Renovating a Pre-1990 Home on the Sunshine Coast? Check for Asbestos

Renovating an older home can be an exciting way to improve your property, increase functionality and update outdated spaces. However, if your Sunshine Coast property was built or renovated before the 1990s, asbestos should be one of the things you consider before starting work. Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in Australian buildings for many years and may still be present in older homes.

The biggest concern is not simply that asbestos exists in a property. The risk can increase when renovation work disturbs materials containing asbestos. Drilling, cutting, sanding, breaking or demolishing certain building products can potentially release hazardous fibres. Planning ahead and identifying suspected asbestos before renovation begins can help protect occupants, workers and tradespeople.

Why Pre-1990 Homes May Contain Asbestos

Asbestos was used in a wide range of Australian building products because it offered durability, fire resistance and other useful properties. It can be found in different parts of older residential properties, including both internal and external building materials. A pre-1990 home does not automatically contain asbestos, but the age of the property can be an important warning sign when planning renovation work. Previous renovations may also have introduced or left behind older asbestos-containing materials.

Common areas where asbestos may be found include:

• Wall and ceiling sheeting
• Eaves and soffits
• Roofing materials
• Fencing
• Garage walls and ceilings
• Sheds and outdoor structures
• Flooring and some associated materials
• Electrical switchboard components
• Pipes and insulation in some circumstances

Because asbestos-containing materials can look similar to other building products, visual inspection alone may not always confirm whether asbestos is present.

Where to Look Before Starting a Renovation

Before beginning demolition or construction work, consider which parts of the property are likely to be affected. Renovations involving bathrooms, kitchens, walls, ceilings, roofing, garages and outdoor structures can potentially disturb older building materials.

1. Kitchens and Bathrooms

Older kitchens and bathrooms can contain asbestos in wall or ceiling sheeting and other building materials. Removing cabinets, tiles or fixtures can also disturb surrounding materials that may contain asbestos. If walls or ceilings are going to be removed, cut or significantly altered, it is important to consider what materials are present before work starts.

2. Roofs, Eaves and External Walls

Roofing products, eaves and external wall sheets are common areas of concern when renovating older homes. Replacing a roof, installing new windows or modifying external walls can disturb these materials. Even if a material appears to be in good condition, renovation activities can create dust or damage the product. Professional assessment can help determine whether asbestos needs to be managed before the planned work begins.

3. Garages, Sheds and Fences

Older garages, sheds and fences can also contain asbestos-containing materials. These structures are sometimes overlooked during renovation planning, particularly when they are being demolished or replaced as part of a larger property project. If an old structure is going to be demolished, it is important to consider whether its walls, roof or other components could contain asbestos before demolition begins.

Why Renovation Can Increase Asbestos Risk

Asbestos-containing materials may present a greater risk when they are damaged or disturbed. Renovation work can involve activities such as drilling, cutting, sanding, removing sheets and demolition, all of which can potentially disturb older building products. This is why asbestos should be considered during the planning stage rather than after renovation work has already started. Discovering suspected asbestos halfway through a project can result in delays while the material is assessed and an appropriate removal or management plan is arranged. Planning ahead can help reduce interruptions and allow other trades to schedule their work appropriately.

Signs That You Should Investigate Further

The age of the property is one consideration, but the planned work is equally important. If renovation will involve disturbing older wall, ceiling, roof or external materials, it is worth finding out whether asbestos may be present. You should consider professional assessment when:

• The building is older and contains original materials.
• Wall or ceiling sheeting will be removed.
• Roofing or eaves will be replaced.
• An old garage or shed will be demolished.
• Older fencing will be removed.
• Demolition is planned.
• Materials are damaged or deteriorating.
• You are unsure what a particular building product contains.

It is better to identify potential asbestos before work begins rather than discovering it after materials have been damaged.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Asbestos?

If you suspect that a material contains asbestos, avoid disturbing it until it has been appropriately assessed. Do not drill, cut, sand, break or remove the material simply to determine what it is.

1. Stop and Assess the Material

If suspected asbestos is discovered during renovation preparation, stop work in the affected area and prevent unnecessary access until the material can be assessed. This is particularly important if the material is damaged or has already been disturbed. Photographs can be useful when initially discussing the situation with an asbestos professional, although photographs alone may not be sufficient to identify asbestos.

2. Arrange Appropriate Testing or Assessment

Where the material cannot be confidently identified, appropriate sampling or professional assessment may be required. A qualified professional can help determine what the material is and what steps are appropriate for the proposed renovation. The correct approach will depend on the material, its condition, location and the work planned.

3. Use an Appropriately Licensed Removalist Where Required

Where asbestos removal is necessary, the applicable licensing and safety requirements need to be considered. Certain asbestos removal work must be carried out by appropriately licensed professionals, particularly where higher-risk materials or larger quantities are involved. A professional removalist can assess the work area, establish appropriate controls and arrange safe removal and disposal in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Planning Asbestos Removal Before Renovation

If asbestos removal is required, allow enough time for the work to be properly organised before scheduling other trades. The overall timeframe can depend on the amount and type of material, site access, testing requirements and the complexity of the project. Asbestos removal can also involve more than physically taking materials off the property. Appropriate handling, packaging, transport and disposal need to be considered as part of the process. For larger renovation projects, coordinating asbestos work early can help prevent delays to builders, electricians, plumbers, roofers and other contractors.

How Asbestos Can Affect Your Renovation Timeline

Finding asbestos before renovation begins does not necessarily mean the entire project needs to stop indefinitely. However, the affected work may need to be delayed until the material has been appropriately assessed, removed or managed. Unexpected asbestos discoveries can be particularly disruptive when demolition or construction has already started. Trades may need to leave the affected area, materials may need to be secured and additional services may need to be organised. Including asbestos checks in the early planning stage can therefore help create a more realistic renovation schedule.

Protecting Your Sunshine Coast Property During Renovation

Renovating an older home requires more planning than simply choosing new finishes and arranging trades. Understanding what materials are present can help you identify potential risks before work begins. If your property was built before the 1990s, consider asbestos as part of your renovation planning, particularly if you are changing walls, ceilings, roofing, bathrooms, kitchens, garages or external structures. Early investigation can help you make informed decisions about the work and reduce the likelihood of unexpected problems.

Final Thoughts

If you are renovating a pre-1990 home on the Sunshine Coast, checking for asbestos before starting work is an important safety consideration. Asbestos may be present in a range of older building materials, and renovation or demolition can disturb materials that have remained undisturbed for many years. Identifying potential asbestos early can help you plan removal, manage the renovation schedule and reduce the risk of unnecessary exposure.

If you suspect asbestos in your Sunshine Coast home, we can help with professional asbestos assessment and removal services. Contact our team with details about your property, the materials involved and the renovation work you are planning, and we can discuss the appropriate next steps and provide a tailored quotation where required.