Planning a renovation? Check for asbestos first.
Any building constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling panels, pipe lagging, and dozens of other materials. Disturbing these during renovation releases dangerous fibres into the air.
Before starting any refurbishment, rehabilitation, or remodelling work, you are legally required in most jurisdictions to commission an asbestos survey. This identifies what materials are present, their condition, and whether they need to be removed before work begins.
Failing to check can halt your project, expose workers and occupants to health risks, and result in significant legal liability.
The Problem
Homes built before 2000 frequently contain asbestos in textured coatings (popcorn ceilings, artex), vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, roofing felt, and cement cladding. These materials are often hidden behind later finishes and go undetected until renovation begins.
Kitchen and bathroom refurbishments are particularly high-risk because they involve removing old tiles, disturbing adhesives, and accessing plumbing behind walls -- all common asbestos locations in residential properties.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an asbestos survey before starting a renovation?
Yes, a refurbishment survey is legally required before any work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials. The survey identifies ACMs in the work area so they can be safely managed or removed before construction begins.
Is an asbestos survey legally required before renovation work?
In most jurisdictions, yes. Regulations require that building owners identify asbestos-containing materials before any refurbishment work that could disturb them. The survey must be conducted by an accredited inspector and the results communicated to all contractors working on site.
How do I clean my house after asbestos exposure?
Do not attempt to clean up asbestos contamination yourself. A licensed asbestos contractor should carry out decontamination using specialist HEPA-filtered equipment, and air monitoring should confirm safe levels before reoccupation.
Can you still live in a house with asbestos?
Asbestos-containing materials exist in many buildings, but safety depends entirely on their verified condition - not on the assumption that leaving materials alone equals safety. Deteriorated ACMs release fibres without being physically disturbed: weathering, thermal cycling, moisture, and vibration all degrade materials over time. Before any renovation, a professional survey is essential to assess actual fibre-release risk. Materials that appear intact from the outside may be internally degraded.
What to do if your house has been exposed to asbestos?
Ventilate the area, avoid disturbing any debris, and contact a licensed asbestos removal contractor for assessment. Keep people and pets away until the area has been professionally assessed and cleaned.
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