Discovering asbestos midway through a renovation or demolition job in Brisbane can be alarming. The first instinct many homeowners have is to panic, but the truth is that there is a safe, structured way forward. Worried about asbestos in your home? Contact us today. We can help. At ICON Asbestos Removal, our team specialises in asbestos removal Brisbane residents rely on for safe, efficient, and fully compliant solutions that protect health and property while keeping costs manageable.

I Just Discovered Asbestos Mid-Renovation or Demolition—What Should I Do First?

The immediate priority is safety. As soon as asbestos-containing materials are suspected, stop work and prevent further disturbance. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was historically used in building materials such as roofing, wall cladding, flooring, ceilings, and insulation. Once damaged or cut, these materials can release microscopic fibres into the air that pose serious health and safety risks.

What you should do immediately:

  • Stop all work and contain the area.

  • Do not sweep, vacuum, or attempt to clean up dust.

  • Do not try to remove asbestos yourself.

  • Contact a licensed asbestos removal service with experience in residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

At ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane, our trained asbestos removalist team is equipped to handle any bonded and friable asbestos removal job, ensuring that your property is properly assessed and made safe without delay.

If you've uncovered asbestos during a renovation or demolition job, don't take risks—stop work immediately. ICON Asbestos Removal provides licensed services across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, handling roofing, flooring, and all asbestos jobs with care. Our professional team is ready to respond quickly. Contact us today to get a detailed quote and restore safety with trusted asbestos removal services.

Can Work Continue, or Must Everything Stop? (What Not To Do Right Now)

Asbestos Removal Signange

Work cannot continue until asbestos has been properly assessed and removed. Continuing to renovate, demolish, or even walk through the site without controls in place risks spreading contamination. In Queensland, regulations are strict, and only licensed asbestos removal companies can remove and dispose of asbestos waste legally.

What not to do:

  • Do not cut, drill, or sand the suspect material.

  • Do not place asbestos debris in general waste containers.

  • Do not assume it is safe because the material looks intact.

ICON specialises in asbestos removal services across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast with A-Class asbestos removal licences and full public liability insurance to ensure the job is done professionally, safely, and in line with all regulations.

Renovation vs Demolition: Why the Response and Risk Level Differ

The level of risk depends on the type of project.

  • Renovation: In a house or office upgrade, asbestos is often uncovered in walls, ceilings, floors, or roofing. Here, any job can usually pause temporarily while an asbestos assessment and removal plan is carried out.

  • Demolition: For full building demolition, the situation is more complex. Demolition projects disturb a wide range of building materials, making it more likely that asbestos fibres will become airborne. This demands a complete stop to the project until a professional asbestos removal service is carried out.

Because of these differences, a detailed quote for an asbestos removal service is essential. Our team at ICON provides clear pricing and timelines for both renovation and demolition asbestos removals, ensuring Brisbane property owners get peace of mind and predictable planning.

Do I Need Testing or a Survey? (Friable vs Non-Friable, Damaged vs Intact)

Testing services are often required to confirm the presence of asbestos. Friable asbestos is loose, powdery, and highly dangerous when disturbed, while non-friable asbestos is more solid and stable but still poses risks if cut, broken, or damaged. Both require you to get licensed asbestos removal services.

When asbestos is suspected during renovation or demolition, contact ICON Asbestos Removal. We conduct asbestos inspections and sampling to confirm whether the materials contain asbestos. This includes identifying ceiling panels, wall cladding, flooring, roofing, soil contamination, and other building materials.

Our asbestos services include:

  • Bonded and friable asbestos removal

  • Audits, testing, and material identification

  • Air monitoring and post-removal clearance inspections

  • Contaminated soil removal and remediation

This ensures that property owners are fully informed about the type of asbestos present and the right removal strategy to apply.

The Professional Process: Containment, Negative Pressure, Removal, Air Monitoring

Professional asbestos removal services follow a strict process:

  • 1

    Containment: The affected area is sealed off using plastic barriers and negative pressure units.

  • 2

    Removal: Licensed asbestos removal contractors carefully remove asbestos materials and place them in approved containers for safe transport.

  • 3

    Disposal: All asbestos waste is taken to licensed facilities in Queensland for certified disposal.

  • 4

    Air Monitoring: Independent hygienists conduct air monitoring services to ensure the site is safe for re-entry.

  • 5

    Clearance: A Clearance Certificate is issued once the project site is asbestos-free.

This structured process guarantees compliance, keeps health and safety at the forefront, and allows renovation or demolition work to restart without further risk.

