The questions property owners, contractors, and managers ask us most. Don't see yours? A quick call is the fastest way to a clear answer — or send the project form and we'll answer in writing.
Do I need an asbestos survey before renovating or demolishing?
In Texas, yes for most public and commercial buildings — a licensed asbestos survey is required before renovation or demolition, and many cities won't issue a permit without one. Residential rules are lighter, but lenders, contractors, and insurers often require testing anyway, especially on homes built before the mid-1980s. If you're not sure whether your project triggers the requirement, call us and we'll tell you.
How long does it take, and when will I get my report?
For a typical limited survey or inspection, we can usually be on site within a few business days of your call. The visit itself takes a few hours depending on the size of the building. Laboratory analysis and the written report normally follow within a few business days, and rush turnaround is available when a permit or closing date requires it.
How much does a survey or inspection cost?
It depends on the size of the property, the number of materials that need to be sampled, and how quickly you need results. Smaller residential and commercial surveys are usually quoted as a flat rate with lab fees included, so there are no surprises. Larger buildings and portfolios are priced by scope. Send us the address and a short description and you'll have a written quote the same business day.
Do you also remove the asbestos, lead, or mold?
No — and that's intentional. TSEC is an independent consultant: we identify, document, design the abatement or remediation, and verify that it was done correctly. Texas rules actually prohibit the same company from both assessing and remediating mold on a project, and the same separation protects you on asbestos and lead work. We're happy to recommend licensed contractors we've worked alongside.
What's the difference between a lead inspection and a lead risk assessment?
A lead-based paint inspection answers one question: is lead paint present, and where? It's what you need for disclosures, HUD programs, and abatement planning. A risk assessment goes further — it looks at the condition of the paint, dust, and soil to determine whether there is an actual hazard right now, and recommends how to control it. Many projects need one or the other; some need both, and we'll tell you which applies.
Which parts of Texas do you cover?
All of it. We're based in Austin and work San Marcos, Seguin, and San Antonio daily, with dedicated phone lines for Houston and for McAllen / the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo. We regularly work Dallas–Fort Worth, El Paso, Corpus Christi, and everywhere in between; for multi-site portfolios we schedule the visits in a single trip to keep costs down.
Do you work with Spanish-speaking clients and building occupants?
Yes. Our consultants speak English and Spanish, we can communicate with tenants and crews in either language on site, and reports and correspondence can be provided in Spanish on request.