Exposure to Asbestos is a risk you do not want to guess your way through. It can be present in walls, ceilings, floor tiles, roof insulation, and other building materials, especially in older residential, commercial and industrial properties across Australia.
At the GBAR Group, we provide professional asbestos inspections and asbestos testing services to help property owners, businesses, builders, facility managers and government clients. Whether you are planning a renovation, preparing for demolition, or managing workplace compliance our team can assess the property, arrange asbestos sample testing and provide a clear, detailed report with practical recommendations.
Our team has more than two decades of experience in asbestos management, asbestos removal and hazardous materials remediation. We work across residential, commercial and industrial sites, with a strong focus on safety, compliance and clear communication from start to finish.
Why Asbestos Inspections Matter
Asbestos was widely used in construction for many years thanks to its strong, durable, fire-resistant qualities. While it was officially banned in 2003, many buildings erected before this time are home to asbestos-containing materials, often without property owners or occupants realising.
Thankfully, asbestos containing materials are generally considered lower risk when it is sealed, stable and left undisturbed. However, as soon as the material is damaged, cut, drilled, sanded, broken, weathered or removed incorrectly, asbestos fibres can become airborne. If inhaled, these fibres can lead to serious health risks, including asbestos-related disease.
That is why asbestos building inspections are so important before renovation, refurbishment, demolition, maintenance or repair work begins. A proper inspection helps identify hidden risks early, so the right controls can be put in place before anyone starts work.
Asbestos Testing
The GBAR Group carries out asbestos testing and asbestos inspection services across a wide range of environments, including:
- Residential homes and apartment buildings
- Commercial buildings and office spaces
- Industrial properties and industrial sites
- Construction and demolition sites
- Facilities management portfolios
- Civil and infrastructure projects
Our role is to assess the property carefully, identify any asbestos present or suspected asbestos-containing materials, organise reliable testing where required and provide a full report that gives you the information you need to make safe decisions.
When Should You Book an Asbestos Inspection?
There are several situations where asbestos inspections are strongly recommended.
Before renovating or refurbishing
If you are planning work on an older building, an asbestos inspection should be carried out before trades begin. Renovation work can disturb hidden materials behind walls, under flooring, in ceilings, around wet areas or on external surfaces.
A pre-renovation inspection helps identify affected areas early, so safe removal, encapsulation, or other controls can be put in place before the job begins.
Before demolition
Demolition has a high risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials. Before any demolition work begins, asbestos must be properly identified, assessed and managed. This reduces the risk of asbestos exposure to workers, neighbours and the community.
When purchasing an older property
An asbestos property inspection can be a smart step for property owners buying an older home, commercial building or development site. It gives you a clearer picture of potential risks before you commit to major works or future maintenance costs.
For workplace health and safety compliance
For many workplaces, asbestos management is not a one-off task. If asbestos is identified or assumed to be present, an asbestos register may be required. This register records the location, type, condition and risk of asbestos-containing materials at the workplace.
An asbestos management plan then outlines how those risks will be controlled. This may include regular inspections, staff or contractor information, safe work procedures, signage, access controls and steps to follow before maintenance or construction work.
The GBAR Group can assist with asbestos registers, asbestos management plan development and practical recommendations that help businesses meet their health and safety responsibilities.
If you suspect asbestos is present
If you have damaged, deteriorating or unknown materials on site, do not try to break, remove or sample them yourself. Certified professionals should assess suspected areas and arrange safe sample collection if needed.
Types of Asbestos Inspections and Testing Services
The GBAR Group provides a range of asbestos inspection and testing services, tailored to the site, building type and purpose of the assessment.
Residential asbestos inspections
A residential asbestos inspection is commonly requested before home renovations, repairs, extensions, bathroom upgrades, kitchen replacements or demolition. Older homes may contain asbestos in wall sheeting, roof materials, floor tiles, wet areas, fencing, sheds, insulation and external materials.
Our team can assess the property, identify suspected asbestos-containing materials and arrange asbestos sample testing if needed. You will then receive a detailed report outlining the findings and recommended next steps.
Commercial asbestos inspections
Commercial properties often have more complex asbestos risks due to age, size, previous refurbishments and the number of people using the building. We carry out commercial asbestos inspections for property owners, facilities managers, body corporates, education providers, government clients and businesses.
Industrial asbestos inspections
Industrial properties and industrial sites can include asbestos in older machinery, plant rooms, roofing, wall sheeting and other specialist materials. The GBAR Group has experience working across complex sites where safety, access, planning and compliance are essential.
Our asbestos experts can assess risks, arrange sampling and provide recommendations that support safe site operations.
Asbestos sampling and laboratory testing
Asbestos sample testing involves taking samples from suspected materials and sending them for laboratory analysis. The aim is to confirm whether asbestos is present and, where relevant, what type of asbestos has been identified.
Sample collection should be carried out by trained professionals to reduce the risk of fibre release. Once the lab report is received, the GBAR Group can explain the findings and recommend the safest way forward.
Asbestos risk assessments
An asbestos risk assessment looks at the condition of the material, where it is located, how likely it is to be disturbed and what level of risk it may pose to people using or working on the site.
This information can help determine whether the asbestos can be safely managed in place, needs ongoing monitoring, should be encapsulated or requires removal.
Our Asbestos Inspection Process
The GBAR Group follows a clear, safety-first process for asbestos inspections and asbestos testing.
