Whether you require a one-off asbestos inspection, a comprehensive asbestos survey in Melbourne, or an assessment prior to renovations or demolition, our licensed inspectors carry out thorough visual assessments of accessible areas. Where suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified, we provide clear documentation, photographs, and practical guidance on recommended next steps, including whether further testing or professional removal may be required.
Asbestos inspections are particularly important before renovations, as disturbing asbestos-containing materials can pose serious health risks to occupants, tradespeople, and neighbours. An inspection can also provide valuable information for property transactions, helping buyers and sellers understand potential risks before settlement.
If you’re unsure whether your property may contain asbestos or need an inspection before works begin, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
An asbestos inspection is a professional assessment to identify the presence, condition, and risk level of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a property. Our asbestos inspection services in Melbourne include:
Visual inspection of accessible areas
Identification of suspected asbestos materials
Sampling and laboratory testing (where required)
Risk assessment and recommendations
A clear, written asbestos inspection report
This process helps property owners make informed decisions before renovation, demolition, or purchase.
In Melbourne properties, asbestos is commonly found in:
Cement sheeting and wall linings
Roof tiles and corrugated roofing
Eaves, soffits, and fascias
Vinyl floor tiles and backing
Fencing and garages
Insulation around pipes and hot water systems
Our licensed asbestos inspectors know exactly where to look — even when materials appear harmless.
Asbestos was widely used in Australian construction up until the mid-1980s due to its durability, fire resistance, and affordability. As a result, many residential and commercial properties across Melbourne still contain asbestos in various building components, including walls, ceilings, flooring, eaves, roofing, and even fences. While asbestos may not pose an immediate threat if left undisturbed, it becomes extremely hazardous when damaged or disturbed, releasing microscopic fibres into the air that can lead to serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
For property owners, buyers, and tenants, understanding the presence and condition of asbestos is crucial. This is where a professional asbestos inspection becomes essential.
Identification of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)
Professional inspectors can accurately identify materials that contain asbestos, even in hidden or hard-to-access areas. Many older properties may have asbestos hidden behind walls, under flooring, or within roof structures. Detecting ACMs early prevents accidental exposure and ensures the safety of everyone on the property.
Assessment of Condition and Risk
Not all asbestos poses the same level of danger. An inspection evaluates the condition of the materials—whether they are intact, damaged, or deteriorating—and determines the potential risk of fibres being released. This information is vital for deciding whether the asbestos can be safely managed in place or requires removal.
Guidance on Safe Management or Removal
Depending on the findings, inspectors provide clear guidance on how to handle asbestos safely. This may include monitoring and maintenance strategies for intact asbestos or recommending professional removal for damaged or high-risk materials. Proper management significantly reduces the risk of exposure and protects the health of occupants and workers.
Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations
In Victoria, strict regulations govern the handling and removal of asbestos. Engaging a licensed asbestos inspector ensures that your property complies with current workplace safety and building regulations. Compliance is not only a legal requirement but also an important step in protecting your investment and the wellbeing of everyone who uses the property.
Whether you are planning renovations, purchasing an older home, or managing a commercial property, an asbestos inspection provides peace of mind. Knowing exactly where asbestos is located and how to manage it safely prevents costly mistakes, legal issues, and serious health risks.
In Melbourne, where many properties were constructed during the era when asbestos use was widespread, regular asbestos inspections are an essential part of responsible property ownership and management.
At Elevate Building Inspections, our comprehensive asbestos services in Melbourne cover:
A full on-site inspection by a licensed asbestos inspector: covering internal areas (walls, ceilings, flooring, insulation), external areas (roofing, gutters, cladding, fences), and out-buildings such as garages and sheds.
Identification of suspected ACMs and classification of risk: assessing condition, location, likelihood of disturbance and exposure potential.
Sampling and lab testing where necessary: If materials cannot be visually confirmed, samples may be taken and sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis.
A detailed, easy-to-understand report: The report outlines findings, condition, risk levels, and practical recommendations for safe management or removal.
Practical advice on next steps: Whether ACMs are confirmed or the site is clear, we provide guidance on what you need to do—whether it’s monitoring, encapsulation, removal by a licensed removalist, or safe ongoing management.
Having an asbestos inspection is not just a compliance tick-box—it’s an investment in safety, future costs and peace of mind. Properties hiding unmanaged ACMs can face:
Unexpected removal or remediation costs
Health liabilities if fibres are released
Insurance and resale issues
Delays or complications in renovations or financing
By acting early with a trusted inspection partner like Elevate Building Inspections, you gain clarity, avoid surprises and take control of your property’s condition.
We follow a structured and methodical asbestos inspection process to identify, assess, and document asbestos-containing materials within a property. Where required, we also arrange sampling and laboratory testing to confirm the presence of asbestos and support safe management or removal decisions.
Not all asbestos inspectors are the same. When it comes to protecting one of your most important investments, you need a team you can trust.
Here’s why homeowners, buyers, and investors across Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs choose us:
We use a non-destructive moisture meter to detect elevated moisture levels within walls, floors, ceilings and other building materials without causing damage. This professional-grade tool measures moisture at both surface and deeper levels, allowing us to identify hidden dampness, water ingress and moisture-related defects that may not be visible during a visual inspection. It is particularly effective for locating rising damp, roof leaks, subfloor moisture and areas at risk of timber decay — common issues in many Melbourne properties built on reactive clay soils.
Our inspections also utilise a thermal imaging camera to identify temperature variations that can indicate underlying building issues. Thermal imaging allows us to detect problems such as moisture intrusion, insulation gaps, overheating electrical components and areas of heat loss — all without invasive testing. By highlighting hot and cold spots within building elements, thermal imaging helps pinpoint concealed defects quickly and accurately, providing valuable insight into issues that may otherwise go unnoticed during a standard visual inspection.
The only way to confirm the presence of asbestos is through a professional asbestos inspection. Many asbestos-containing materials look similar to non-asbestos products, so visual identification alone is unreliable.
Yes. An asbestos inspection is strongly recommended, particularly for properties built before 1990. It provides peace of mind and helps you understand any potential management or removal costs before purchasing.
Asbestos is generally low risk if it remains sealed and undamaged. However, disturbed or deteriorating asbestos can release harmful fibres, which is why professional assessment and management advice are important.
In Victoria, strict regulations apply. Some minor non-friable asbestos may be removed by homeowners, but friable asbestos must only be removed by licensed professionals. We recommend seeking professional advice before any removal work.
Your report includes the location and condition of suspected or confirmed asbestos-containing materials, high-resolution photographs, laboratory testing results (where sampling is conducted), and clear recommendations for management or removal.
Yes. All asbestos inspections are carried out by fully licensed, qualified, and insured inspectors in accordance with Victorian requirements.
Yes. We provide independent asbestos inspections and reporting, with no affiliation to asbestos removal contractors.
Yes. We provide asbestos inspections across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, including the north-eastern suburbs.
Asbestos isn’t always visible — but the risks are real. An asbestos inspection provides clarity and protection before you commit to buying a property.
