If you’ve discovered asbestos in your home and seen the quotes for professional removal, you might be wondering: “Can I just remove it myself?” It’s a question many New Zealand homeowners ask, especially when facing removal costs of several thousand dollars.

The short answer is: sometimes yes, but it’s usually not advisable, and in many cases, it’s illegal. Let’s explore the complex reality of DIY asbestos removal in New Zealand, the legal requirements, health risks, and why this is one DIY project you should seriously reconsider.

The Legal Reality: What Does New Zealand Law Actually Say?

New Zealand’s approach to DIY asbestos removal is more nuanced than many other countries. The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 govern asbestos work, but they contain specific exemptions for homeowners.

The Homeowner Exemption:

Under Regulation 9, homeowners are technically permitted to remove asbestos from their own homes without a license, provided:

They are the owner-occupier of the dwelling
The work is on their principal place of residence (not a rental property or second home)
They are doing the work themselves, not hiring or directing others
The asbestos is bonded (non-friable) and in good condition

However, this legal permission comes with a critical caveat: you must still follow strict safety requirements outlined in WorkSafe’s Approved Code of Practice for the Management and Removal of Asbestos.

When DIY Asbestos Removal is Absolutely Illegal:

You cannot legally remove asbestos yourself if:

The property is not your principal residence (including rental properties you own, holiday homes, or investment properties)
The asbestos is friable (crumbly, damaged, or loose asbestos like pipe insulation, spray-on coatings, or deteriorated materials)
The project is larger than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos
You’re being paid or compensated for the work in any way
Anyone else is working with you, even family members or volunteers (this makes you a PCBU—Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking—which requires licensing)

Violating these rules can result in:

Fines up to $50,000 for individuals
Criminal prosecution in serious cases
Invalidated insurance claims
Liability for health consequences to others
Inability to sell the property without proper clearance documentation

Why the Law Allows Some DIY Asbestos Removal

New Zealand’s regulations balance public safety with practical realities:

Historical Context: Many Kiwi homes built before 2000 contain asbestos. Requiring licensed removal for every small project would be economically unfeasible for many homeowners and overwhelm the limited number of licensed contractors.

Risk Differentiation: Bonded asbestos in good condition poses much lower risk than friable asbestos. When handled carefully with proper precautions, small-scale removal of bonded materials presents manageable risk to a single homeowner willing to accept that risk.

Personal Risk Acceptance: The philosophy is that competent adults can make informed decisions about personal risk to themselves in their own homes, provided they don’t endanger others.

However, just because something is legal doesn’t make it wise or safe.

The Health Reality: Understanding the Risks You’re Taking

Asbestos is not an ordinary building material—it’s a deadly carcinogen that kills approximately 170 New Zealanders every year. Here’s what you need to understand:

How Asbestos Causes Disease:

When asbestos materials are disturbed, microscopic fibres become airborne. These fibres are:

Invisible to the naked eye
Odorless and tasteless
Small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissue
Needle-shaped, causing them to lodge permanently in lungs
Impossible to remove once inhaled

Diseases Caused by Asbestos Exposure:

Even brief exposure can lead to fatal diseases that typically appear 20-50 years later:

Mesothelioma: An aggressive cancer of the lung lining that is almost always fatal, with average survival of 12-18 months after diagnosis. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure for mesothelioma—even single exposures have caused this disease.

Asbestosis: Progressive scarring of lung tissue causing breathing difficulties, reduced lung function, and heart complications. No cure exists—treatment only manages symptoms.

Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk, even in non-smokers. Combined with smoking, the risk multiplies dramatically.

Pleural Disease: Thickening and calcification of the lung lining causing chest pain, breathing difficulties, and reduced lung function.

No Threshold Dose:

Unlike many toxic substances, there is no known “safe” level of asbestos exposure. While higher exposures increase risk, even minimal exposure can cause disease. Your single DIY project could be the exposure that causes mesothelioma decades later.

You Can’t Know If You’ve Been Exposed:

There’s no immediate coughing, burning, or discomfort when you inhale asbestos fibres. You won’t know for 20-40 years whether your DIY removal exposed you to a fatal dose.

Scenarios Where DIY Might (Legally) Be Considered

Despite the risks, there are limited scenarios where informed homeowners might legally consider DIY asbestos removal:

Very Small, Accessible Projects:

Removing a single sheet of asbestos cement cladding (under 1 square metre)
Removing one or two asbestos vinyl floor tiles
Removing small pieces of undamaged asbestos soffit

Good Condition Materials:

Bonded asbestos that is intact, not crumbling or deteriorating
No visible damage, cracks, or broken edges
Materials that can be removed in whole pieces without cutting or breaking

When Professional Removal is Genuinely Unaffordable:

Situations where the cost of professional removal genuinely creates financial hardship
Understanding that you’re accepting significant personal health risk to save money

Even in these scenarios, professional removal is still the safer choice.

If You Absolutely Must Remove Asbestos Yourself

If, despite all warnings, you decide to proceed with DIY asbestos removal, you MUST follow these critical safety protocols:

Before You Start:

Confirm it’s legal for your specific project (owner-occupied, under 10 square metres, bonded asbestos)
Get laboratory testing to confirm asbestos presence and type ($200-$400)
Notify your local council and check if any permits are required
Inform your neighbors about the work and timing
Check your insurance policy—some insurers exclude coverage for DIY asbestos work

Essential Safety Equipment (Non-Negotiable):

P2 respirator (minimum) or preferably P3, properly fitted and sealed—standard dust masks are useless against asbestos
Disposable coveralls with hood and feet covers
Disposable gloves (double-glove recommended)
Safety glasses or goggles
Rubber boots that can be hosed down

Budget $150-$300 for proper safety equipment. Skimping here is foolish economy.

