An asbestos assessment is necessary for properties in Melbourne and Victoria, especially if you’re planning a renovation. Landmark Inspections provides prompt asbestos inspections by licensed asbestos assessors.
Inspections by unqualified businesses should be avoided; some are actually asbestos removalists looking for work. These firms have a vested interest in making safety assessments and are unqualified to do so.
If the house you want to buy was built or renovated before 1990, it almost certainly contains asbestos-containing materials. Did you know that asbestos products are used in approximately one-third of all homes built in Australia?
Asbestos is becoming a growing concern for buyers in the Melbourne, Victoria market. Buyers do not want to buy a house that contains asbestos.
Contact us for professional asbestos testing services. Our professionals in Melbourne, Victoria, test for overall indoor air and environmental quality, as well as asbestos residues. Contact us right now to learn more about how we can assist you!
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials and insulation. It’s made up of small fibres that can become airborne when the material is disturbed or damaged.
When inhaled, these fibres can cause serious lung conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Due to the health risks, the use of asbestos was banned in 2003 by the Australian Government.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous due to its ability to cause serious health problems when the fibres are inhaled. Asbestos exposure is the only known risk factor for mesothelioma. It’s a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities and can also increase the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
According to the World Health Organisation, all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic to humans. Asbestos exposure, including chrysotile, can lead to cancers such as the lung, larynx, and ovaries. It can also cause other diseases such as asbestosis which causes fibrosis of the lungs, and other issues such as plaques, thickening, and fluid buildup in the lining of the lungs.
Where can asbestos be found?
Asbestos may be found in numerous building materials used in your homes, such as paint, insulation, and floor tiles if you have an older property. Asbestos is found in many Melbourne, Victoria houses and public structures built before the 1990s, such as schools, government housing, and office buildings. Particularly in cement and roof shingles.
How to know if your house has asbestos?
It’s impossible to tell if a house contains asbestos simply by looking at it. You must conduct due diligence and obtain a professional asbestos inspection report.
It can be difficult to determine whether asbestos is present in a property. A professional asbestos inspection is advised to assist you in confirming if the property is, in fact, asbestos-contaminated.
That being said, how you handle asbestos is critical. Asbestos does not have to be a deal-breaker if you’ve found the house of your dreams. Here’s how hiring a professional asbestos inspection service by Landmark Inspections may come in handy:
- Confirm the presence of asbestos
- The asbestos’s current state
- How to manage the asbestos risk
- Calculate the cost of removing or repairing it and factor it into any offer you make to purchase the property.
- If you intend to renovate, you must first determine whether your renovations will disturb the asbestos, which could increase the cost and duration of your remodelling.
It’s not recommended that you attempt to remove asbestos from the property yourself. If done incorrectly, it can cause serious health problems not only for you but also for your family and neighbours.
As a result, if you do your homework and obtain a building inspection report on a property you want to buy, it should reveal any asbestos. It’s a good idea to double-check with the building inspector you hire to make sure they can specifically test for asbestos.
Contact professional asbestos inspection services
To ensure your peace of mind, have an expert from Landmark Inspections perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection as well as an asbestos inspection.
