Renovation work can sometimes uncover materials that were not visible when the project was being planned. In older homes, one of the more serious discoveries can be a material that may contain asbestos.

Finding something unexpected during a renovation can be concerning, but there is no need to panic. The most important step is to avoid disturbing the material further and make sure it is assessed properly before work continues.

Understanding what to do when a suspected material is discovered can help homeowners respond safely and avoid making the situation worse.

Stop work around the affected area

If you discover a material that looks unusual or you are told it may contain asbestos, the first step is to stop work in that immediate area.

Activities such as drilling, cutting, sanding, breaking or removing the material can potentially release fibres if asbestos is present.

It is better to pause the renovation temporarily than to continue working and risk disturbing something that has not yet been identified.

Keep people away from the area

Once work has stopped, try to prevent unnecessary access to the affected area.

Children, visitors, tradespeople and pets should be kept away until the material has been assessed and the appropriate steps have been determined.

There is no benefit in handling or moving the material simply to get it out of the way. Leaving it undisturbed can help reduce the chance of further damage.

Don’t try to identify it by appearance

One of the difficulties with older building materials is that asbestos-containing products can look similar to other materials.

A sheet, panel, flooring product or other building component may appear harmless but still require further assessment.

Instead of relying on photographs, colour or texture, homeowners should seek appropriate professional advice when there is reasonable concern about what a material contains.

What should happen next?

The next step will depend on the material, its condition and where it has been found.

A qualified professional can assess the situation and determine whether testing or other procedures are appropriate. If asbestos is confirmed, the safest approach will depend on the type of material and the work that needs to be carried out.

This assessment can also help determine whether other parts of the renovation need to be changed before work resumes.

Avoid cleaning up yourself

If a suspected material has already been damaged, homeowners may be tempted to sweep, vacuum or clean the area themselves.

This may not be the safest approach.

Using ordinary household cleaning equipment or disturbing dust and debris can potentially spread contaminated material beyond the original area.

Instead, stop work and seek advice about how the affected area should be managed.

What if the material has already been damaged?

Sometimes damage happens before anyone realises what the material is.

A wall may have been opened, a floor may have been removed or a sheet may have been accidentally broken during demolition.

If this occurs, stop work around the area and avoid further disturbance. The situation should then be assessed so that the appropriate controls can be put in place.

There is no advantage in continuing simply because some damage has already occurred. Taking a pause can help prevent additional disturbance.

Can the renovation continue?

In many cases, a renovation can continue once the suspected material has been properly assessed and any necessary work has been completed.

However, other trades should not simply work around the affected area without understanding the risks.

A clear plan can help everyone involved know which areas are safe to access and which sections need to remain undisturbed.

This is particularly important when several trades are working on the same property.

Why older renovations can be unpredictable

Some homes have been renovated several times over the years. A property may contain a mixture of original materials, later additions and products installed during previous renovations.

This can make it difficult to know exactly what is behind a wall, beneath a floor or above a ceiling.

Plans, photographs and previous renovation records can be useful, but they may not provide a complete picture of what is actually present.

When there is uncertainty, professional assessment is a sensible part of the renovation process.

Don’t rush the next step

Discovering a suspected hazardous material can be frustrating, especially when a renovation is already underway.

However, rushing to remove it or continuing with the project without proper advice can create greater problems later.

A short delay while the situation is assessed can help protect everyone working on the property and may prevent unnecessary contamination or additional cleanup.

Planning to continue your renovation?

Once the affected area has been dealt with appropriately, the renovation team can review the remaining work and determine how the project should proceed.

Good communication between the homeowner, builders and other trades can make this process much easier.

If another area of the property raises concerns later in the project, the same approach should be followed: stop, keep the area undisturbed and obtain appropriate advice before continuing.

Get professional help when you’re unsure

Finding a suspected asbestos-containing material during renovation does not mean your entire project has to stop permanently.

The important thing is to respond carefully, avoid unnecessary disturbance and get the right advice before work continues.

If you have discovered a material that may contain asbestos during renovation or demolition, T&L Asbestos Removal can assist with assessing the situation and determining the appropriate next steps.

A careful response today can help keep your renovation project safer and better organised as it moves forward.