Asbestos Testing in Des Plaines, IL
312-972-2321
Des Plaines is the kind of place where renovation work looks straightforward—until the original materials start showing up.
A kitchen floor gets opened. A ceiling comes down. A basement wall is pulled back. Then the project pauses, because the home was built during the exact decades when asbestos-containing materials were commonly used.
That situation is more common than most homeowners expect.
What Changes Once Materials Are Disturbed
Asbestos problems usually don’t start with the material itself — they start with timing.
Work begins first. Questions come later.
In Des Plaines, we’re often called after:
flooring has already been removed
ceiling materials have been taken down
basement or mechanical areas have been opened
At that point, the job shifts from a normal renovation into a situation that needs to be evaluated and documented before anything continues.
A Call We Received Near River Road
A property near River Road was mid-renovation when we were contacted.
Older flooring and ceiling materials had already been disturbed before testing was considered. We collected samples from both remaining materials and debris generated during the work.
Laboratory analysis confirmed asbestos-containing materials in more than one location.
At that stage, the project could not simply move forward. The next step was to clearly document what was present and determine how the work should proceed from there.
Situations like this are avoidable when materials are identified before work begins.
Why Older Des Plaines Homes Reveal Surprises
Des Plaines properties — especially those near the Des Plaines River, Central Road, and the Cumberland area — often have a renovation history that isn’t obvious from the surface.
Many homes in these areas have gone through:
multiple flooring replacements
partial basement updates
repairs related to moisture or past flooding
In some cases, materials were covered instead of removed.
New flooring installed over old tile.
Finished basement walls built in front of original surfaces.
Ceiling systems added below existing materials.
During inspections, it’s common to find layers from different decades within the same space — each with its own material type.
That’s where issues happen.
What looks like a simple project can involve multiple underlying materials once work begins. Identifying those layers ahead of time keeps the project controlled and avoids unexpected changes in scope.
How the Inspection Is Approached
The inspection is based on what you are planning to do — not a generic checklist.
We focus on:
the specific areas involved in your project
the materials most likely to be disturbed
collecting samples only where needed
Samples are sent to an accredited laboratory, and the results are documented clearly so they can be used for contractors, permits, or decision-making.
The goal is simple:
know what’s there before anything is removed.
Cost and Scope
A standard residential inspection is $375, which includes:
site visit
visual assessment
up to 3 samples
laboratory analysis
photo-documented report
Additional samples are added as needed.
For permit-related or larger projects, pricing depends on the scope and is confirmed before scheduling.
Who Performs the Inspection
All inspections are performed by Frank Masoud, Illinois licensed asbestos inspector #100-20238.
The same person who performs the inspection is the one responsible for the report and findings.
That matters when the documentation is being used by contractors, permit offices, or during a property transaction.
Scheduling an Inspection
Most inspections are scheduled within a few days, and sooner when availability allows.
Serving Des Plaines and nearby areas including
Park Ridge, Niles, Mount Prospect, Elk Grove Village, and Rosemont.