"Removing an Asbestos Garage in NZ: What Homeowners Need to Know (Before They Grab a Sledgehammer)"
Got an Asbestos Garage? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Rip Into It
So, you’ve got a dodgy old garage out the back. Maybe it’s falling apart, maybe you want to replace it with a home gym, or maybe you just hate the look of it.
But here’s the kicker:
If your garage was built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance it’s full of asbestos cement.
And before you start swinging tools around, you need to know how to deal with it — legally and safely.
Let’s talk about Class B asbestos garage removal in New Zealand, how much it costs, what’s involved, and how to avoid stuffing it up.
🚧 First Off: What the Hell Is Class B Asbestos?
Good question.
In NZ, asbestos comes in two main flavours:
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Class A (friable): Fluffy, crumbly, super-dangerous stuff that turns into dust if you look at it wrong. Needs specialist removal and strict controls.
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Class B (non-friable): The solid, bonded kind — usually found in garage walls, roofs, fences, and sheds. Still dangerous, but not as immediately risky unless you break it.
If your garage is made from old cement sheeting or corrugated panels, you’re probably dealing with Class B asbestos.
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🛠️ Can I Just Tear It Down Myself?
Short answer: Nope — not unless it’s a tiny job.
The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 say that if you’re removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable (Class B) asbestos, it must be done by a licensed asbestos removalist.
Even under 10m²? Still risky.
Do it wrong and you could contaminate your property, breathe in asbestos dust, and end up copping a fine from WorkSafe.
💸 So What’s It Gonna Cost Me?
Prices vary depending on size, condition, and location — but here’s a rough guide:
| Garage Size | Estimated Cost (Class B removal) |
|---|---|
| Small (1 car) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Medium (2 car) | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Large or includes roof | $4,000 – $6,000+ |
That usually includes:
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Site setup and hazard signage
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PPE and dust suppression
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Safe removal of sheets (no breaking allowed!)
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Bagging and licensed disposal
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Final clean-up and basic report
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🧱 Step-by-Step: How It’s Done Properly
✅ 1. Inspection & Testing
A pro will confirm whether the garage contains asbestos and if it’s Class A or B.
✅ 2. Set Up the Site
The removal team fences off the area, puts up warning signs, and suits up in protective gear.
✅ 3. Keep It Wet
Asbestos is sprayed with a fine mist of water to keep dust down — no dry work.
✅ 4. Remove Whole Sheets
No smashing, cutting, or drilling. Sheets are removed intact to avoid releasing fibres.
✅ 5. Wrap, Bag, Dispose
Everything is double-bagged, labelled, and taken to a licensed asbestos disposal site.
✅ 6. Final Clean-Up
HEPA vacuums and wet wipes are used to ensure no asbestos is left behind.
🔥 Why You Shouldn’t Cut Corners
Cutting corners on asbestos is a bad idea. Here’s why:
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It’s illegal to remove large amounts without a licence.
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Breathing in fibres can cause lung cancer or mesothelioma — not straight away, but 20–30 years later.
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If you contaminate your soil or house, it’s expensive as hell to fix.
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Your insurance won’t cover you if you ignore the regs.
This isn’t the kind of job where “she’ll be right” cuts it.
🏡 Final Thoughts: Don’t Mess Around With Asbestos
Look, we get it. You want the garage gone so you can park properly, start your renovation, or just tidy up the backyard.
But if it’s made with asbestos (and most old ones are), take the smart route:
✔️ Get it tested
✔️ Use a licensed Class B removalist
✔️ Do it once, do it safe
Your health, your family, and your future self will thank you.
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