If you’re planning to renovate or purchase a heritage home in Australia, particularly one built around 1900, it’s natural to ask: Could this property contain asbestos?
At Hazardous Removal Company (HRC), this is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Illawarra.
While asbestos wasn’t widely used in homes until the 1920s, many older properties were later retrofitted with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during upgrades between the 1930s and 1980s.
Under NSW SafeWork regulations, any property built before 2003 must be assumed to contain asbestos unless confirmed otherwise through NATA-accredited testing.
At HRC, we’re licensed asbestos professionals who’ve worked on over hundred of properties across Sydney. All of our testing is conducted through NATA-accredited laboratories and complies fully with SafeWork NSW regulations.
Your safety is our priority and it begins with awareness.
Was Asbestos Used in Homes Built in 1900?
Basically, homes constructed in Australia around the year 1900 were not built with asbestos as a standard material. At that time, asbestos had only just begun to appear in industrial applications and was not yet common in residential housing.
However, this doesn’t mean your early 20th-century property is asbestos-free. Starting from the 1920s and ramping up post-World War II, asbestos was widely used in the Australian construction industry, especially in:
- Wall and ceiling linings
- Roof sheeting
- Insulation around pipes and hot water systems
- Flooring and adhesives
If your home was updated, extended or rewired between the 1930s and 1980s, there’s a significant chance asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were introduced. These materials can remain hidden and undisturbed for decades; only to become hazardous during renovations, demolitions or DIY repairs.
That’s why asbestos must be confirmed through lab testing, not assumptions or visual inspections. Our team offers sample testing services with results typically available in 1 to 3 business days.
Where Asbestos Might Be Hiding in a 1900s House
Even if your property predates widespread asbestos use, it may still contain high-risk ACMs added during later refurbishments. Below is a breakdown of common areas where asbestos might be present in heritage homes:
Area of Home | Possible ACM | Risk Level |
Roof cavity | Loose-fill insulation | High (friable) |
Ceilings and walls | Asbestos cement sheeting, textured paint | Moderate |
Flooring | Vinyl tiles, linoleum, adhesives (black mastic) | Moderate |
Eaves and soffits | Fibro sheets (AC sheeting) | High |
Fireplace surrounds | Heatproof asbestos boards | High |
Bathroom & laundry walls | Backing boards behind tiles | Moderate |
Materials like friable asbestos insulation pose the greatest danger, as fibres can become airborne with minimal disturbance. Even non-friable materials such as fibro sheets and vinyl tiles may become friable over time due to age, water damage or renovation activity.
If you’re unsure about any part of your home, the safest first step is to arrange a site-specific asbestos inspection. This is especially critical if you’re preparing for a renovation, sale or demolition. Learn more about the types of asbestos and common materials on our asbestos information page.
Is It Legal to Renovate Without Testing in NSW?
In New South Wales, it is not legal to begin renovation or demolition work on any property built before 2003 without first testing for asbestos. This requirement is outlined under WHS Regulation 425 and enforced by SafeWork NSW.
If you disturb asbestos-containing materials without proper identification and safety controls, you could be liable for serious fines and more importantly, you may be putting yourself, your family, or workers at risk.
For any removal work exceeding 10 square metres, you must also obtain a formal Clearance Certificate issued by a licensed asbestos assessor.
Legal Requirement: You must test and obtain a clearance certificate in full accordance with SafeWork NSW before starting renovation or demolition. You can check more details in clearance certificates or asbestos registers for commercial or multi-unit properties.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure in Old Homes
Asbestos fibres are microscopic, airborne, and extremely dangerous when disturbed. Inhaling these fibres during unprotected renovations can lead to serious illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
What makes asbestos especially hazardous is that symptoms often appear decades after exposure. Even minor tasks like sanding a wall or drilling into eaves can release fibres if asbestos is present.
Don’t take the risk. Even short-term exposure is dangerous.
Effective asbestos risk management starts with identification. HRC uses real-time air monitoring to detect invisible airborne fibres, keeping your home and worksite compliant and safe.
How to Renovate a Heritage Home Safely and Legally
To renovate a home built in or before 1900, follow this SafeWork-compliant process:
- Stop Work Immediately
Do not disturb any materials suspected of containing asbestos. - Book Professional Testing
A licensed assessor will take samples and send them to a NATA-accredited laboratory. Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days. - Review the Written Report
You’ll receive documentation stating whether asbestos is present and what type. - Choose a Safe Remediation Path
Removal if the asbestos is friable or will be disturbed. Encapsulation using a bridging sealant if the material is stable and undisturbed - Obtain a Clearance Certificate
Required before any renovation resumes; especially when removing over 10 square metres.
Our team provides both sample testing and material encapsulation services that meet NSW regulatory standards.
Book a Licensed Asbestos Assessment Today
Whether you’re buying, selling, or renovating a heritage home, don’t take risks with your health or legal compliance. Asbestos exposure is preventable; but only with proper testing and certified procedures.
At Hazardous Removal Company, we offer:
- NATA-accredited asbestos testing
- Fast 1 to 3 day turnaround on lab reports
- Safe removal or encapsulation options
- WHS-compliant clearance certification
- 24-hour response for urgent assessments
Request a free quote with no obligation
Your safety is our priority
Proudly serving Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollondilly and Illawarra
Contact our licensed team today for a safer tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos in 1900s Homes
Can a house built in 1900 contain asbestos?
While asbestos wasn’t commonly used in residential construction in 1900, materials may have been added during renovations from the 1930s to 1980s. Any home built before 2003 should be tested before any work begins.
Is it safe to renovate a heritage home without testing?
No. Renovating without asbestos testing is both unsafe and non-compliant with WHS law. Testing is mandatory for all pre-2003 buildings in NSW.
How do I know if I have asbestos?
Asbestos cannot be identified visually. Only NATA-accredited laboratory testing can confirm the presence of asbestos-containing materials.
Do I need a clearance certificate before I renovate?
Yes. If more than 10 square metres of asbestos is removed or disturbed, a clearance certificate is legally required from a licensed assessor.
Can asbestos be left in place safely?
In some cases, yes. If the material is stable and won’t be disturbed, encapsulation is a compliant alternative to removal.
