How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost? [2025 Cost Guide]

Wondering how much asbestos removal costs? The price depends on the location of the asbestos, its type, and the amount you need removed. In Brisbane and throughout Queensland, asbestos removal ranges from $25 to $160 per square metre. Accessible jobs like fences cost less, while complex areas like roofing cost more.

Pro House Demolitions Brisbane specialises in asbestos removal and house demolition services, complying with Queensland’s asbestos laws. Our licensed team safely removes asbestos without releasing harmful fibers. You can rely on us for thorough asbestos removal.

This guide explains asbestos removal costs in Brisbane. You’ll find a detailed cost breakdown, factors affecting the price, common types of asbestos in Australian homes, and tips for hiring a professional contractor. Read on to understand asbestos removal and how to choose the right service.

Key Takeaways:

  • Asbestos removal costs in Brisbane and Queensland range from $25 to $160 per square metre, depending on the location, type, and condition of the asbestos.
  • Friable asbestos is more dangerous and expensive to remove than bonded (non-friable) asbestos, as it requires stricter safety measures.
  • Accessibility greatly affects price, easily reached areas like fences cost less, while complex areas such as roofing or under flooring cost more.
  • The size and complexity of the job can increase total costs, especially when obstacles like pipes or wiring are present.
  • Disposal fees at approved facilities typically range from $300 to $500, and proper disposal is mandatory under environmental regulations.
  • An asbestos inspection costs between $400 and $1,000 and is essential to confirm the type and condition of asbestos before removal.
  • In some cases, asbestos encapsulation sealing asbestos instead of removing it may be a safer and more affordable alternative, costing $13 to $15 per square metre.

Asbestos sample on roof

What’s the Average Cost of Asbestos Removal in Brisbane?

For Queensland, including Brisbane and surrounding areas, here’s an average asbestos removal cost guide for 2025:

Type of Asbestos RemovalCost Range
External Cladding (per square metre)$30 – $100
Internal Cladding (per room)$1,000 – $3,500
Roof (100m²)$2,500 – $5,500
Fencing (per linear metre)$25 – $50
Guttering and Eaves (small home)$1,500 – $3,000
Guttering and Eaves (large home)$3,000 – $4,500
Flooring (per square metre)$100 – $900
Asbestos-Contaminated Soil (per tonne)$150 – $200

These prices depend on the size, type, and condition of asbestos on your property. Costs vary based on whether the asbestos is friable (loose and easily airborne) or non-friable (contained in solid materials like asbestos cement).

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Factors That Impact Asbestos Removal Cost

Several factors affect asbestos removal costs:

Type of Asbestos

  • Bonded or Non-Friable Asbestos: Contained in materials like cladding or tiles, less hazardous, less expensive to remove.
  • Friable Asbestos: Loose, can release fibers into the air, more dangerous. It requires higher safety measures, increasing costs. Learn how to identify the different types of asbestos commonly found in homes.

Condition and Accessibility

  • Accessibility: Easier-to-reach areas cost less to remove asbestos. Hard-to-reach areas like roofing or under flooring cost more.
  • Damage: Damaged or fragile asbestos requires extra care, adding to the cost.

Job Size and Complexity

  • Job Size: Larger jobs may reduce the cost per square metre, but total cost depends on amount and complexity. For bigger projects involving full property knockdowns, you may also want to check the average cost of house demolition to budget accurately.
  • Complexity: Areas with obstacles like pipes or wiring require more time and care.

Local Regulations and Disposal Fees

  • Licensing and Permits: Only licensed contractors can handle asbestos in Queensland. Permit fees and disposal costs vary.
  • Disposal Fees: Proper disposal is mandatory. Tipping fees range from $300 to $500.
Infographic showing the step-by-step process of safe asbestos removal, including inspection and testing, getting quotes, removal and disposal, and final inspection and clearance.

Step-by-Step Process of Safe Asbestos Removal

1. Inspection and Testing

  • Inspection: A licensed asbestos inspection determines the type of asbestos and the removal process. Inspections cost between $400 and $1,000.
  • Alternatives: Asbestos encapsulation, sealing asbestos instead of removing it may cost $13 to $15 per square metre.

