Asbestos found in one in four pre-purchase inspections

Asbestos is found in one in four homes during their pre-purchase building inspections, according to Jim’s Building Inspectors.

Buildings built between the mid 1980s to 1990 are likely to contain asbestos, while buildings after 1990 are considered unlikely, according to the Australian government.

Jim’s Building Inspectors support the Australian Asbestos Network’s view that its presence alone does not mean residents will get an Asbestos related disease.

“The most important thing is that home owners, property managers and tenants are aware that Asbestos containing materials are present so they can be vigilant about its management, especially when considering maintenance requirements and renovations,” says Suzanne Commerford, director of Jim’s Building Inspections.

“It is when the Asbestos containing material is found in a damaged or degraded condition or it’s high risk environment, such as frequently trafficked areas and exposed to the elements, which is of greatest concern.

“Many of the houses we inspect do fall into that age range of 1945 to 1980. This is the construction period considered by the Australian Government to be highly likely that Asbestos containing materials are present.” Says Commerford.

Commerford says in many circumstances, leaving Asbestos alone is the best course of action.

“Importantly, we are not aligned with an Asbestos removal companies who may have a bested interest in overstating the situation,” says Commerford.

Jim’s Building Inspections recommends that an Asbestos inspection and report be undertaken as part of your pre-purchase building inspections, by rental property owners and property managers before tenanting properties and by managers of workplaces needing registers and management plans for compliance.