It’s a simple question — but not one with a simple answer.
If you’re reading this, you probably already suspect that your home, or one you are about to purchase, contains asbestos. In Australia, a large proportion of homes built before 1990 used asbestos-containing materials due to its heat resistance, strength and affordability. This building material was highly versatile and used in all areas of the home including walls and ceilings, roofing and gutters, old hot water services, downpipes, bathroom and laundry tiles/wall sheeting, imitation brick cladding, concrete form work, vinyl tiles and many others. Since 2003 it has been illegal to manufacture, import, supply or use asbestos in Australia, however, asbestos-containing materials are still found in many older buildings, structures and machinery.
While not every pre-1990 home has asbestos, the risk is high enough that it should always be considered considering it is estimated that around 1 in 3 homes across Australia contains some form of asbestos.
Asbestos is a serious health hazard when disturbed and becomes dangerous to health when the fibres are released into the air and inhaled. The fibres can become trapped in the lungs, causing life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases typically develop slowly, with symptoms often not appearing until 20 to 30 years after exposure. Exposure to airborne fibres can lead to diseases such as asbestosis (lung scarring), lung cancer, and mesothelioma — an aggressive and often fatal cancer. Australia unfortunately has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world due to its historical use of asbestos.
Estimates suggest around 4,000 deaths per year in Australia are linked to asbestos-related diseases. This figure aligns broadly with national health data, though it includes multiple diseases and long-term exposure effects.
How do I know if I need to get an asbestos inspection?
If your property was built before 1990, it’s wise to assume asbestos may be present until proven otherwise. Asbestos was commonly used in roofing, eaves, wall sheeting, ceilings, vinyl floor tiles and backing, fences, sheds, and even insulation or pipe lagging. Because of this wide range of applications, its presence isn’t always obvious.
If you are purchasing a property it is important that your building and pest inspection includes identification of asbestos – something which a properly qualified building inspector will be able to identify.
You cannot reliably identify asbestos by sight alone. The only way to confirm its presence is through professional sampling and laboratory testing. A qualified building or asbestos inspector can carry out a visual assessment, identify materials likely to contain asbestos, and arrange certified lab testing where required.
So, how much does asbestos removal cost?
I wish I could give you a plain and simple answer, but the truth is that there is no set price for the removal of asbestos and it is going to depend on a number of different factors.
Costs vary widely depending on the situation, how much asbestos is present in the home and how difficult it is to remove. It is a very dangerous job and should only be carried out by a licensed professional. Waste disposal fees for asbestos are also expensive.
As a general guide in Australia, small and relatively simple jobs may cost between $1,500 and $3,000. Medium-scale removals often fall between $3,000 and $10,000, while large or complex projects can exceed $10,000, sometimes reaching up to $50,000 for whole home asbestos removal. These figures are indicative only, as actual costs depend heavily on site-specific conditions.
What affects the cost of asbestos removal?
There is no fixed price because every job is different. One of the biggest factors is where the asbestos is located. External materials, such as those found in fences, garages, or eaves, are typically easier and cheaper to remove. Internal asbestos, on the other hand, requires stricter containment measures, air monitoring, and more thorough cleaning processes, which increases the overall cost.
The total amount of asbestos present also plays a major role. Larger volumes mean more labour, more time, and higher disposal costs. The type and condition of the asbestos are equally important. Bonded asbestos, where fibres are fixed within materials like cement sheeting, is generally lower risk and less expensive to remove. Friable asbestos, which is loose or easily crumbled, poses a much higher risk because it releases fibres into the air more easily and requires specialised handling. In Australia, friable asbestos must be removed by a licensed Class A contractor.
Accessibility can also influence pricing. Areas that are difficult to reach, such as tight roof cavities or multi-storey structures, often require additional preparation, specialised equipment, or even partial demolition, all of which add to the cost.
Finally, disposal and regulatory compliance are built into the price. Asbestos must be removed, transported, and disposed of according to strict legal requirements, which adds to the overall expense but is essential for safety.
Can you reduce the cost?
It’s obviously possible to compare quotes, but asbestos removal is not something where cutting corners is worth the risk.
Be cautious of unusually low quotes, as they may indicate a lack of proper licensing, inadequate safety procedures, or illegal disposal practices. Choosing a properly licensed and compliant contractor is critical to ensuring the job is done safely and legally.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
In most cases, this is strongly discouraged. If you do decide to remove and dispose of a small amount of asbestos we urge you to ensure that you are properly educated and prepared to carry out the task with the safety of yourself and others in mind.
Regulations vary across Australia, but in some states and territories, homeowners are permitted to remove small amounts of bonded asbestos, typically up to 10 square metres. However, friable asbestos removal is illegal without a licensed professional. Even where DIY removal is technically allowed, the health risks are significant if the process is not carried out correctly.
In conclusion
Asbestos removal costs depend on a range of factors, but the most important consideration is safety rather than price.
If you suspect asbestos in your property, the best course of action is to arrange a professional inspection, confirm its presence through testing if needed, and then engage a licensed professional for removal.