How Asbestos Could Affect Your Renovation Budget (and Timeline)

Planning to renovate an older home? Before you start knocking down walls or ripping up flooring, there’s a hidden cost that could derail your entire project: asbestos.

At Confluence Environmental, we help homeowners and renovators stay on track by identifying and managing asbestos before it becomes a safety hazard—or a financial headache.

In this post, we’ll break down how asbestos can impact your renovation budget, timeline, and compliance, and how to avoid costly surprises.

Why Asbestos Is Common in Homes Built Before 1990

In Australia, asbestos was widely used in building materials right up until the late 1980s. If your property was built or renovated before 1990, it may contain asbestos in:

• Fibro wall and ceiling sheets

• Bathroom linings and tile backings

• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives

• Roof sheeting, eaves, and fences

• Garages, sheds, and external cladding

Even well-maintained homes can contain hidden asbestos beneath paint, tiles, or carpet.

How Asbestos Affects Your Renovation Budget

Renovation costs can quickly blow out if you unexpectedly uncover asbestos mid-project. Here’s how it hits your wallet:

1. Emergency Testing and Delays

If trades discover suspicious materials, all work must stop until it’s tested. Urgent lab testing and specialist call-outs can cost hundreds—plus downtime.

2. Licensed Removal Costs

If asbestos is confirmed, you’ll need a licensed contractor to remove it safely. Depending on the type, location, and quantity, removal can cost anywhere from $1000 to $5,000+.

3. Additional Waste Disposal Fees

Asbestos must be double-wrapped, labelled, and disposed of at licensed facilities—often with additional tipping and transport fees.

4. Extra Site Preparation or Cleaning

If asbestos has been disturbed, you may also need clearance inspections, air monitoring, or specialised decontamination—adding further costs.

5. Delays to Your Builder or Trades

Every day your project is on hold costs money. Builders may charge for rescheduling, idle time, or extended project management.

How Asbestos Affects Your Renovation Timeline

Time is money—especially on a tight schedule. Here’s how asbestos issues can delay your project:

• Unexpected Stop-Work Orders
  If asbestos is discovered during demolition or strip-out, all work must stop until the risk is controlled.

• Booking Removal Contractors
  Licensed asbestos removalists often require advance notice, meaning a wait of several days or weeks.

• Compliance and Clearance
  You may need clearance certificates, air testing, or SafeWork NSW notification, depending on the scope.

• Re-scoping Your Project
  Asbestos may force you to redesign part of your renovation—especially if it’s in structural or hard-to-reach areas.

How to Avoid Asbestos Blowing Out Your Budget

The solution is simple: test early, plan ahead, and engage professionals.

At Confluence Environmental, we offer:

• Pre-renovation asbestos inspections

• On-site sample collection and lab testing

• Clear, fast reporting so you can move forward with confidence

• Coordination with licensed asbestos removal contractors to streamline your timeline

We’ll help you identify asbestos risks before your builder arrives—so you can budget realistically and avoid costly setbacks.

Avoid Legal and Insurance Risks Too

Under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, anyone carrying out work that may disturb asbestos has a legal duty to identify and manage it first.

Failing to do so could result in:

• Regulatory fines

• Stop-work notices

• Insurance claim rejections

• Legal liability for worker or occupant exposure

A proactive asbestos inspection is cheaper, safer, and faster than dealing with a problem later.

Serving NSW Renovators, Builders, and Homeowners

Confluence Environmental supports renovation projects across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Sydney, and regional NSW.

Whether you're updating a bathroom, extending your home, or flipping a property, we help you keep costs low and timelines tight by managing asbestos early.

Book Your Pre-Renovation Asbestos Inspection Today

Don't wait for asbestos to derail your renovation. Call us before you build to stay on budget, on schedule, and above board.

Contact Confluence Environmental to book your inspection
✔️ Fast Turnaround | ✔️ Qualified Assessors | ✔️ Trusted Removal Referrals

FAQs

Q: What’s the average cost of asbestos removal in a home renovation?
A: It depends on the quantity, type, and access. Simple jobs may cost around $2000+. Complex or friable removal may exceed $5,000. Testing and planning early helps avoid unexpected quotes.

Q: Can I renovate around asbestos instead of removing it?
A: Sometimes. But you must ensure the asbestos is not disturbed or exposed. A professional risk assessment is required to determine what’s safe.

Q: How soon can I book testing?
A: We offer quick turnaround for urgent jobs—many clients get results within 48–72 hours of contacting us.