The cost of asbestos removal services in Brisbane in 2025 typically ranges between $40 and $110 per square metre, depending on the type of asbestos, access, and the complexity of the project. Protect your family from asbestos today by understanding the true cost, the risks, and the process. Leaving asbestos building materials in place can expose your home to contamination, reduce property value, and most importantly, pose significant health and safety risks. This guide gives homeowners clear, reliable information on asbestos removal costs per square metre and explains what to expect from a professional asbestos removal service.
Average Costs and Real Examples From Brisbane Homes
The average cost per square metre to remove asbestos in Brisbane depends on whether the material is bonded or friable, whether the job is residential, commercial, or industrial, and how accessible the site is. Homeowners across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast typically get the following cost ranges:
These figures represent pricing in 2025 across Brisbane homes, and they show why detailed quotes are essential. Pricing transparency ensures that homeowners are not left with hidden costs. A professional asbestos removalist team is equipped to handle the removal, testing, monitoring, and final clearance to ensure safe outcomes.
What Factors Affect the Price of Asbestos Removal?
Several factors influence asbestos removal costs in Queensland. These include:
- 1
Type of asbestos material: Friable asbestos requires more extensive decontamination, monitoring, and safety equipment compared to bonded asbestos.
- 2
Job size: Larger roof or wall removal projects are calculated per square metre, but small jobs often have minimum fees.
- 3
Location and site access: Projects on the south or east side of Brisbane, or in homes with multi-level roofing, may require scaffolding or additional containment.
- 4
Disposal fees: Council charges apply for asbestos disposal at licensed facilities. Materials must be sealed in secure containers to prevent contamination.
- 5
Additional services: Soil remediation, air monitoring, asbestos audits, demolition, and encapsulation may increase the cost but ensure long-term safety.
Understanding these factors helps property owners request accurate pricing. A class asbestos removal licence is required for friable materials, while non-friable asbestos can be removed by a B class licence holder.
Asbestos removal costs can vary, but with ICON Asbestos Removal you always get clarity and compliance. Our licensed team offers full services, from roofing work to demolition support and asbestos testing. Contact us today to get an accurate quote and trusted asbestos services tailored to your needs.
Friable vs Non-Friable Asbestos
Asbestos is categorised into two main types: friable and non-friable. Friable asbestos is a material that can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure, such as loose-fill insulation or sprayed coatings on ceilings. Non-friable asbestos, also called bonded asbestos, is asbestos that has been mixed with cement or other materials, such as fibro sheeting, cladding, and roofing.
Friable asbestos presents a higher risk because fibres become airborne easily, requiring specialist removalists with an A-class licence, advanced equipment, and strict containment procedures. Non-friable asbestos is less likely to release fibres unless disturbed during demolition or cutting. Both require careful removal, disposal, and air monitoring, but friable asbestos generally costs more to remove.
Size of the Job, Location & Access
The size of the asbestos removal project directly affects costs. Larger square metre areas often reduce per-metre pricing but increase total costs. Location also plays a role: Brisbane City, Brisbane Northside, and the Sunshine Coast may have different council disposal fees and contractor availability compared to South Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Access matters too. Multi-level homes, ceilings with insulation, or roofing that requires scaffolding or re-roofing services significantly increase labour time and costs. A shed or fencing job in an open yard is faster and cheaper compared to removing asbestos walls inside a fully occupied house.
Council Disposal Fees and Extra Charges
All asbestos removed from Brisbane properties must be legally disposed of at licensed council facilities. Disposal fees are generally based on weight and type of asbestos. Waste must be contained in sealed, double-bagged plastic or containers, labelled as hazardous material, and transported by licensed contractors.
Extra charges can apply for:
Understanding these additional costs upfront through detailed quotes ensures property owners are fully aware of the project scope and pricing.
DIY vs Professional Asbestos Removal: Costs, Risks & Legal Issues
Some homeowners consider removing asbestos themselves to save costs. However, in Queensland, it is illegal for unlicensed individuals to remove friable asbestos. Even for bonded asbestos, homeowners can only remove up to 10 m² without a licence. Anything beyond that requires you to contact a licensed asbestos removalist.
