Homes and sheds in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast built or renovated before about 1990 often contain asbestos in fibro sheeting, eaves, wet-area linings, vinyl floor tiles and corrugated roofs. Older houses in suburbs such as Corio, Norlane, Belmont and Bell Park commonly have it. You cannot tell by looking, so testing is the first step before any demolition, renovation or removal.
Geelong Demolition Service is a referral service. We do not test, inspect or remove asbestos and we do not hold any asbestos licence or laboratory accreditation. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to an independent local business that carries out asbestos inspections, or that works with a competent assessor and an accredited laboratory. This page is general information, not professional advice.
When asbestos testing is needed
- Before demolition: Victorian rules expect asbestos to be identified, and removed where required, before a building comes down. A pre-demolition survey is the usual starting point. See asbestos before demolition.
- Before a renovation: cutting, drilling or sanding a bathroom, kitchen, eaves or floor in an older home can disturb asbestos. Test first.
- Buying or selling an older property: an inspection report helps you plan and budget.
- Damaged material: storm-damaged fibro, broken sheets or crumbling lagging should be assessed before anyone cleans up.
- Before getting removal quotes: a test or survey lets removalists quote on known quantities instead of a guess.
Sampling, inspections and surveys
- Single sample test: a competent person takes a small sample of a suspect material and it is analysed by a NATA-accredited laboratory. Suited to one sheet, one shed or one wall.
- Asbestos inspection or survey: the whole property, or the part being worked on, is inspected and a report lists the locations, type, condition and approximate quantity of asbestos-containing material.
- Pre-demolition or refurbishment survey: a more intrusive survey that looks into areas that will be disturbed by the work.
- Air monitoring and clearance: during and after licensed removal, an independent assessor checks the area and issues a clearance certificate.
Home sampling kits exist, but taking a sample can itself release fibres. Many homeowners prefer a professional to take it.
Class A and Class B in brief
Testing tells you what you have; the result decides who can remove it. In Victoria, a Class B licensed removalist can remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos such as intact fibro. Friable asbestos, such as crumbling lagging or badly damaged material, needs a Class A licensed removalist. Our asbestos removal page covers licensing, disposal and clearance in more detail.
WorkSafe Victoria and official guidance
WorkSafe Victoria regulates asbestos work and licensing in Victoria, and publishes guidance on identifying asbestos and on licensed removal. The Victorian Government's asbestos website and EPA Victoria cover homeowner safety and disposal. Check those sources for the current rules that apply to your job.
How to choose an asbestos tester
- Ask what qualifications and experience the assessor has, and whether samples go to a NATA-accredited laboratory.
- Ask whether they are independent of the removal contractor, especially for clearance inspections.
- Get a written report with photos, locations, condition and quantities, not just a yes or no.
- Ask how long results take and what the fee includes (site visit, number of samples, report).
- For clearance after licensed removal, confirm the assessor holds the licence or qualification the work requires.
What affects the cost
We do not set prices and have no Geelong quotes to publish. Cost usually depends on the number of samples, the size of the property, access (roof spaces, subfloors), whether a full survey is needed, travel, and how fast you need results.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tell if fibro contains asbestos by looking at it?
No. Material that looks the same can test differently. A laboratory analysis is the only reliable way to know.
Do I need an asbestos test before demolishing a house in Geelong?
Asbestos needs to be identified before demolition, and a survey is the normal way to do that. Your demolisher and building surveyor will usually ask for it.
How long do asbestos test results take?
Laboratory turnaround is often a few business days, and faster options may be available at extra cost. Ask when you book.
What happens if the test is positive?
Depending on the type and amount, it may be left undisturbed and managed, or removed by a licensed removalist before the work goes ahead. See asbestos removal in Geelong.
Should I break off a piece to send away myself?
It is safer not to. Breaking or cutting suspect material can release fibres. A professional can take the sample with the right controls.
Next step
Send your suburb, what you want tested, whether demolition or a renovation is planned, and photos. With your consent, we will pass it to an independent asbestos inspection business in the Geelong region.