Preparation and Containment:

Clear the area completely—remove all furniture, belongings, and anything you want to keep
Seal the work area with heavy plastic sheeting (minimum 200 micron/0.2mm thickness)
Cover floors with multiple layers of plastic
Turn off HVAC systems to prevent contamination spread
Seal vents and doorways with plastic and tape
Create a decontamination area with additional plastic sheeting
Keep children and pets completely away from the property during work

Safe Removal Techniques:

Keep materials wet at all times using a pump sprayer—this is the single most important technique
Never cut, drill, saw, sand, or break asbestos materials
Remove in whole pieces whenever possible
Work slowly and carefully—rushing increases fiber release
Use hand tools only—no power tools
Lower materials gently—don’t drop or throw anything
Clean as you go with wet wiping, never dry sweeping
Double-bag all waste in heavy-duty plastic bags (minimum 200 micron)
Label bags clearly with “ASBESTOS—DANGER” warnings

Decontamination (Critical Step):

Wet wipe all surfaces multiple times before removing plastic
Spray and wipe yourself down before removing protective equipment
Remove protective equipment carefully in the decontamination area
Seal used equipment in plastic bags labeled as asbestos waste
Shower thoroughly immediately after completing work
Wash clothing separately or dispose of in sealed bags

Disposal:

Contact your local council about disposal options
Many councils provide special collection services for residential asbestos
Never dispose of asbestos in regular rubbish bins
Transport wrapped and sealed in a covered vehicle
Notify the disposal facility you’re bringing asbestos waste

What You Cannot Do:

You cannot get a professional clearance certificate for DIY work
You cannot prove to future buyers that removal was done safely
You cannot claim on insurance for any health consequences
You have no legal protection if family members or neighbors are exposed

Why Professional Removal is Worth the Cost

Consider what you get with professional asbestos removal:

Proper Equipment and Training:

Industrial-grade containment systems with negative air pressure
HEPA filtration that captures 99.97% of asbestos fibres
Professional-grade protective equipment
Years of training and experience in safe removal techniques

Legal Compliance:

Proper WorkSafe notifications and documentation
Compliance with all regulations and codes of practice
Licensed professionals with appropriate insurance
Protection from legal liability

Health Protection:

Dramatically reduced exposure risk for you and your family
Air monitoring to confirm safety during work
Independent clearance certification proving the area is safe
Proper disposal with full documentation

Peace of Mind:

No sleepless nights wondering if you inhaled deadly fibres
Proper documentation for insurance and property sales
Guaranteed safe and complete removal
Professional advice if complications arise

Long-term Value:

Clearance certificates that add value and salability to your property
Protection from future legal liability
Insurance validity maintained
Proper documentation for future renovations

The Real Cost of DIY Asbestos Removal

Consider the total cost of DIY removal:

Safety equipment: $150-$300
Plastic sheeting and supplies: $100-$200
Disposal fees: $50-$300
Council fees (if applicable): $50-$200
Your time: 1-3 full days
Stress and worry: Significant
Risk to your health: Potentially life-threatening
Risk to your family: Cannot be quantified
Insurance complications: Possible
Property value impact: Negative without clearance certificate

Total monetary cost: $350-$1,000+ Total personal risk: Immeasurable

Compare this to professional removal at $1,500-$3,000 for a typical small project. The price difference narrows considerably when you account for your time, risk, and peace of mind.

What About “Minor” Asbestos Work?

Some people justify DIY removal by calling it “minor” work. Understand that:

There’s no such thing as “minor” asbestos exposure from a health perspective
Asbestos diseases can result from brief, one-time exposures
The damage occurs even if you do everything “right”
You’re gambling with your life for a few thousand dollars

Alternatives to DIY Removal

If cost is your primary concern, consider these alternatives:

Leave It Alone: If asbestos is in good condition and won’t be disturbed, leaving it undisturbed is often the safest option. Asbestos only poses risk when fibres become airborne.

Encapsulation: Professional encapsulation costs less than removal and can safely seal asbestos materials for years or decades.

Payment Plans: Many licensed contractors offer payment plans to spread removal costs over time.

Insurance Claims: Check if your situation qualifies for any insurance coverage.

Staging Projects: Remove asbestos in stages as budget allows, addressing highest-risk areas first.

Selling As-Is: If removing asbestos before selling, consider disclosing its presence and adjusting the asking price instead.

Signs You Should Never Attempt DIY Asbestos Removal

Absolutely hire professionals if:

The asbestos is damaged, crumbling, or deteriorated
You have any doubts about asbestos type or condition
The project is larger than a few square metres
Materials need to be cut, drilled, or broken
The area is difficult to access or contains tight spaces
You have any respiratory conditions or health issues
Children, pregnant women, or elderly people live in the home
You’re not willing to invest in proper safety equipment
You feel rushed or under time pressure
You have any doubt about your ability to do this safely

The Bottom Line

While DIY asbestos removal is technically legal in limited circumstances in New Zealand, it’s almost never advisable. The health risks are severe, the legal requirements are stringent, and the cost savings compared to professional removal are often minimal when you account for proper equipment, time, and disposal.

Asbestos kills 170 New Zealanders every year—don’t become a statistic to save a few hundred or even few thousand dollars. Your health and your family’s safety are worth far more than the cost of professional removal.

Thinking about DIY asbestos removal? Contact East Coast Asbestos first for a free consultation and quote. You might find that professional removal is more affordable than you thought, and you’ll gain peace of mind that’s truly priceless.