2. Getting Quotes

  • Comparing Quotes: Ensure quotes include all services, from removal to disposal fees. Only consider licensed and insured contractors.
  • Transparent Pricing: A reliable company provides a clear quote reflecting all costs.

3. Removal and Disposal

  • Containment: Proper containment prevents asbestos fibers from being released, ensuring everyone’s safety.
  • Disposal: Asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities. Professional companies include this service.

4. Final Inspection and Clearance

  • After removal, a final inspection confirms all asbestos has been safely removed.
asbestos on roof

Legal Requirements and Safety Standards in Queensland

In Queensland, handling asbestos is regulated by law. Key requirements are:

  • Work Health and Safety Laws: Only licensed professionals can handle asbestos removal to prevent exposure.
  • Hiring Licensed Professionals: It’s illegal to hire unlicensed contractors. Only qualified removalists can handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos safely.
  • Insurance: Ensure the contractor is insured to protect you and the workers.

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Choosing the Right Asbestos Removal Service

Choosing the right asbestos removal company is vital for your safety and peace of mind. Here’s what to look for:

  • Licensing and Experience: Make sure the company is licensed and experienced in asbestos removal in Queensland.
  • Safety Record and Insurance: A reputable company has a strong safety record and proper insurance.
  • References and Reviews: Ask for references and check online reviews to confirm the company’s reliability.
  • Transparent Quotes: Opt for companies that provide clear, itemised quotes, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. If you’re planning a rebuild after asbestos removal, don’t forget to factor the costs of house demolition as part of your overall budget.

What’s Next

Removing asbestos is a crucial step to protect your home and family from serious health risks like lung cancer and asbestosis. With removal costs in Brisbane ranging from $25 to $160 per square metre, understanding your options is essential. Hiring a licensed asbestos removal company ensures the job is done safely and effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I tell if my home contains asbestos?

Homes built or renovated before 1990 in Australia may contain asbestos. The most common places asbestos is found include roofing materials, insulation, eaves, cement sheet walls, fences, and external cladding. Because asbestos exposure can cause serious health issues like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, you cannot confirm its presence by sight alone. To be certain, you should arrange an asbestos inspection conducted by a licensed asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist, who will take material samples for laboratory testing under National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation.

What factors impact asbestos removal costs the most?

The main factors that impact asbestos removal costs are the type of asbestos (friable or non-friable), the quantity of asbestos-containing material (ACM), how accessible the asbestos is (such as in roofs, ceilings, or under floors), and the safety precautions required, including containment systems, protective equipment, and waste disposal under EPA regulations. Licensed asbestos removal contractors often calculate costs based on square metres of asbestos to be removed, whether air monitoring is required, and if disposal must be carried out at an EPA-approved landfill.

Can I cover asbestos instead of removing it?

Yes, in some cases, you can cover asbestos instead of removing it through a process called asbestos encapsulation. This method involves applying a protective sealant or barrier over the asbestos-containing material (ACM) to prevent the release of dangerous asbestos fibres into the air. However, encapsulation is only considered safe after a licensed asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist conducts an inspection. They will determine if the asbestos is in good condition, located in a low-disturbance area, and suitable for long-term encapsulation under workplace health and safety regulations.

Is asbestos removal covered by home insurance?

Asbestos removal is usually not covered by home insurance. Most policies exclude asbestos-related costs unless the removal is required because of an insured event, such as a fire, storm damage, or burst pipes that disturb asbestos-containing material (ACM). If asbestos is found during routine renovations or maintenance, the homeowner is typically responsible for the cost of hiring a licensed asbestos removal contractor and arranging safe disposal at an EPA-approved facility.

Disclosure

The information provided in this article is based on our experience in the house demolition industry and insights gathered from our licensed demolition contractors and asbestos removal specialists. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful advice, every demolition project is unique. This content is for general guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional assessment or advice. We do not guarantee specific outcomes and strongly recommend consulting a licensed demolition expert for your particular property and circumstances.

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