Asbestos was commonly used in Australian homes for roofing, walls, flooring, bathrooms, garages, and other building materials. Although asbestos can remain safe when intact, damaged materials may release dangerous airborne fibres.

An asbestos inspection helps identify asbestos-containing materials before they become a health risk. During an inspection, trained professionals assess areas where asbestos may be present and recommend the safest solution.

Common areas where asbestos may be found include:

At AWARE, the team provides expert asbestos assessments and removal solutions for Melbourne homes. Additionally, AWARE can assist with asbestos encapsulation, disposal, decontamination, and remediation when required.

Many homeowners ask, “What does asbestos look like?” Unfortunately, asbestos-containing materials often look similar to other building products.

Therefore, you should not rely on appearance alone. Instead, arrange an asbestos inspection if your property was built before the 1980s or if you are planning renovations.

An asbestos inspection is recommended before:

AWARE regularly helps Victorian homeowners identify and safely manage asbestos in homes, including asbestos roofs, wall sheeting, floor coverings, and other common materials.

Am I Legally Required to Remove Asbestos?

No, you are not always legally required to remove asbestos from your home. If asbestos remains undamaged and does not pose a risk, it may be safely managed without immediate removal.

However, asbestos removal may become necessary if materials are damaged, deteriorating, or affected by renovation work. Before removing asbestos, homeowners should arrange an asbestos inspection to understand the condition of the material and the safest approach.

Attempting DIY asbestos removal can create unnecessary risks. Asbestos fibres can become airborne when materials are cut, drilled, broken, or incorrectly handled. Therefore, professional advice is essential before disturbing suspected asbestos.

A professional asbestos inspection typically involves:

AWARE’s experienced team provides safe and compliant asbestos solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an asbestos inspection before renovating my home?
Yes. An asbestos inspection before renovations helps identify potential hazards before materials are disturbed. This allows homeowners and contractors to plan safe removal or management procedures.

How can I identify asbestos in my home?
You cannot always identify asbestos by appearance alone. A professional asbestos inspection provides the most reliable way to determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present.

Is asbestos dangerous if it is left undisturbed?
Undamaged asbestos may present a lower risk when left alone. However, damaged asbestos materials can release fibres and should be assessed by qualified professionals.

Can I remove asbestos myself in Victoria?
The requirements for asbestos removal depend on the material type, quantity, and location. Homeowners should seek professional advice before attempting asbestos removal.

How often should I have an asbestos inspection?
An asbestos inspection is recommended before renovations, demolition, property changes, or whenever you suspect asbestos-containing materials may be present.

Arrange an Asbestos Inspection with AWARE

If you are concerned about asbestos in your home, AWARE can help identify the safest solution. With more than 25 years of industry experience, A-Class accreditation, and extensive residential asbestos removal expertise, AWARE provides trusted asbestos inspection and removal services across Melbourne, Geelong, and Australia.

Contact AWARE today to arrange a professional asbestos inspection and protect your property with expert asbestos removal specialists.