DIY Asbestos Cladding Removal vs Licensed Removalists: Risks, Pros, Cons & Costs
DIY Asbestos Cladding Removal vs Licensed Removalist
Old kiwi homes often have asbestos cladding. Back in the day it was cheap, tough, and fireproof, but now we know the dust is deadly. When it’s time to deal with it, people ask: should I try DIY asbestos removal or pay for a licensed asbestos removalist? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and costs.
DIY Asbestos Cladding Removal
Pros
-
Cheaper upfront – On paper, DIY looks like a money saver. You’re not paying labour rates of $80–$120 an hour.
-
Immediate control – You pick your timing and don’t wait on busy contractors.
-
Small jobs only – For a single sheet or minor shed cladding, some folks think they can handle it with minimal fuss.
Cons
-
Health risks are massive – Asbestos fibres can’t be seen or smelt. DIY jobs often end with dust floating everywhere, which is how people end up sick years later.
-
Legal limits – In New Zealand, the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 only let unlicensed people remove non-friable asbestos under 10m². Anything bigger must be done by a licensed removalist.
-
No insurance cover – If you mess it up, insurers won’t help. You could also face WorkSafe penalties for breaching the law.
-
Disposal hassles – You can’t just dump asbestos at the tip. You need approved bags, a special waste site, and sometimes a permit.
DIY Cost Estimate (NZ)
-
Protective gear (P2 mask, coveralls, gloves): $150–$250
-
Asbestos waste bags, tape, plastic sheeting: $100–$200
-
Tip fees: $30–$50 per bag (varies by council)
👉 For a 10m² limit job, total: $400–$800 (not counting your time and risk).
Licensed Asbestos Removalist
Pros
-
Safe and compliant – Licensed teams follow strict rules: enclosures, negative air units, clearance testing.
-
No stress disposal – They bag, transport, and dump the asbestos at approved sites legally.
-
Peace of mind – You get paperwork showing the job was done right, which is a bonus when selling your house.
-
Better for resale – Buyers are more confident with a house that has asbestos professionally removed.
Cons
-
Cost – Professional work isn’t cheap. Rates vary depending on how much cladding, access issues, and disposal distance.
-
Disruption – You’ll likely have to vacate during removal, and jobs can stretch over several days.
-
Booking wait times – Good asbestos removalists are often busy, so you may wait weeks.
Licensed Removalist Cost Estimate (NZ)
-
House exterior cladding removal: $80–$150 per m²
-
Disposal and clearance: often included, but add $500–$1,000+ for larger jobs.
👉 A full 100m² exterior could cost $10,000–$15,000+, depending on access and waste fees.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If you’re just dealing with under 10m² of non-friable asbestos cladding, DIY can be technically legal—but the health risks are high, and one slip-up can cost more than money.
For anything bigger, or if you value your long-term health and house value, a licensed asbestos removalist is the smarter choice.
Final Word
DIY asbestos cladding removal looks cheap, but it’s risky, stressful, and tightly limited by law. Hiring a licensed asbestos removalist costs more, but you get safety, compliance, and peace of mind. Before doing anything, get a quote from a licensed asbestos contractor—the upfront cost might save you a lifetime of health issues.
Make Enquiry