Testing for Asbestos Prior to Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations

Bathroom and kitchen renovations is by far the most common home improvement carried out in this day and age, as the bathroom and kitchen are the most easily dated rooms in the house.

These renovations are always expensive due to the nature of the rooms.  Years of moisture can result in rotting timber wall and floor structural items.  It is this constant presence of moisture that is the reason why asbestos cement sheeting was extensively used within the defined ‘wet areas’ of houses (kitchens, bathrooms, toilets and laundries).  It is also the presence of this moisture that ultimately requires the removal of the wall and floor linings of these rooms during renovations.

Damaged vinyl asbestos kitchen flooring

Cavities in bathrooms can hide potentially asbestos containing materials

Home renovators all know the importance of planning and programming when undertaking bathroom and kitchen renovations and it is for this reason that it is essential that all asbestos containing materials be identified prior to the commencement of any works.  Unplanned discovery and disturbance of asbestos walls, ceilings or flooring during renovation works can result in long delays, usually with the room unusable during the delay period.

How can this be prevented?

The answer is: Quite simply.  By engaging Envirohealth Consulting to undertake a comprehensive audit of the selected rooms undergoing renovation, we can ensure that there will be no surprises throughout the project.  Our inspectors will check and sample (where required) all suspect items within rooms.

By having a detailed report prepared by a licensed asbestos assessor with sample analysis performed by our in-house National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory, you can be assured of avoiding any disputes that may arise with contractors.

Even if you decide to carry out the kitchen or bathroom renovation yourself with an ‘off the shelf’ type flat pack unit, it will still prove invaluable to know the construction materials in the room prior to starting your renovation.  The last thing any home renovator wants to do is put a saw through an asbestos cement sheeting wall or vinyl asbestos flooring.  With our comprehensive report and sampling, you will know the construction materials throughout the room before you even pick up a tool.