Key Takeaways
- Pre-1990 homes must be tested for asbestos before demolition
- Class A licence required for asbestos removal
- Asbestos removal adds $3,000-$15,000 and 2-5 days to project
Asbestos and House Demolition
If you're planning a house demolition in Sydney and your home was built before 1990, asbestos is almost certainly present. Understanding what's involved in asbestos removal is essential for planning your project safely and legally.
Why Asbestos Matters
Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, become airborne and can cause serious health conditions including mesothelioma and asbestosis. In NSW, strict regulations govern how asbestos must be handled during demolition.
Legal Requirements
- Mandatory inspection: Pre-1990 homes must be surveyed
- Licensed removal: Only licensed contractors can remove asbestos
- SafeWork notification: Required for all asbestos removal
- Licensed disposal: Must use approved waste facilities
- Clearance certificate: Required before demolition proceeds
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found
In Sydney homes, asbestos was used extensively. Common locations include:
Exterior
- Fibro wall cladding (cement sheets)
- Roofing materials
- Eaves and soffits
- Fencing
- Garage and shed walls
Interior
- Wall and ceiling linings
- Vinyl floor tiles and backing
- Bathroom and laundry walls
- Behind tiles in wet areas
- Insulation around pipes
Hidden Areas
- Under floor coverings
- Behind renovations
- In roof cavities
- Around heating systems
- Within wall cavities
Types of Asbestos
Different asbestos types require different handling:
Bonded (Non-Friable) Asbestos
Most common in homes. The asbestos is bound in a solid matrix (cement, vinyl).
- Fibro sheets and cladding
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Cement roofing
- Lower risk when undisturbed
- Class B licence acceptable for removal
Friable Asbestos
Can be crumbled by hand, releasing fibres easily. Higher risk.
- Pipe lagging and insulation
- Sprayed coatings
- Some old gaskets and rope
- Requires Class A licence
- More extensive safety protocols
The Inspection Process
Professional Survey
A licensed asbestos assessor conducts a thorough inspection:
- Visual inspection of all areas
- Sample collection from suspected materials
- Laboratory analysis of samples
- Detailed asbestos register
- Removal recommendations
Inspection Costs
Professional asbestos inspection typically costs $300-$800. While more complex properties may cost more, this is a small investment compared to the potential overall demolition costs and health risks of unidentified asbestos.
The Removal Process
SafeWork NSW Notification
Before any removal, contractors must notify SafeWork NSW with:
- Site details and scope
- Removal methodology
- Safety measures planned
- Disposal arrangements
Removal Steps
- Area isolation: Containment barriers erected
- Air monitoring: Continuous fibre monitoring
- Wet methods: Materials kept damp to reduce dust
- Careful removal: Minimising breakage
- Double bagging: Materials wrapped and labelled
- Decontamination: Workers and equipment cleaned
- Clearance inspection: Independent verification
Our Asbestos Credentials
Gabrael House Demolition holds a Class A Asbestos Removal Licence (AD211249), issued by SafeWork NSW, allowing us to safely remove all types of asbestos. We were also named Top Asbestos Abatement Services Provider in APAC 2024.
Asbestos Removal Costs
Removal costs depend on type, quantity, and accessibility:
| Asbestos Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small bonded areas (<10m²) | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Full fibro house exterior | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Interior bonded asbestos | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Friable asbestos removal | $8,000-$25,000+ |
| Asbestos-contaminated soil | $5,000-$30,000+ |
Impact on Project Timeline
Asbestos removal adds time to your demolition project:
- Inspection and report: 3-5 working days
- SafeWork notification: 5 days minimum notice
- Removal work: 1-5 days depending on extent
- Clearance inspection: 1-2 days
Total addition: typically 2-3 weeks including notification periods.
Disposal Requirements
Asbestos waste must be disposed of at licensed facilities:
- Double-wrapped in approved plastic
- Clearly labelled as asbestos
- Transported by licensed carriers
- Disposed at approved landfills only
- Disposal documentation provided
Warning About DIY Removal
While NSW allows homeowners to remove small amounts (<10m²) of bonded asbestos, this is strongly discouraged for demolition projects:
- Risk of improper handling
- Potential exposure to hidden friable materials
- Complex disposal requirements
- May invalidate insurance
- Council and certifier concerns
Need Asbestos Removal?
Whether you're planning a full demolition or just need asbestos removed from your property, our Class A licensed team can help.
Free Asbestos Assessment
Gabrael House Demolition provides comprehensive asbestos assessment and removal as part of our complete demolition service. Our licensed assessors will inspect your property, identify all asbestos, and provide a detailed quote.
Book your free assessment or call 1300 329 600.
Gabrael House Demolition
Demolition Industry Leaders
Our demolition experts have over 30 years of experience providing professional house demolition, asbestos removal, site remediation, and site preparation services across Sydney. We're committed to delivering safe, environmentally responsible, and high-quality demolition solutions for residential properties throughout Sydney and surrounding regions.
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