1. Initial consultation
We start by understanding your site, concerns and reason for the inspection. This helps us plan the inspection properly.
2. Site inspection
Our asbestos inspectors attend the site to assess accessible areas and identify suspected asbestos-containing materials. This may include internal and external materials, service areas, roof spaces, flooring, wall sheeting, ceiling materials, insulation and other building components.
We work carefully to minimise disruption and keep health and safety front of mind throughout the inspection.
3. Material identification
Some materials may be assessed based on building age, location and known asbestos use patterns. If a material is suspected to contain asbestos, sample testing may be recommended.
4. Sample collection
Where required, samples are collected using safe procedures designed to minimise disturbance. Each sample is sealed, labelled and handled appropriately before being sent for analysis.
5. Laboratory testing
Samples are sent for laboratory testing to confirm if asbestos is present. The lab report provides the technical results, which are then interpreted as part of the broader site assessment.
6. Detailed asbestos report
Following the inspection and testing process, we prepare a detailed report outlining the findings. This may include:
- Areas inspected
- Suspected or confirmed asbestos-containing materials
- Sample results
- Risk ratings
- Photos or location details where relevant
- Recommended actions
- Management plan advice
- Removal or remediation recommendations
This full report gives property owners, builders, businesses and managers the information needed to make safe, informed decisions.
7. Recommendations and next steps
If asbestos is confirmed, we will clearly explain your options. Depending on the condition, location and risk level, recommendations may include monitoring, labelling, access restrictions, encapsulation, inclusion in an asbestos register, development of an asbestos management plan or asbestos removal.
The GBAR Group are also experts in asbestos removal and remediation services, which means we can support the project beyond inspection if removal, disposal or further management is needed.
Why Choose The GBAR Group for Asbestos Inspections?
When dealing with asbestos, you need more than a quick visual check. You need experienced asbestos experts who understand the risks, the regulations and the practical realities of working across live buildings, commercial sites and complex projects.
The GBAR Group has locations in Brisbane, Wollongong and Sydney, and is licensed across New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, South Australia and the Northern Territory to remove friable and non-friable asbestos, manage lead dust and remediate contaminated land.
Clients choose us because we provide:
- Professional asbestos inspections
- Reliable testing and clear reporting
- Residential, commercial and industrial experience
- Support with asbestos registers and management plans
- Licensed asbestos removal and remediation services
- Practical recommendations, not confusing jargon
- A safety-first approach to every job
- Prompt service and responsive communication
From a single residential asbestos inspection to a large-scale commercial or industrial assessment, our team can help you understand the risks and plan the next step with confidence.
Get in Touch Today
If you suspect asbestos is present, are planning renovations or need a professional asbestos testing service for your property or workplace, contact GBAR Group today.
Send us a quick message or request a quote and our team will respond fast. We will help you assess the site, organise testing where required and provide the information you need to manage asbestos safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a material contains asbestos?
It is very difficult to identify asbestos just by looking at it. Asbestos was used in many different building materials, including wall sheeting, floor tiles, roof materials, insulation, cement products and external materials. If the building is older or the material is damaged, the safest option is to arrange a professional inspection and asbestos sample testing.
When is an asbestos inspection needed?
Asbestos inspections are commonly needed before renovations, demolition, refurbishment, property purchases, maintenance works or workplace compliance reviews. You should also arrange an inspection if you find damaged or unknown materials that may contain asbestos.
Do I need asbestos testing before renovating?
If your property was built before asbestos was fully phased out of Australian construction, asbestos testing before renovation is highly recommended. Renovation work can disturb hidden materials and release asbestos fibres if the correct precautions are not taken.
What happens during an asbestos inspection?
An asbestos inspector assesses the site, identifies suspected asbestos containing materials, notes affected areas and recommends sample collection where required. Samples are then sent for laboratory testing, and the results are included in a detailed report with recommendations.
How long does an asbestos inspection take?
The timing depends on the size, age and complexity of the property. A smaller residential inspection may only take a few hours, while larger commercial or industrial properties may require more time. Laboratory testing timeframes can also vary depending on the number of samples and urgency of the job.
How much does asbestos testing cost?
The cost of asbestos testing depends on the site, number of samples, access requirements and type of report needed. A simple sample test will usually cost less than a full asbestos inspection with a detailed report and management recommendations. GBAR Group can provide a quote based on your property and requirements.
Is asbestos dangerous if it is not disturbed?
Asbestos-containing materials are generally lower risk when they are sealed, stable and in good condition. However, they can become dangerous if damaged, deteriorating or disturbed during work. This is why asbestos management, regular inspections and clear reporting are important.
What should I do if asbestos is found?
If asbestos is found, do not disturb it. The GBAR Group can provide recommendations based on the risk level, condition and location of the material. Options may include monitoring, encapsulation, access restrictions, inclusion in an asbestos register, an asbestos management plan or safe removal by licensed professionals.
Do workplaces need an asbestos register?
Many workplaces have a legal requirement to keep an asbestos register if asbestos is present or likely to be present. The register records where asbestos has been identified or assumed and helps workers and contractors understand the risks before carrying out work.
Can The GBAR Group remove asbestos if it is found?
Yes, the GBAR Group is not only an asbestos inspection and testing provider. We also provide licensed asbestos removal, disposal and remediation services. This means we can support the full process, from inspection and testing through to removal, clearance and site remediation where required.
