You’ve Started Work… Then Suddenly Everything Stops
It usually starts the same way.
You’re mid-renovation — maybe a new kitchen, a bathroom upgrade, or a full property refurb. The plaster’s coming off, ceilings are being opened up, and everything’s moving along nicely…
Then someone says it:
👉 “That could be asbestos…”
And just like that, everything stops.
Across the Midlands — from Birmingham and Coventry to Leicester and Nottingham — this is one of the most common situations we’re called into. And understandably, it throws people off completely.
Do you carry on?
Do you stop everything?
Is it dangerous right now?
Let’s walk through exactly what happens next.
First Things First — Don’t Touch It
If you suspect a material could contain asbestos, the worst thing you can do is try to deal with it yourself.
That means:
❌ Don’t break it up
❌ Don’t sweep or vacuum it
❌ Don’t bag it and move it
❌ Don’t let trades continue working around it
Asbestos becomes dangerous when fibres are released into the air — and that usually happens when materials are disturbed.
Even something as simple as drilling, sanding, or pulling down a ceiling can release fibres you can’t see, but can breathe in.
👉 If in doubt: stop work immediately and isolate the area.
Step 1: Get It Properly Tested
Before anything else, you need to know exactly what you’re dealing with.
A professional asbestos survey or sample test will confirm:
- Whether asbestos is present
- The type of asbestos-containing material (ACM)
- The condition it’s in
- The level of risk
This is not something you can guess by looking at it — many asbestos materials look identical to non-asbestos alternatives.
In the Midlands, we regularly attend properties where:
- Artex ceilings have been partially removed
- Floor tiles have been lifted
- Pipe lagging has been exposed
…and no one was aware asbestos was present until that moment.
Step 2: What This Means for Your Renovation
This is the part most people worry about — and understandably so.
Yes, finding asbestos can affect your project timeline…
But not nearly as much as people think when handled properly.
Depending on the situation:
- Work may pause temporarily in the affected area
- Other parts of the project may continue
- A removal plan will be scheduled quickly
- Clearance testing may be required before work resumes
👉 The key point: dealing with it early prevents much bigger delays later.
Trying to ignore it or “work around it” often leads to:
- Site contamination
- More extensive removal
- Increased costs
- Potential legal issues
Step 3: Safe Asbestos Removal
Once asbestos is confirmed, it needs to be handled by professionals.
At WestCross Environmental Services, we carry out asbestos removal across the Midlands using strict, compliant procedures.
This typically includes:
✔️ Controlled Work Areas
We isolate the affected space to prevent fibre spread.
✔️ Specialist Equipment & PPE
Our teams use appropriate respiratory protection and controlled techniques.
✔️ Careful Removal
Materials are removed without unnecessary disturbance.
✔️ Safe Disposal
All waste is transported and disposed of at licensed facilities.
✔️ Clearance & Certification
You receive documentation confirming the area is safe.
Whether it’s a small domestic job or a larger refurbishment project, the goal is always the same:
👉 Make the environment safe so work can continue confidently.
Domestic vs 🏢 Commercial Situations
Domestic Renovations
We often attend:
- Kitchen and bathroom refits
- Garage roof removals
- Ceiling replacements
- Flooring upgrades
These are usually smaller-scale but still require proper handling.
Commercial & Site Projects
We also support:
- Office refurbishments
- Retail fit-outs
- Industrial strip-outs
- Construction projects
In these cases, coordination with contractors is key to keeping projects moving.
📍 Midlands Areas We Cover
Our teams operate across the Midlands, including:
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Derby
- Wolverhampton
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Surrounding towns and villages
We understand the types of properties in these areas — and the asbestos risks that often come with them.
A Quick Reality Check (That Most People Don’t Expect)
Here’s something worth knowing:
👉 Finding asbestos during renovation is not unusual.
In fact, it’s expected in many older properties.
The difference between a stressful situation and a manageable one comes down to:
- How quickly it’s identified
- How safely it’s handled
- Who you bring in to deal with it
Handled properly, it’s a temporary pause — not a disaster.
FAQs
What should I do immediately if I find suspected asbestos?
Stop work straight away, avoid disturbing the material, and contact a professional for testing.
Can I continue my renovation while asbestos is present?
Only in unaffected areas. The contaminated area must be assessed and cleared first.
How long does asbestos removal delay a project?
It depends on the size and type of material, but many jobs are completed within a short timeframe.
Is all asbestos dangerous?
It becomes dangerous when disturbed and fibres are released into the air.
Who is responsible if asbestos is found during work?
Responsibility can vary, but generally falls to the property owner or project manager to ensure it’s handled safely.
Need help?
If you’ve discovered suspected asbestos during a renovation project, don’t take risks and don’t guess.
Get expert advice and a clear plan of action.
WestCross Environmental Services are here to help across the Midlands.
📞 0330 043 9222
📧 info@westcross-es.co.uk