Asbestos was used extensively in Australian housing until the late 1980s — in eaves, wet area walls, fences, roofing and garage sheeting. If your home was built before 1990, plan on some asbestos being found.
The rules in Victoria
Removal of more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos must be performed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Friable asbestos requires a Class A licence, and WorkSafe Victoria must be notified before licensed removal work begins.
Asbestos must be fully removed before mechanical demolition starts. Reputable contractors will arrange an asbestos assessment as part of their quoting process.
What it means for your budget
Typical residential asbestos removal adds $2,000–$10,000 to a demolition project, though heavily contaminated properties can cost more. Beware of any quote that doesn't mention asbestos at all — an unrealistically low quote often becomes an expensive variation later.
When comparing quotes through our platform, check whether asbestos assessment and removal is included, provisional, or excluded in each contractor's price.
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