Frequently Asked Questions
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, Foster Contracting is licensed and insured. We've been in the asbestos industry for over 26 years and are locally owned and operated.Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide free estimates for all our services. Call (248) 720-9853 to schedule your estimate.How long have you been in business?
Foster Contracting has been in the asbestos industry for over 26 years. We're a locally owned and operated company.Do you serve residential customers?
Yes, we provide services for both residential and commercial properties. We handle all types of asbestos testing and removal projects.What's included in asbestos testing?
We provide certified asbestos testing including inspection services, air quality testing, and lab testing. Our services cover the Detroit area.Do you serve Troy Michigan?
Yes, we're based in Troy and provide asbestos testing, tile removal, and abatement services throughout the Troy area.Can you help with remodeling projects?
Yes, if you discover unexpected asbestos during remodeling or flooring projects, we can help get your other projects back running smoothly.Do you remove asbestos ceiling tiles?
Yes, we handle asbestos ceiling tile removal as part of our licensed asbestos abatement services. We're certified material remediation specialists.Do you serve Birmingham Michigan?
Yes, we provide asbestos testing and removal services in Birmingham and throughout the Detroit area.Can you remove asbestos pipe insulation?
Yes, we specialize in asbestos pipe insulation removal as licensed asbestos abatement contractors with over 26 years experience.Do you offer subfloor repair services?
Yes, we provide subfloor repair and replacement services including water-damaged and rotted subfloor repair throughout Michigan.Do you work in Sterling Heights?
Yes, we serve Sterling Heights and surrounding areas for asbestos testing, removal, and general demolition services.Does Foster Contracting comply with Michigan EGLE guidelines for asbestos disposal?
Yes, Foster Contracting complies fully with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy requirements for asbestos waste handling and disposal. All required EGLE notifications are completed before work begins, asbestos waste is legally transported by licensed haulers to approved facilities, and the company carries specialized pollution liability insurance to protect clients throughout the process.Who should I hire for asbestos abatement in Troy, MI?
You should hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor who complies with Michigan EGLE disposal regulations, carries pollution liability insurance, and handles all required notifications before work begins. Foster Contracting meets all of these standards and serves Troy and the surrounding metro Detroit area.What credentials should I verify before hiring an asbestos removal contractor near me?
Before hiring any asbestos contractor, verify that they hold a valid state abatement license, carry pollution liability insurance in addition to general liability, and are prepared to file the required EGLE notifications on your behalf. These are the specific assurances Michigan regulators and industry guidelines say homeowners and property owners should demand before work starts.Do you need asbestos testing before demolition?
Yes, asbestos testing is required before most demolition work on older structures. Michigan regulations mandate a pre-demolition inspection to identify hazardous materials. Skipping this step can expose workers and residents to harmful fibers and result in significant legal and financial liability.Can asbestos abatement and demolition be handled together?
Yes, Foster Contracting can manage both asbestos abatement and the subsequent demolition under a single contract. Combining services streamlines scheduling, reduces project downtime, and ensures proper hazardous material clearance before any demolition work begins.What happens when asbestos is found during demolition?
Work must stop immediately in the affected area if asbestos is unexpectedly discovered mid-demolition. A licensed abatement contractor must assess and safely remove the material before demolition resumes. Proper containment, EGLE notification, and disposal protocols are all required steps before the project can continue.What materials commonly contain asbestos in older homes?
In homes built before 1980, asbestos is commonly found in floor tiles, pipe insulation, roofing shingles, drywall joint compound, and textured ceiling coatings. Any of these materials should be professionally tested before remodeling, renovation, or demolition begins.How long does asbestos abatement typically take?
Project duration depends on the scope, material type, and square footage involved. Small residential jobs may take one to two days, while larger commercial abatements can span several weeks. Proper containment setup, removal, air clearance testing, and waste disposal all factor into the total timeline.Is asbestos abatement required for commercial demolition projects?
Yes, commercial demolition projects are subject to strict federal NESHAP and Michigan EGLE regulations that require a thorough asbestos survey before any work begins. Failure to comply can result in project shutdowns, significant fines, and liability for cleanup costs.What is the difference between asbestos encapsulation and removal?
Encapsulation involves sealing asbestos-containing materials in place to prevent fiber release, while removal permanently eliminates the hazard. Removal is generally required before demolition or major renovation. Encapsulation may be appropriate for materials in good condition that won't be disturbed.Can asbestos removal be done while a building is occupied?
Typically, occupants must vacate affected areas during asbestos abatement. Licensed contractors establish containment barriers and negative air pressure zones to prevent fiber migration. Air quality clearance testing is completed before anyone is allowed back into the treated space.Why is licensed asbestos removal important in Michigan?
Michigan law requires asbestos work to be performed by licensed abatement contractors who follow EGLE disposal rules. Unlicensed removal risks dangerous fiber exposure, regulatory fines, and improper disposal that can create long-term environmental liability for property owners.What does an asbestos abatement contractor do after removal?
After removing hazardous materials, a licensed abatement contractor conducts post-abatement air clearance testing to confirm fiber levels are within safe limits. All asbestos waste is then legally transported by licensed haulers to approved disposal facilities, and project documentation is provided for your records.