Cost & Timeline: Typical Ranges, What Drives Them, and How To Plan the Pause

asbestos removal cost

The cost of asbestos removal in Brisbane projects depends on several factors:

  • Type of asbestos: Friable asbestos removal generally costs more than non-friable.

  • Size of the project: Residential homes may cost a few thousand dollars, while industrial or demolition projects may run higher.

  • Location: Roof replacement or wall cladding removals often require specialised scaffolding or equipment.

  • Waste disposal requirements: More contaminated material increases costs.

Typical cost ranges:

  • Small residential projects: $1,000 – $3,000

  • Medium projects (roofing or cladding replacement): $3,500 – $10,000

  • Large demolition or industrial projects: $10,000 – $20,000+

Timelines depend on the complexity of removal, but bonded asbestos removals can take days, while friable asbestos projects can last weeks. Our team at ICON provides a detailed quote for asbestos removal to help homeowners and businesses plan budgets and project schedules effectively.

Legal & Financial Responsibilities: Permits, Notifications, Insurance, and Waste Manifests

In Brisbane and throughout Queensland, asbestos removal is highly regulated.

  • Permits: A-Class asbestos removal projects require notifications to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

  • Insurance: Contractors must hold public liability insurance.

  • Waste Manifests: All asbestos waste must be documented and taken to approved disposal facilities.

  • Residential and commercial property owners are legally responsible for ensuring that asbestos is removed safely and by licensed professionals.

Failing to comply can result in fines, project delays, and increased health risks. ICON handles the full legal compliance process, providing clients with peace of mind and a clear record of safe asbestos removal. Reach out to our team today and get a free, detailed quote.

When Is It Safe To Restart? Clearance Certificate, Air Test Results, and Re-Entry Checklist

It is only safe to restart work once:

  • All asbestos has been removed and safely disposed of.

  • Independent air monitoring confirms no fibres remain.

  • A Clearance Certificate has been issued by a licensed hygienist.

The re-entry checklist ensures the site is safe for workers, families, and tenants, whether the project involves roofing, renovations, or demolition. ICON guarantees that every asbestos removal service concludes with documented clearance before any work resumes.

Living Through the Pause: Safety for Family/Tenants, Temporary Relocation, Dust Control

When asbestos halts a project, families and tenants often worry about how to live safely during the pause.

Key steps for safety:

  • Restrict access to the contaminated area.

  • Consider temporary relocation for families if asbestos is present in living areas.

  • Use dust control measures to prevent asbestos fibres from moving through the property.

ICON helps homeowners plan through these pauses with practical advice and support, ensuring health and safety remain top priorities.

How ICON Asbestos Removal Handles End-to-End Compliance

ICON specialises in asbestos removal across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, offering a complete menu of asbestos services tailored to residential, commercial, and industrial needs. Our company is dedicated to safe removals with A-Class licensed asbestos removalists, public liability insurance, and industry-certified practices.

Our asbestos removal service includes:

  • Residential asbestos removals (walls, ceilings, flooring, roofs)

  • Commercial asbestos removals (office buildings, retail properties)

  • Industrial asbestos removals (warehouses, factories)

  • Soil remediation and decontamination projects

  • Roofing and re-roofing, including metal roof replacement and cladding removal

Our team specialises in asbestos removal with detailed assessments, reliable consultation, and affordable solutions for every project. From inspections and testing through to clearance and re-roofing, we provide an end-to-end service that ensures clients in Brisbane and throughout Southeast Queensland achieve long-term safety and compliance.

3-Step Process

  • 1

    Inspection & Identification – Testing and audits to identify asbestos-containing materials.

  • 2

    Safe Removal & Disposal – Containment, removal, and sealed container disposal at licensed Queensland facilities.

  • 3

    Clearance & Restart – Air monitoring, Clearance Certificate issued, and project resumes safely.

The Safer Path Forward: Restart Your Project with Confidence

ICON Asbestos

If asbestos is discovered halfway through a renovation or demolition in Brisbane, the most important step is to stop work and contact a licensed asbestos removal service. ICON Asbestos Removal offers safe, affordable, and compliant asbestos removal Brisbane residents and businesses trust. With experience in bonded and friable asbestos removal, public liability insurance, and a team of specialists trained in hazardous material remediation, we deliver peace of mind from inspection to clearance.

Contact ICON Asbestos Removal today for a free, no-obligation quote. Protect your property, your family, and your future with professional asbestos removal solutions.

Call 0409 593 779 or email us today to request your detailed quote for asbestos removal.