Planning a bathroom upgrade, new eaves, or a garage makeover before Christmas? If your place was built before 1990, there is a fair chance asbestos is in the mix. The good news is you can budget with confidence when you understand how pricing works in NSW. This guide explains realistic costs for inspections, testing, licensed removal and disposal across Greater Sydney and Wollongong, what drives the numbers, and how to set a renovation plan that stays legal and safe.
First things first, do not DIY
In NSW, unlicensed removal of more than 10 m2 of bonded asbestos is illegal. Any friable asbestos requires a Class A licence. Even small amounts create health risks if disturbed and improper disposal attracts heavy fines. Always use licensed removalists and follow SafeWork NSW rules. Sydney Asbestos holds a Class B licence for bonded asbestos; if friable material is found, we refer you to a trusted Class A partner so you stay compliant.
What a proper asbestos quote should include
What a proper asbestos quote should include A transparent quote should spell out the controls and compliance steps, not just a square metre rate. Look for:
- Site-specific plan and containment, including plastic sheeting and isolation of work areas
- SafeWork NSW notifications where required
- Worker PPE, respirators and decontamination
- Wet methods for dust control and H-Class HEPA vacuum cleaning
- Wrapping, labelling and transport to a licensed asbestos landfill
- All disposal fees and tip dockets
- Clearance inspection and, where required, air monitoring or a clearance certificate
If any of these items are missing, expect surprises later. Cheap quotes often exclude disposal or clearance, which inflates the final cost.
How much does an asbestos inspection cost in Sydney?
Most homeowners start with an inspection to confirm locations and reduce guesswork. In Sydney, a base asbestos inspection typically starts around $250 + GST and includes one lab tested sample. Extra samples are usually about $100 each and lab charges generally run $50 to $150 per sample depending on turnaround. Standard lab results take 24 to 48 hours. If you are searching for pricing or service availability, you can learn more here: asbestos inspection sydney.
Typical removal costs in NSW, by job type
Every job is site specific. Access, height, condition, distance to landfill, and whether a clearance is needed, all shape the final price. The ranges below are ballpark only and assume bonded asbestos handled by a Class B contractor.
- Small bathroom strip out, bonded wall linings only, 6 to 10 m2 Approx $900 to $1,800 including containment, PPE, HEPA clean and disposal. Tiled walls or backs of old fibro sheets can increase effort and cost.
- Eaves or external wall sheeting, single storey, 15 to 40 m2 Approx $1,500 to $3,500 depending on access, soffit width, and whether scaffold or edge protection is required. S
- Small garage or shed, corrugated Super 6 roof with matching walls, 20 to 40 m2 roof plus walls Roof only often sits from $40 to $60 per m2 for removal, then add wall sheeting, disposal and site setup. Whole small structures commonly land between $2,000 and $5,000.
- House areas of Super 6 roof panels, 80 to 150 m2 Removal often ranges from $40 to $70 per m2 based on height, pitch, fixings, and access. Larger continuous areas can be more efficient, but steep pitches and fragile sheets add time and controls.
- Pick up and disposal of neatly stacked, double wrapped bundles Pricing depends on weight, volume, and travel to the nearest licensed facility. Expect $400 to $1,200 for small domestic pickups, with landfill fees itemised.
These figures include minimum charges where relevant and assume bonded material. If material proves friable during inspection or is in poor condition that crumbles on touch, you will need a Class A removalist and the cost structure changes accordingly.
Minimum charges and why they exist
Most licensed contractors apply a minimum day rate or callout to cover setup, containment, PPE, notifications, HEPA cleaning, and disposal. In Sydney, minimums for very small jobs often land between $650 and $1,100 depending on distance, parking, and landfill fees. This protects you because even small removals must follow the same safety steps as larger jobs.
The cost to remove and dispose, explained
Clients often ask, how much does it cost to remove and dispose of asbestos? The quote usually includes:
- Labour and supervision by a licensed team
- Containment and HEPA clean to a defined standard
- Waste packaging materials and labelled bags
- Transport and licensed asbestos disposal fees
- Clearance inspection, and air monitoring where required by scope
Disposal is a major driver. Landfill charges vary by facility and can be charged by weight or volume. If your site is far from a licensed facility, transport time can add cost as well.
Class B versus Class A, and why it matters for budgeting
- Class B covers bonded asbestos such as cement sheeting and Super 6 roofing when the material is intact and non friable. Most domestic renovation removals fall here.
- Class A covers friable asbestos that crumbles easily, pipe lagging, sprayed insulation and similar high risk materials.
Class A jobs need tighter controls and more testing, which lifts pricing. A good inspection will flag the likely classification before you commit to a removal budget.
What drives price up or down
- Access and height, ladders versus scaffold, roof pitch, tight side paths
- Condition of the sheets, fragile or broken sheets need extra controls
- Size and complexity of the area
- Proximity to a licensed landfill, traffic and travel time
- Clearance requirements, air monitoring and certificates
- Mixed waste and hidden layers uncovered during a strip out
A detailed survey reduces contingency. It also keeps your renovation timeline realistic by aligning trades after clearance.
Quick answers to common cost questions
- How much would it cost to get asbestos removed, and is it expensive to get asbestos removed? Small bonded jobs may start around the typical minimum charge of $650 to $1,100.
- Larger or complex jobs scale by area and access, often $40 to $70 per m2 for roofing, with full site costs based on the inclusions noted above.
- How much does it cost to remove asbestos in NSW? Costs vary by region and landfill fees, but Greater Sydney and Wollongong generally align with the ranges in this guide.
- What is the minimum charge for asbestos removal? Expect a minimum in the $650 to $1,100 range to cover compliance steps and disposal.
- How much does asbestos inspection cost Sydney? Allow from $250 + GST with one lab sample included; extra samples are typically $100 each.
- How much does it cost to remove and dispose of asbestos? Ensure disposal fees are itemised; travel and tip charges can be significant. Ask for the landfill name and docket copies with your invoice.
How testing and lab work fit into quotes
Visual inspection can identify suspected materials, but only NATA accredited lab testing confirms asbestos. Many quotes include one or more bulk samples for confirmation. If testing shows the material is not asbestos, you can save thousands by avoiding unnecessary removal and disposal.
Planning your summer renovation timeline
- Book an inspection early so you have results within 48 hours
- Finalise scope and quote with inclusions listed above
- Schedule removal, HEPA clean and any required clearance before your builder starts
- Keep children, pets, and non-essential trades away during removal
- Retain your documentation for council, sale, or insurance records
Local, licensed and ready to help
Sydney Asbestos services Greater Sydney and Wollongong with licensed, insured, compliance first removal. We provide free on site quotes and can coordinate testing with fast turnaround. If you are comparing prices for asbestos removal Sydney, our team will break down labour, containment, disposal and clearance in plain language so you know exactly what you are paying for. Promotions are available at times, including a $100 discount when you mention this article. Ask about current offers when you book.
Summary and next steps
Asbestos costs in NSW are driven by classification, access, area, and disposal. For small bonded jobs, allow for the typical minimum charge to cover containment and safe disposal. For larger areas, expect square metre rates with itemised landfill fees and a clear plan for HEPA clean and clearance. Start with an inspection so you can budget accurately and sequence your summer renovation without delays.
Ready for a free on site quote or need fast testing before you book trades? Call 1300 04 DEMO or request your quote online. If you are in the Sutherland Shire and comparing providers, you can explore our service area pages using this helpful anchor: asbestos removal Sutherland.
