You’ve finally decided to refresh your home or office. Builders arrive. Tools out. Dust flying. But no one’s asked the big question:
“Was an asbestos survey done?”
Spoiler alert: in way too many cases—nope.
At WestCross, we’ve lost count of how many emergency calls we’ve had from horrified homeowners after a tradesperson unknowingly tore through a ceiling, bathroom wall, or floor tiles containing asbestos. It’s not just careless—it’s potentially life-threatening.
Let’s break down why this keeps happening, and what you can do to protect yourself, your family, or your business.
“It’s Just an Old Ceiling Mate” – Or Is It?
Asbestos can be hidden in more places than most trades realise:
- Pipe lagging
- Floor tiles
- Ceiling voids
- Artex coatings
- Partition boards
- Electrical risers
- Loft spaces and boiler rooms
To the untrained eye, these materials might just look “old.” But behind that aged tile or cracked wall could be friable asbestos, ready to break apart and float through the air with every swing of the hammer.
Real Case, Real Risk
We recently helped a family whose home was turned into a contamination zone because their builder started work without a survey. What should’ve been a simple kitchen refurb turned into:
- Full environmental clean-up
- Air monitoring
- Relocation of the family
- Not to mention, a massive emotional toll
All because someone didn’t check first.
Why Don’t Some Trades Check?
Honestly? Some don’t know they should. Others do know—but skip it to “save time.” The problem is, cutting corners on asbestos doesn’t save time—it just pushes the cost, risk, and consequences onto you.
It’s your home, your health, your responsibility to ask for proof of a recent asbestos survey before letting anyone start knocking things about.
What Should Happen Instead?
Before any refurbishment or demolition:
- A professional asbestos survey must be completed.
- If asbestos is found, a licensed contractor like WestCross should remove it safely.
- Work can only proceed once the area is fully cleared and certified.
It’s not bureaucracy—it’s your legal right to a safe environment.
Frequently Asked Questions – Renovations and Asbestos
1. What happens if tradespeople disturb asbestos during renovations?
Asbestos fibres can become airborne, creating a dangerous health risk. Immediate containment and professional clean-up is essential.
2. Are tradespeople responsible for checking for asbestos?
Legally, the property owner is responsible for ensuring a survey is done before refurbishment. However, responsible trades should always ask.
3. Do I need an asbestos survey before renovating my home?
Yes—especially if your property was built before 2000. A survey ensures hidden asbestos is identified and removed before work starts.
4. What should I do if I think asbestos has been disturbed?
Stop work immediately, isolate the area, and call WestCross. We’ll assess the situation, test air quality, and carry out safe remediation.
5. Can WestCross help after asbestos has been disturbed?
Absolutely. We specialise in emergency asbestos response, safe removal, and air testing—restoring safety quickly and professionally.
Planning a renovation? Don’t let shortcuts cost your safety. Speak to WestCross before the work starts, because prevention is always cheaper than clean-up.
