Demolition and asbestos removal

Even though our house was build prior to the widespread use of asbestos materials, the mid 1960's renovation meant that asbestos was widespread throughout the house. In keeping with the 60's style, many of the lovely T&G walls had been covered with asbestos sheeting, the kitchen was full of asbestos, and the two extensions to the house (the verandah and bathroom / toilet) were both completely made from asbestos material.

Asbestos is a taboo word. Yet, for any renovator of a house built prior to the 1990's in Queensland, it's more than likely a fact of life. My advice, get a good asbestos removal contractor and just bite the bullet and get rid of as much as possible. We had an excellent contractor who did a great job in about two weeks and our house is now completely asbestos free.

The only downside, was that after the contractor had removed all the asbestos, the two extensions etc there was very little of the house left! While we had tried to save a bit of money and remove some of the non-asbestos material ourselves, e.g. the standalone carport, timber front deck and vinyl flooring, it is best to get the experts advice on what you can remove yourself, and what should be left for those wearing masks and radiation suits!

At this stage, we handed over the project to the builder and so began the house lifting.

Putting up temporary fencing as the demolition works now constituted a building site

Southern side of the house after the asbestos bathroom and toilet were removed

Removing the pine front deck - something we did ourselves

Pulling down the carport

Removal of the asbestos ceilings. Truly open plan now!

Removal of asbestos gables. Note termite damage on far wall and roof joist.