DIY attempts are risky for several reasons:
A professional asbestos removal service ensures full compliance with regulations, safer removal, and peace of mind that the job is completed correctly.
What's Really Included in a Professional Removal Quote
When requesting quotes for asbestos removal, homeowners should look beyond the per square metre cost. A comprehensive quote should include:
A detailed quote provides transparency and avoids hidden costs. It also allows property owners to compare contractors fairly when choosing between Brisbane asbestos specialists.
The Asbestos Removal Process in Brisbane (Step-by-Step)
A professional asbestos removal process in Brisbane typically follows these stages:
Step 1: Inspection and Assessment
A team of licensed contractors conducts asbestos audits, testing, and inspections of the property. Suspected materials are sampled for laboratory analysis to confirm whether asbestos is present.
Step 2: Containment and Preparation
If asbestos is confirmed, the area is sealed with plastic sheeting. Negative air units may be installed, and insulation, flooring, or other materials that contain asbestos are isolated.
Step 3: Safe Removal and Disposal
Trained professionals remove asbestos materials while wearing protective equipment. The materials are sealed in containers or bags, labelled, and transported to licensed disposal facilities.
Step 4: Decontamination
Surfaces are cleaned using HEPA vacuums and wet wiping. Contaminated soil may be remediated. The area is tested for asbestos fibres to ensure safety.
Step 5: Final Clearance
Air monitoring and clearance certificates confirm the property is safe for reoccupation and that you can continue with any construction, renovation, or demolition work.
This 3-step homeowner view makes the process simple:
- 1
Inspection and identification
- 2
Containment and removal
- 3
Clearance and peace of mind
How to Choose the Right Licensed Asbestos Removalist
Choosing the right asbestos removal company in Brisbane requires careful consideration. Look for:
The right removalist offers affordable solutions while ensuring full compliance with Queensland asbestos laws.
FAQs on Asbestos Removal Costs in Brisbane
What is asbestos and why is it hazardous?
Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral historically used in thousands of construction and building materials such as walls, ceilings, insulation, cladding, and roofing. It is hazardous because fibres can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
How much does asbestos removal cost per square metre in Brisbane?
Costs in 2025 typically range between $40 and $110 per square metre, depending on whether the material is bonded or friable and the size and complexity of the project.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
In Queensland, homeowners can only remove up to 10 m² of bonded asbestos. Anything larger or any friable asbestos requires licensed asbestos removal contractors.
What does a professional asbestos removal quote include?
A quote should include inspection, assessment, containment, safe removal, disposal, air monitoring, final clearance, and public liability insurance.
What areas do your asbestos services cover?
Our asbestos services cover Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and surrounding southeast Queensland locations.
Can asbestos removal be part of a demolition project?
Yes. If demolition work is planned, asbestos removal must be completed first by a licenced team to ensure compliance with Queensland regulations. Costs vary depending on the size of the demolition job and the amount of asbestos present.
How do I contact the ICON Asbestos Removal team for a quote?
You can contact our team directly to discuss your project details, whether it involves roofing, ceilings, or preparation for demolition. We'll assess the scope of work and provide a clear, detailed quote for asbestos removal services.
Secure Your Brisbane Home With Safe Asbestos Removal Solutions
Asbestos removal in Brisbane is a serious project that requires licensed experts, safe work practices, and clear, detailed quotes. While costs vary between $40 and $110 per square metre, the real value lies in choosing a company that specialises in asbestos removal, offers transparent pricing, and ensures your family's health and safety. The ICON Asbestos Removal team is equipped to handle residential, commercial, and industrial projects across Brisbane, providing reliable solutions, emergency removals, re-roofing, and remediation services.
Don't risk your family's health by delaying asbestos removal. Contact ICON Asbestos Removal today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover affordable, safe, and professional asbestos removal solutions tailored to your property needs.
