If you live in Auckland and are planning a home renovation or demolition, there’s one concern you can’t afford to overlook: asbestos.
Used widely in New Zealand homes until the late 1980s, asbestos may still be hidden in many residential properties, especially older bungalows, villas, and state houses. When undisturbed, asbestos can often remain harmless. But once building work begins, the risk changes. Drilling, cutting, or removing materials that contain asbestos can release fibres that pose serious health risks to your family, neighbours, and any workers onsite.
That’s why residential asbestos removal isn’t something to DIY or delay. If you’re searching for asbestos removal in Auckland, here’s what you need to know—especially if you’re getting ready to renovate, repair, or completely demolish a house.
Asbestos was commonly used in New Zealand homes until it was gradually phased out in the late 1980s and officially banned in 2016. Because of its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties, it was a popular building material for walls, ceilings, roofs, and even vinyl flooring.
While ACMs are safe when undisturbed and intact, the danger arises when fibres are released into the air. Inhaling asbestos fibres over time has been linked to diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Even short-term exposure during home renovations has been shown to pose risks.
Asbestos removal is typically required when a home is being:
You may also need asbestos removal if you’re a landlord or property manager responsible for tenant safety. As part of the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015), any person conducting work that may disturb asbestos must identify and manage the risk.
Homes built or renovated between the 1940s and late 1980s are likely to contain asbestos. The only way to confirm its presence is through professional asbestos testing and sampling, carried out by a licensed assessor or removal contractor.
It’s tempting to think small jobs like replacing ceiling panels or vinyl flooring are simple enough to do yourself. But when asbestos is involved, taking shortcuts can expose everyone to danger.
New Zealand law is very clear: only licensed asbestos removal contractors can remove friable asbestos (the type that crumbles easily and becomes airborne) or non-friable materials over a specific size. That’s where companies like Union Demolition come in—with trained technicians, safety gear, containment protocols, and strict disposal procedures.
When you work with a professional asbestos removal company like Union Demolition, the process is clear, thorough, and compliant with WorkSafe NZ regulations.
If asbestos is suspected, samples are collected and tested by an accredited lab to confirm its presence and type.
If asbestos is found, a removal plan is developed. This outlines the safety measures, timelines, and steps for clearing the site safely.
Setup of Containment Zones
The work area is sealed off using plastic sheeting and negative pressure units to prevent fibres escaping into the home or outdoor environment.
Licensed contractors carefully remove affected materials using specialised equipment. All asbestos waste is double-bagged, sealed, and taken to approved disposal facilities.
Once removal is complete, air testing ensures that the space is safe to re-enter. A clearance certificate is issued before the area is deemed safe for further work.
This process may sound extensive, but it’s necessary. It protects not just your family, but builders, tradespeople, and the wider community from long-term exposure risks.
If you’re planning a full or partial demolition of a home in Auckland, asbestos removal is a mandatory first step. You cannot legally demolish any part of a structure that contains asbestos without first removing it and confirming clearance.
Union Demolition is uniquely positioned to handle both asbestos removal and house demolition under one service. This makes the process more efficient, coordinated, and compliant.
This integrated approach helps homeowners and developers stay on schedule, avoid surprise costs, and reduce exposure risk during rebuilds.
While anyone can potentially be affected by asbestos, the most common clients for residential removal services include the following:
No matter the reason, removing asbestos is an investment in your health, your property, and your peace of mind.
Union Demolition offers safe, compliant, and affordable asbestos removal services Auckland homeowners can rely on. Our team is fully licensed, experienced in residential settings, and committed to strict health and safety standards.
We understand that having asbestos in your home is stressful. Our goal is to make the removal process as seamless and safe as possible, so you can move forward with your renovation or rebuild confidently.
Asbestos may be hidden, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’re knocking down an old villa, renovating a 1960s bungalow, or just wanting peace of mind before starting repairs, working with professional asbestos contractors in Auckland is the right step.
Safe, legal, and professionally managed removal protects your health and keeps your project on track. With Union Demolition, you get expert support from start to finish, backed by industry compliance and a deep understanding of New Zealand homes.
Planning a renovation or rebuild? Contact Union Demolition for trusted, licensed asbestos removal in Auckland. We’ll assess your site, manage the removal safely, and help protect what matters most—your family and your future.
© 2025 • Address: 23 Pukemiro Street, Onehunga, Auckland 1061 • Phone: 022 471 7355
