Most Australian houses were built before 1990. These houses still contain asbestos. It’s hidden in walls, ceilings, rooftops, fences, and even old vinyl tiles. Each year, over 4,000 Australians die because of asbestos-related disease, making it one of the deadliest hidden dangers in old homes. If your house was also built before 1990 or in the early 1990s, then there’s a high chance it has asbestos in areas that wear down over time.
How much it costs to remove asbestos from a house depends on several key factors, such as the type of asbestos, the size of the area, and how hard it is to access. On average, in Australia, you can expect to pay around $30-$150 per square metre. That adds up to $1500 to $15,000 or more for a full house removal. Extra jobs like removing asbestos from external cladding or roofing tend to add more cost.
Crown Asbestos Removal Australia make this whole process simple, stress free & safe. Our expert, licensed team handles every thing with care serving you the best asbestos removal service in NSW, Canberra and surrounding ACT with eco-friendly, trusted solutions.
What is Asbestos and Why is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of tiny fibres that were used in building materials for many years. In the past, people used it because it was strong, fire-resistant, and cheap. It was common in homes built before 1990 in Australia.
You’ll often find asbestos in old roof sheets, walls, ceilings, vinyl floors, fences, and eaves. According to government estimates, about 1 in 3 homes in Australia built before 1990 still have some form of asbestos.
It’s not always dangerous when asbestos is left alone and in good condition. But it becomes a big health risk once it gets damaged or disturbed. The fibres can break apart, float in the air, and enter your lungs when you breathe.
Here’s why that’s a problem:
- Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma
- These diseases often don’t show up until 20–30 years later
- Over 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases
- That’s more than the national road toll
You should never try to remove asbestos yourself. It’s not worth the risk. Even small jobs can release harmful fibres into the air. The rules in Australia are strict- you must use licensed asbestos removalists who follow safety guidelines.
Trying to DIY might save you a bit of money upfront, but it can also be harmful to your health and even result in heavy fines. Leave it to the experts to stay safe.
Signs You Might Have Asbestos in Your Home
If your home was built before 1990, you could live with asbestos and not even know it. In fact, around 1 in 3 Australian homes built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos. This is because asbestos was a common building material in Australia for over 60 years, thanks to its durability and heat-resistant properties. However, as we now know, exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health problems, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos was used in a variety of building materials, including:
- Roofing materials (like fibro cement sheets, which are found in many older Australian homes)
- Ceiling tiles and panels
- Wall panels and sheeting (especially in bathrooms and kitchens)
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive glue used to install them
- Fencing (asbestos cement fencing)
- Insulation around pipes and ducts
It’s important to understand that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs don’t pose a risk if they’re left undisturbed and in good condition. However, if they are damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled. That’s why inspecting your home, especially if it’s an older property, and identifying potential risks is critical.
Around 60% of homes built in Australia before 1985 used asbestos materials, but this number dropped after 1985 due to new regulations. By the time 1990 rolled around, asbestos use in domestic properties had almost completely stopped. But even if your home was built after 1990, you should still stay alert. Renovations may have used leftover asbestos materials, so it’s important to check anything that was done to your house before you moved in.
If you find any of the following, it’s time to call a professional:
- Cracked or broken tiles (especially floor or ceiling tiles)
- Damaged insulation
- Flaking paint or loose plaster in old houses
- Any loose or crumbling material near walls, ceilings, or floorboards
Don’t risk handling asbestos yourself. The damage caused by even a single asbestos fibre can lead to severe health problems, and DIY removal is illegal in many places in Australia due to the risks involved. Always contact a professional asbestos removal company.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Removing Asbestos
When deciding on asbestos removal, several factors come into play that can significantly impact the cost. Understanding these elements is crucial for homeowners and property managers to make informed decisions about the safe and efficient removal of this hazardous material. Below, we explore the primary factors that affect the cost of asbestos removal.
Impact of Asbestos Type on Removal Techniques and Costs
Type of Asbestos Material Asbestos comes in two main forms, each varying in risk and removal cost:
- Friable Asbestos: This is the most dangerous form, being soft and easily crumbled, thus releasing fibers into the air. Due to its high risk, removing friable asbestos involves complex safety measures and containment procedures. The costs can be considerable, ranging from $120 to $150 per square metre. Friable asbestos is typically found in insulation, fireproofing materials, and some types of ceiling tiles.
- Non-friable Asbestos: This type is bonded to materials like cement or tiles and poses less of a risk as it does not easily release fibers unless disturbed. The removal of non-friable asbestos generally costs between $40 to $80 per square metre and is commonly found in flooring, roofing, and wall panels.
Challenges Posed by the Location and Accessibility of Asbestos
Location of the Asbestos The physical location of asbestos within a structure plays a significant role in determining the complexity and cost of removal:
- Asbestos located in hard-to-reach areas such as roofs, attics, or beneath floorboards typically incurs higher costs due to the need for special equipment and additional labor. For example, roof and attic asbestos removal can cost up to $10,000 or more, depending on the extent and type of material involved.
- Conversely, asbestos in more accessible areas like wall panels and fencing generally leads to lower removal costs, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for a standard-sized house.
Calculating the Financial Burden: Volume of Asbestos and Disposal Costs
Amount of Asbestos The total amount of asbestos present significantly affects the overall cost:
- Small-scale jobs, such as removing asbestos from a bathroom or single room, might cost between $1,500 and $3,000.
