Renovating an older home can be a rewarding project. If transforming a dated space into something fresh and functional is a topic in your home, look no further. A few considerations though, before you knock down walls or rip up flooring, there’s one critical safety concern you need to address… that is asbestos.
In Australia, many homes built before the late 1980s contain asbestos materials. These may be hidden in walls, ceilings, vinyl flooring, or even behind splashbacks. Disturbing Asbestos materials during a demolition or renovation can possibly release hazardous fibres into the air, putting your health, and the health of those around you, at serious risk.
That is why it is so important to plan your project properly. By engaging professionals who offer residential strip-out services, you can ensure that any materials containing asbestos are identified and dealt with correctly before work begins. Renovation projects also benefit from qualified renovation teams who understand how to manage older properties safely from start to finish.
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What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials due to its fire resistance, strength and insulating properties. In homes, it was commonly found in cement sheeting, insulation, textured paint, roof tiles and pipe lagging.
When left undisturbed, asbestos poses little risk. However, during demolition or renovations, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be damaged, releasing tiny airborne fibres that are invisible to the naked eye. Inhaling these fibres can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs)
- Mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer)
- Lung cancer
- Pleural plaques (thickening of the lung lining)
These conditions often take years or decades to develop and are irreversible once diagnosed.
Where Asbestos Might Be Hiding in Your Home
Older homes can contain asbestos in more places than you might expect. Common locations include:
- Eaves, soffits and ceiling panels
- Backing boards of electrical meter boxes
- Vinyl flooring and tile adhesive
- Bathroom walls and ceilings
- Roof sheets and gutters
- Fencing and garage cladding
- Kitchen splashbacks behind sinks and stovetops
Unless you have documentation that confirms your home is asbestos-free, you should assume that some materials might contain it, especially if the property was built or renovated before 1990.
Legal Requirements for Asbestos Removal in Australia
In most states and territories, it is illegal to remove more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos without a licence. Friable asbestos (which is more easily crumbled and airborne) must always be handled by a licensed professional.
This means that any major renovation involving demolition, flooring removal or wall replacements should involve a site inspection by someone trained in asbestos identification. If asbestos is suspected, a licensed removalist must be brought in before any further work takes place.
Failure to follow these rules can result in heavy fines and even prosecution, not to mention putting your household and neighbours at risk.
The Role of Strip-Out Services in Asbestos Safety
Before any trades can get started, your site needs to be cleared of old fittings, tiles, and interior linings. However, these materials are often where asbestos hides. Working with specialists in site preparation and strip-outs ensures that the removal of these items is handled safely, and any suspect materials are left undisturbed until tested.
Experienced contractors will typically:
- Conduct a visual inspection of the site
- Advise if testing is required
- Isolate and contain areas if needed
- Coordinate with licensed asbestos removalists where applicable
- Provide proper clean-up and waste management once the site is cleared
By managing this stage professionally, you protect not just your own health, but the safety of everyone else involved in the renovation, from builders to electricians and beyond.
How Renovation Professionals Help Keep Projects Safe?
When planning a renovation, it is tempting to focus on layouts, tiles and tapware, but what happens behind the walls matters just as much. That is why engaging full-service renovation providers who understand asbestos risk is so important.
By working with home renovation experts, homeowners gain access to teams who consider the property’s age, previous alterations, and structural risks before any work begins. These professionals know how to coordinate strip-outs, asbestos assessments and rebuilds in a way that keeps everything on track and within safety regulations.
They also help you avoid costly rework or delays caused by uncovering asbestos mid-project. In many cases, early planning can allow for proper testing and removal before demolition even starts.
What to Look for in an Asbestos-Aware Team
If you are planning a home improvement project and suspect your home may contain asbestos, make sure the team you choose:
- Has experience working in pre-1990s homes
- Understands local asbestos laws and regulations
- Can coordinate testing and licensed removal if needed
- Provides clear documentation and safety procedures
- Offers full strip-out and clean-up services
- Has insurance that covers asbestos-related work
Asbestos safety is not an area where you want to take shortcuts. Even well-meaning DIY efforts can release fibres into the air, contaminating not just your home, but your clothes, car and tools.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos may be out of sight, but it should never be out of mind when it comes to home renovations. If your home was built or last updated before the 1990s, assume asbestos may be present and plan accordingly.
The safest approach is to work with qualified teams who handle asbestos risk every day. From licensed strip-out services to renovation specialists who know how to keep your project compliant, surrounding yourself with the right professionals will protect your health, your timeline and your budget.
Renovating your home should be exciting, not hazardous. With proper planning and trusted support, it can be.