Planning a demolition? Asbestos must be removed first.
Demolishing a building without first identifying and removing asbestos is illegal in virtually every jurisdiction. Demolition generates enormous volumes of dust and debris, and any asbestos present will be released into the environment, contaminating the site and surrounding areas.
A refurbishment and demolition survey (Type 3 / invasive survey) is required before any demolition work. This involves destructive inspection to access hidden materials behind walls, above ceilings, and below floors.
All identified asbestos must be removed by licensed contractors before demolition begins. The demolition permit typically requires proof that asbestos has been cleared from the site.
The Problem
Demolishing a residential building without first identifying and removing asbestos is illegal. Houses, apartment blocks, and residential annexes built before 2000 may contain asbestos in roofing, wall cladding, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and textured finishes.
A refurbishment and demolition survey (invasive survey) is required before any demolition work begins. All identified asbestos must be removed by licensed contractors before the demolition permit can be issued.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an asbestos survey to demolish a house?
Yes, a refurbishment and demolition survey is legally required before demolishing any house built before the asbestos ban. Even partial demolitions and extensions require a survey of the areas affected.
Is an asbestos survey required before demolition?
Yes. A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is legally required before any demolition work on buildings constructed before the national asbestos ban. This is more invasive than a management survey and involves destructive inspection of all areas.
What type of asbestos survey is needed before demolition?
A refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey is required, which is more thorough than a standard management survey. It involves accessing all areas of the building, including behind walls, above ceilings, and beneath floors, to locate all asbestos before the structure is demolished.
Must asbestos be removed before demolition begins?
Yes. All asbestos-containing materials must be identified and removed by licensed contractors before mechanical demolition can proceed. This is a legal requirement and failure to comply can result in prosecution and site closure.
How long does asbestos removal take before demolition?
The duration depends on the quantity and type of asbestos present. Small residential properties may require a few days, while large commercial or industrial buildings can take weeks or months. A detailed survey report will inform the removal timeline.
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