Specialist inspections
Asbestos inspection & testing
An inspection to identify materials in a home that may contain asbestos, recording where they are and their visible condition. Where confirmation is needed, we arrange sampling and laboratory testing, and explain the results in plain language.
Illustration. Not an actual property or real inspection work.
- Owners planning a renovation, extension or demolition on an older home.
- Buyers of an older home who want to know which materials may contain asbestos.
- Rental providers and property managers who want a record of materials that may contain asbestos and their visible condition.
- Owners who have found damaged sheeting, flooring or other material and want to know what it might be.
- Accessible areas of the home and nominated outbuildings, looking for materials that may contain asbestos.
- Common locations such as eaves, wall and wet-area sheeting, roofing, fencing, floor coverings, textured ceilings and older meter boards, where they can be safely reached.
- The location, extent and visible condition of each material identified, including whether it appears damaged or deteriorating.
- The roof space and subfloor, where there is safe and reasonable access.
- Where confirmation is needed, arranging for samples to be taken and tested by a laboratory.
- A written record of materials that may contain asbestos, where they are and their visible condition at the time of the inspection.
- Photos showing each material and its location.
- Laboratory results for any samples tested, with a plain-language explanation from VicWide.
- A clear list of areas that couldn't be inspected, and why.
- Practical next steps, such as leaving a material undisturbed or speaking with a licensed asbestos removalist before work begins.
Tell us roughly when the home was built, if you know, and about any renovation you're planning, including which areas it will affect.
Share any earlier asbestos reports, test results or building records you have.
Arrange access to the areas in scope, including the roof space, subfloor, outbuildings and any area you plan to renovate.
Don't drill, cut, sand or break any material you think may contain asbestos, and don't try to take samples yourself.
Let us know if any material is already damaged or broken, so the visit can be planned around it.
Can’t see your question? Send an enquiry and we’ll come back to you.
More detail
More about asbestos inspection & testing
How it works
Tell us about the property, roughly when it was built, and why you want the inspection, such as a planned renovation or a material you're unsure about. We'll confirm the scope and provide a quote. On the day, we look through the accessible areas in scope and record materials that may contain asbestos, with photos and notes on their condition. Where confirmation is needed, we arrange for samples to be taken and tested by a laboratory. You receive a written record, with any results explained in plain language.
Where asbestos may be found
Asbestos was used in many Australian building products before it was banned, so homes built or renovated before then may contain it. It was often part of fibre cement sheeting (sometimes called fibro), used for eaves, walls, wet areas, roofing and fences. It can also be found in some vinyl floor coverings and their backing, textured ceiling finishes, older meter boards, and some older heaters and flues.
Many of these materials look the same whether or not they contain asbestos. That's why the inspection identifies materials that may contain it, and why laboratory testing is the only way to confirm.
Before you renovate
Drilling, cutting, sanding, breaking or water blasting a material that contains asbestos can release fibres. If you're planning work on an older home, find out what the affected materials are before work begins. The inspection record helps you and your builder plan the job, and shows where testing or a licensed asbestos removalist may be needed.
Removal and disposal have their own rules in Victoria. Check the current requirements with the relevant authority, and speak with a licensed asbestos removalist about the work itself.
What this inspection is not
It isn't a statutory inspection, a clearance inspection after removal work, or a statement that a property is free of asbestos. We don't remove or dispose of asbestos, and the inspection isn't a health assessment. It covers the accessible areas and materials in scope on the day. Materials hidden inside walls, under floors or in areas that can't be reached safely may not be found.
Learn with VicWide
Showing 3 topics
Inspections
What should I do before the inspection?
Good access makes for a more complete inspection. This topic covers arranging keys and permission, clearing the way to key areas, and gathering documents that help explain the property.
Key points 5
- Confirm access with the owner, agent or renter, and arrange keys ahead of the day.
- Make sure the roof space access, subfloor access, meter box and outbuildings can be reached.
- Secure pets and mention anything that could affect safe access.
- Have plans, permits, certificates or previous reports ready to share.
- Areas that can't be reached safely are recorded as limitations in the report.
Related service: Building & pest inspections
Inspections
How do I read an inspection report?
An inspection report records what was observed at the time of the inspection, where it was observed, and what couldn't be inspected. This topic walks through a typical report structure and how to use it when you talk with builders, agents or other advisers.
Key points 5
- A report describes observations at the time of the inspection. Conditions can change afterwards.
- Read the scope and limitations first, so you know what was and wasn't inspected.
- Observations are grouped by area, so you can find what matters to your decision.
- A report is not a certificate of compliance, a warranty or an insurance policy.
- If something isn't clear, ask us to explain it in plain language.
Related service: Compliance & reporting
Building
What do property owners often ask about their homes?
Many owner questions come back to a few themes: what needs a permit, which records to keep, and who to ask about a particular problem. This topic works through common questions in plain language and points to the right person for each.
Key points 5
- Check whether a permit may be needed before starting building work, including smaller projects.
- Keep permits, plans, certificates and warranties together. They matter when you sell, rent or renovate.
- Some questions need a specialist, such as a licensed land surveyor to confirm a boundary.
- An inspection describes condition. It doesn't settle disputes or give legal advice.
- If you're not sure who to ask, send an enquiry and we'll point you in the right direction.
Related service: Documentation assistance
Ready when you are
Enquire about asbestos inspection & testing
Tell us about the property. We confirm the scope and a quote with you before anything is arranged.