Asbestos surveys are required because of the possibility that asbestos-containing products were purchased and installed from companies outside of the US (Which the Toxic Substances Control Act does not cover).  Single-family homes are usually exempt from the asbestos survey requirement under NESHAPs, the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollution.  However, the exemption only applies if the homeowner is doing the work and does not apply to a contractor that must comply with OSHA.  Also, multi-family residences are not exempt from the requirement, and local regulations may have more stringent requirements.