Asbestos surveys for commercial buildings

Property managers, commercial landlords, contractors, demolition and renovation firms, schools and small public bodies.

Quoted per survey based on building size and number of samples, plus repeat work and re-inspections for property managers with several buildings.

• Systematic inspection and record keeping
• Technical report writing
• Quoting and dealing with contractors and property managers
• Understanding workplace safety rules

• Requirements for who can carry out and sign off commercial surveys differ by province, check your regulator
• Startup costs add up: training and certification, sampling and safety equipment, report software, a vehicle if you do not have one, and lab fees (often paid per sample before you invoice the client)
• Professional liability, commercial general liability and often pollution or environmental liability insurance can be costly for new firms, so get quotes early; clients may ask to see your limits
• Your reports may be relied on by workers and contractors, so accuracy and clear records matter
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help, rules vary by province
• Larger clients can be slow to pay, so agree terms in writing

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $60,000, depending on training and certification, sampling and safety equipment, report software, whether you need a vehicle, and lab fees. Labs are often paid per sample before you invoice the client.

Check with your provincial regulator, because requirements for who can carry out and sign off commercial surveys differ by province. Also check insurance needs, such as professional liability and commercial general liability, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many surveys you win and the buildings involved. The estimate assumes at least 25 hours a week. Larger clients can be slow to pay, so agree terms in writing.