Top Renovation Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Asbestos in Older Australian Homes
Hire tradies in Australia for asbestos-safe renovations and ensure the job is handled professionally.
Renovating an older Australian home can be an exciting job, but it also comes with its own set of difficulties. One of the biggest worries for homes attempting a renovation is dealing with asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in building materials across Australia until the 1980s, and many older homes still contain this dangerous substance. If not handled properly, asbestos can cause serious health risks. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top renovation mistakes to avoid when dealing with asbestos, providing you with important renovation tips for homes with asbestos.
Why is Asbestos a Concern?
Before getting into the renovation mistakes, it’s important to understand why asbestos is a worry in the first place. Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was once popular in building due to its fire resistance, strength, and insulating qualities. However, study later showed that asbestos is highly toxic when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled, leading to dangerous respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. As a result, asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003, and any renovation work involving asbestos needs to be handled with great care.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Presence of Asbestos
One of the most common pitfalls in asbestos renovation projects is failing to check whether asbestos is present in the first place. If you're remodeling an older house built before the 1980s, there’s a high chance that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) could be present. Common places where asbestos can be found include roofs, walls, insulation, pipes, and flooring products.
Renovation Tip for Homes with Asbestos:
Always have a professional asbestos check done before starting any work. Qualified experts can safely test materials and identify whether asbestos is present. This will help you avoid dangerous contact and ensure you're taking the proper steps.
Mistake #2: Attempting DIY Asbestos Removal
Some people think they can save money by handling asbestos removal themselves. However, this is one of the biggest asbestos renovation mistakes you can make. Asbestos removal requires special training and protective gear to ensure safety, both for the people completing the removal and for anyone in the vicinity.
Dealing with Asbestos Safely: DIY asbestos removal is banned in many states and territories in Australia, as it presents significant risks to health. If you find asbestos during your renovation, it’s crucial to hire a qualified asbestos removal professional. These experts know how to handle asbestos properly, ensuring proper containment, removal, and reducing the risk of fibre release.
Mistake #3: Failing to Properly Seal Off Work Areas
Even if you hire a qualified professional to remove asbestos, one of the biggest risks during a renovation is disturbing asbestos fibres that are hidden in walls or ceilings. If the work area isn’t properly blocked off, there’s a significant chance that asbestos fibres will infect other parts of the home, possibly putting you and your family at risk.
Asbestos Removal Safety for Australian Homeowners: Ensure that proper containment measures are in place, including closing off the work area with plastic sheets and using negative air pressure systems to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. This will keep both the renovators and the rest of the family safe from contact.
Mistake #4: Not Considering the Full Scope of Asbestos Removal
Another mistake many homeowners make is not considering the full scope of asbestos removal. Asbestos can be found in many areas of the home, and sometimes, a small renovation project can turn into a much larger one. For example, removing a wall or replacing flooring could expose hidden asbestos in the ceiling or other parts of the house.
Renovation Asbestos Tips:
When planning your renovation, take the time to consider the potential for hidden asbestos. A professional inspection can help identify areas you might not have initially considered. If asbestos is found in more places than expected, it’s important to include the removal in your budget and timeline to ensure a safe renovation process.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Proper Disposal of Asbestos
Waste Asbestos removal doesn’t just involve taking the hazardous material out of your home – it’s also about disposing of it safely. Improper disposal of asbestos waste can lead to environmental contamination and expose others to the toxic material. In many cases, illegal dumping of asbestos can result in heavy fines.
Renovation Asbestos Tips:
Make sure that your asbestos removal contractor follows the correct procedures for disposal. Asbestos waste needs to be securely wrapped and transported to an approved disposal site. Always verify that the disposal site is licensed to handle asbestos, and check that your contractor is adhering to local regulations regarding asbestos waste.
Mistake #6: Not Budgeting for Asbestos Removal Costs
Dealing with asbestos during a renovation is not only time-consuming but can also be expensive. Many homeowners overlook the cost of asbestos removal when budgeting for a renovation project. Without factoring in these additional costs, you could end up with an unpleasant financial surprise.
Common Pitfalls in Asbestos Renovation Projects:
Be sure to get quotes from licensed asbestos removalists before starting your renovation. Asbestos removal can be costly, depending on the extent of the contamination, but it is an essential step for your safety and peace of mind. Including these costs in your renovation budget will ensure you are financially prepared.
Mistake #7: Failing to Obtain the Correct Permits
In many parts of Australia, asbestos removal is regulated by local officials, and permits may be needed before you can begin the job. Failing to obtain the proper permits can result in delays, fines, or even the halting of your renovation job.
Dealing with Asbestos Legally:
Before starting any asbestos-related work, check with your local council to see what permits or approvals are necessary. Your asbestos removal expert should be familiar with the licensing process and can help guide you through it to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
Mistake #8: Underestimating the Time Required for Safe Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal is not a quick fix. It takes time to safely remove and rid of asbestos, and many people underestimate how long the process will take. Rushing through this process can increase the chance of pollution and exposure.
Renovation Tips for Homes with Asbestos:
Be sure to build adequate time into your renovation plan for asbestos removal. Depending on the size and difficulty of the job, this process could take several days or even weeks. Planning for extra time will help you to approach the job methodically, ensuring all safety steps are followed.
Wrapping Up
Renovating an older Australian home that includes asbestos presents many challenges, but with the right method, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your home is safe for you and your family. By following these asbestos renovation tips, such as avoiding DIY removal, hiring qualified professionals, and planning for asbestos removal costs, you can handle the renovation process with confidence. Always remember that safety is the top priority when dealing with asbestos, and by taking the necessary precautions, you’ll be able to breathe easily and enjoy your newly renovated house.
If you're unsure where to start, get in touch with professionals who can help guide you through the process. When it comes to asbestos, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