- Larger projects, like a full-house asbestos removal involving multiple rooms and structural elements (ceilings, roofs, fencing), can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
Disposal Fees and Safety Measures Proper disposal of asbestos is critical since it is classified as hazardous waste. Disposal fees and the necessary safety measures often constitute a significant portion of the total removal cost.
Average Cost to Remove Asbestos from a House in Australia
Understanding the cost of removing asbestos from a house in Australia is crucial for homeowners. Depending on a few factors, the price range for asbestos removal generally falls between $30 and $150 per square metre.
Here’s a breakdown of how much it costs to remove asbestos from different rooms or areas in your home:
- Bathroom: Removing asbestos from bathroom tiles or flooring can cost around $50–$120 per square metre.
- Walls: Expect a price range of $40- $100 per square metre for wall cladding or sheet removal.
- Ceiling: Asbestos removal from ceilings can be a bit trickier and might cost between $60–$150 per square metre, especially if the material is friable.
- Roof: The cost of removing a roof could range from $80–$150 per square metre, depending on the type of roof and its accessibility.
- Fencing: If you have asbestos fencing, removal can cost anywhere from $30–$60 per square metre.
Typical Job Examples and Cost Ranges
- Small Shed or Outbuilding: The cost to remove asbestos from a small shed or outbuilding might range between $1,000 and $4,000. This is for a basic job where there is only a small amount of asbestos material.
- Full House Removal: The price for removing asbestos from an entire house can vary significantly, but it typically falls between $10,000 and $30,000 or more. Larger, more complex homes with more asbestos will cost more.
These prices can fluctuate based on the complexity of the job, how much asbestos is present, and where it’s located in the house. The more accessible the asbestos, the less it will cost, but if it’s in hard-to-reach places, removal costs can increase.
Why You Should Hire Certified Asbestos Removal Experts
When it comes to asbestos removal service, hiring licensed and insured professionals is essential. These experts follow the strictest safety protocols to ensure the job is done right. Without the right training, you could put yourself and others at serious risk.
- Safety First: Professionals are trained to remove and dispose of asbestos safely, minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful fibres.
- Legal Protection: Licensed professionals ensure that the removal complies with Australian safety standards, so you won’t face any legal issues.
- Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional gives you confidence that the job is done safely and efficiently
Tips to Keep Costs Down Without Compromising Safety
Removing asbestos from your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some simple ways to reduce costs while ensuring safety:
- Get a detailed quote: Always ask for a detailed, written quote from an asbestos removal company. This will give you a clear breakdown of costs and prevent any surprise charges. A typical quote might range from $30 to $150 per square meter depending on the material and location of the asbestos. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for can help you budget better.
- Only pay for what needs to be removed: Not all areas of your home may contain asbestos. A professional inspection will pinpoint the exact spots that need removal. Only pay for removal of the areas that actually have asbestos, instead of treating your entire home. By identifying just the affected areas, you can save 10% to 20% of the total cost.
- Bundle removal jobs: If you have multiple asbestos removal tasks (e.g., roof, flooring, or fences), consider bundling them into one job. By combining jobs, you can save on labour and disposal costs. You may end up paying 15% to 30% less than if you hired a contractor for each individual job.
- Check for government rebates or support in Australia: Depending on where you live in Australia, there may be rebates or financial assistance for asbestos removal. In some cases, local councils or the Australian government offer programs that can reduce your costs by up to 50% for eligible households. It’s always worth checking with your local authority to see if you qualify.
How Crown Asbestos Removal Can Help You
At Crown Asbestos Removal, we make removing asbestos as simple and affordable as possible. Here’s how we stand out:
- We serve all of Canberra and surrounding NSW: Whether you’re in Canberra, Queanbeyan, or nearby areas in New South Wales, our professional team is ready to help. We’ve been proudly serving Australian homes for years, providing reliable and certified asbestos removal services.
- Safe, fast, and professional asbestos removal: Our team is fully licensed and insured, ensuring your home is in safe hands. We follow all safety regulations and work quickly to minimise disruption to your daily life. We’re committed to delivering fast, efficient service without cutting corners. In fact, we’ve completed over 95% of our projects on time with top-quality results.
- Friendly team ready to inspect and quote: Our team of certified experts will inspect your property and give you a free quote with no hidden fees. With years of experience, we make sure all asbestos is identified and removed safely, giving you peace of mind. We offer upfront pricing, so you’ll never be left guessing.
- Call us today for a free quote: Ready to remove asbestos from your home? Don’t wait. Call Crown Asbestos Removal today to schedule an inspection or request a quote. We’re here to help make your home safer while keeping costs affordable.
Final thoughts
When it comes to how much to remove asbestos from house, understanding the costs and knowing how to keep them down is key to making the process smoother and more affordable. With the right professional team, like Crown Asbestos Removal, you can ensure safe, efficient, and certified asbestos removal without breaking the bank. Whether in Canberra or surrounding NSW, we’re here to provide you with reliable service and peace of mind.
Ready to make your home safer and asbestos-free? Crown Asbestos Removal offers affordable, top-quality service that you can trust.
What’s holding you back from getting your home inspected for asbestos? Let us help you take the first step towards a safer home today.
