Renovating an Old Bathroom or Kitchen? Don’t Start Without an Asbestos Check
Renovating an old bathroom or kitchen is an exciting and crucial step in achieving the home of your dreams, but before you start tearing anything down, there’s one critical step you can’t skip:
an asbestos check!
Many homes built before the 1990s were constructed with materials that contain asbestos. Disturbing any of these materials during renovations can release dangerous fibres into the air, which poses serious risks to you, your family, and your contractors!
If you’re renovating an old bathroom or kitchen, understanding where asbestos may be hiding is essential to keeping your project safe and legal.
In this article, we’ll explore the hidden dangers of asbestos in home renovations, how asbestos inspections work, your legal responsibilities, and why ABS is the trusted expert to call before your renovation begins!
Don’t risk your health or home.
Book an asbestos inspection with ABS today!
We offer fast, professional, and fully insured asbestos removal services in Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and Wyong.
Why is Asbestos Still a Hidden Danger in Home Renovations?
Although asbestos has been banned or heavily regulated in many countries since the late 1980s, it is still a hidden hazard in many homes built before that time!
Asbestos was used in many building materials for its fire resistance, insulation properties, and durability. That’s why it can still be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries, especially behind walls, under flooring, in old adhesives, ceiling sheeting, pipe lagging, and even splashbacks!
The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during renovation. Cutting, drilling, or sanding these materials can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air.
Once inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lungs, leading to serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, even decades after exposure.
What makes asbestos even more dangerous is that it’s not always visible!
Many materials that look safe can contain bonded or friable asbestos.
Unless you’re trained and licensed, it’s nearly impossible to detect it without professional testing!
That’s why homeowners planning to renovate older kitchens or bathrooms should always begin by booking a certified asbestos inspection.
It’s a small upfront investment that can prevent massive health risks and costly delays down the line!
Common Renovation Projects That Disturb Asbestos
Many homeowners dive into renovations without realising how easily common projects can disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Projects that frequently expose homeowners and contractors to asbestos include:
- Removing old vinyl flooring or tiles, which often have asbestos in the backing or adhesives.
- Tearing out bathroom wall sheeting or ceilings, especially compressed fibro or cement sheeting.
- Stripping old splashbacks or cabinetry, where asbestos sheeting may have been used as a backing.
- Sanding textured paint or ceilings can potentially release friable asbestos into the air.
- Cutting into walls for plumbing or electrical work may disturb pipe lagging or insulation.
These activities can unknowingly release harmful asbestos fibres, contaminating the worksite and endangering everyone nearby! That’s why it’s essential to consult a licensed asbestos inspection team before starting any demolition or strip-out.
At ABS Asbestos Removal, we not only offer certified asbestos inspections but also safe demolition and strip-outs.
Contact us on 0409 007 033 for a FREE quote!
How Does An Asbestos Check Work?
At ABS, we deliver a comprehensive and professional asbestos inspection and removal process that prioritises safety, compliance, and peace of mind for homeowners in Newcastle, Wyong, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, and Lake Macquarie.
Our experienced team uses a careful approach to identify and safely manage asbestos before any renovation begins.
We always begin with a thorough on-site assessment, inspecting high-risk areas such as roofing, insulation, flooring, and internal wall linings for the presence of potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Based on our findings, we will develop a detailed removal plan that outlines the scope of work, safety controls, containment procedures, and a clear timeline.
Next, we establish controlled work zones with proper ventilation and containment to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.
Our licensed professionals then continue with the safe removal of identified ACMs using specialised tools and protective equipment, ensuring minimal risk to your home and health.
All waste is disposed of at approved facilities, in full compliance with NSW regulations. Once removal is complete, we conduct a post-removal inspection that includes air monitoring to ensure the site is completely clear. You’ll receive full documentation, including reports and certificates, for your records and future renovations!
Learn more about our Newcastle asbestos testing service.
What Are The Legal Responsibilities of Homeowners and Contractors?
When handling asbestos, both homeowners and contractors have legal responsibilities to ensure its safe identification, handling, and removal!
In New South Wales (NSW), strict regulations are enforced under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 and SafeWork NSW guidelines to protect public health and the environment.
Homeowners planning to renovate a property built before 1990 are legally required to identify and mitigate asbestos risks before work begins.
While DIY renovations are permitted in some cases, disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper training can pose serious health risks and result in potential fines.
If asbestos is suspected, homeowners must engage a licensed asbestos assessor to conduct an inspection.
Contractors and tradespeople have a duty of care under WHS laws to identify and manage asbestos before commencing work.
This includes obtaining asbestos registers (where applicable), following approved safety procedures, and ensuring any asbestos removal is performed by licensed professionals.
Failing to fulfil these critical duties can result in legal penalties, work interruptions, and long-term liability.
It’s also important to know that a licensed asbestos removalist must legally carry out asbestos removal over 10 square metres. When proper containment, handling, and disposal procedures are followed, this helps prevent airborne contamination.
Engaging a professional asbestos inspection and removal company, such as ABS, ensures your renovation is fully compliant with state and national regulations.
Why You Should Trust ABS for Your Asbestos Inspection!
If you are about to start a renovation project and need an asbestos inspection, you need a team with the experience, licensing, and dedication to carry out the job safely.
At ABS, we’re proud to be one of the most trusted names in asbestos inspection and removal across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Wyong and surrounding areas.
We offer a complete range of asbestos-related services, including:
- Asbestos Identification And Testing
- Asbestos Removal & Disposal
- Demolition, Excavation & Concrete Removal
Our team brings years of industry experience and adheres strictly to NSW Work Health and Safety regulations.
With over 15 years of industry experience, we provide clear, upfront quotes and timelines after a full site assessment.
Our clients, including homeowners, project managers and contractors, appreciate the transparency and professionalism we bring to every project, whether it’s part of a renovation or a safety inspection.
From the initial assessment to final documentation, our processes are efficient and designed to minimise risk at every stage.
We also partner with approved disposal facilities to ensure that all asbestos waste is managed responsibly and in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations!
Schedule a professional asbestos inspection or removal before you start your renovation project. We’ll help you move forward safely, legally, and with complete confidence.
Book your asbestos inspection now by calling us on 0409 007 033!
Why Choose ABS Asbestos Removal?
Fully licensed & insured team
5-star Google reviews
Trusted by builders and homeowners
Competitive quotes
Local knowledge of Newcastle council regulations
FAQ: Asbestos in Sheds and Garages
Do I need an asbestos inspection before renovating my bathroom?
Yes—especially if your home was built before 1990. An inspection ensures you don’t accidentally disturb asbestos-containing materials during demolition.Where is asbestos commonly found in old kitchens and bathrooms?
It can be hidden behind splashbacks, under vinyl floors, inside wall sheeting, ceiling panels, and even around old plumbing insulation.How long does an asbestos inspection take?
Most inspections take just a few hours. We’ll provide a detailed report and recommendations for safe removal if asbestos is found.Can I renovate a small area without checking for asbestos?
Even minor renovations can disturb asbestos. Cutting into walls or removing old tiles without testing is a serious health risk.Does ABS handle asbestos removal for kitchen and bathroom renovations?
Yes. We manage the full process—from certified inspection to safe removal and disposal—anywhere across Newcastle, Central Coast, and Lake Macquarie.
If you suspect your property may contain asbestos, do not hesitate to call us now at 0409 007 033.
