Planning checklist for DIYers

If the answer is yes, your home probably has asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos can be found in one in three homes in Australia. If you are unsure the age of the property, call your local council, they may be able to help.

Asbestos was used in over 3,000 building products. Use the asbestos checker to help you identify where asbestos might be. For example

• roofing
• ceilings and internal walls
• eaves 
• fencing 
• flue and water pipes 
• fireplaces 
• behind tiles 
• flooring underlay. 

You cannot tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. 

A licensed assessor can inspect your property for asbestos materials and provide a report. Licensed assessors may also take samples for testing. 

A licensed asbestos assessor may undertake an assessment in two ways;

• Non-intrusive assessment - the licensed asbestos assessor inspects the fabric of the building and where asbestos-containing materials are suspected, discrete samples are collected for analysis under controlled conditions. The assessor then registers the asbestos and provides a report on the location, type and risks identified.
• Intrusive assessment - undertaken prior to refurbishment or demolition works and will include a building fabric assessment followed by destructive testing to reach inaccessible voids, beneath floor coverings and within ceiling spaces and wall cavities. This provides a clearer picture prior to engaging a tradesperson to undertake demolition or intrusive works.

Make sure your assessment includes underfloor and roof spaces.

Asbestos professionals who can assist with identifying asbestos include, licensed asbestos assessors and removalists. A list of licensed asbestos professionals can be found here.

Licensed assessors should provide a report to show the location and condition of the asbestos.

Asbestos-containing materials that have no holes or broken, peeling or flaking areas, are in good condition, are low risk. Materials may be painted or unpainted. Undamaged bonded asbestos won’t release dangerous fibres.

Once you know where asbestos is in your property, you can plan for renovation or maintenance. You may be able to leave asbestos undisturbed or cover it safely, but don’t attempt to remove it yourself.

It is better to let your trades know up front about any asbestos on the property. This will help save time and money. Good tradespeople should also advise you to get an asbestos assessment if they believe the house was built before 1990 and suspect asbestos.

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. If you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is.

Talk about a contingency in the budget to manage if asbestos shows up. How do they plan to remove and dispose of the asbestos, ensuring that everyone is kept safe?