straight answers to the questions new clients ask most. Don\u2019t see yours? Call us \u2014 we\u2019d rather talk it through.
For many older buildings, yes. Minnesota rules require an asbestos inspection before renovation or demolition work in most commercial properties and multi-family buildings, and it’s strongly recommended for older single-family homes too. Testing tells you whether asbestos is present before materials are disturbed — which is far safer and less expensive than discovering it mid-project.
Still unsure where you stand? Request an inspection or call 612-424-5005.
Tell us what you found. We’ll help you understand the next step.
Call SAFE or send a project request. We’ll help you figure out whether testing, sampling, or abatement is the right next move — and what documentation may come with it.
Need urgent help?
Not sure what your project needs? We can point you in the right direction.