Little Italy has a mix of older brick terraces, shopfronts and converted apartments where pre-1990 linings and old eaves can still be present—especially in kitchens, laundries and back additions that have been updated over time.
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We visually assess bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for older fibre-cement wall and ceiling linings that were commonly installed before 1990. These areas are frequently disturbed during retiling, waterproofing and plumbing upgrades, so identifying suspect substrates early helps prevent unsafe sanding or demolition.
We inspect accessible eaves, soffits, gable ends and external sheet cladding for profiles and fixings consistent with asbestos cement products. Deterioration, cracking and weathering are noted because damaged external materials can shed fibres when drilled, cut or pressure-cleaned.
Where access is safe, we look for suspect ceiling sheets, backing boards, and older insulation-related components that may be present in pre-1990 builds. We also note any disturbed areas around downlights, manholes, or previous electrical work that could have compromised older materials.
We examine meter boxes, risers, plant cupboards and service penetrations for older boards, panels and lagging-style materials that can appear in mixed-use buildings. These locations are common pinch points for electricians, plumbers and HVAC works, where cutting and drilling is routine.
We check accessible garages, storage rooms, rear additions and outbuildings for older cement sheeting, corrugated panels and patch repairs. These spaces are often DIY-updated over time, and suspect materials may be partially hidden behind shelving, lining boards or later cladding.
For each suspected material, we record its condition and the likely risk if disturbed by planned works (removal, chasing walls, installing cabinetry, replacing windows or doors). This helps you prioritise what to leave undisturbed, what to manage, and what may need sampling or specialist removal.
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Get Visual Asbestos Survey as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Little Italy, we often see pre-1990 building elements mixed with later renovations. A visual survey focuses on items like older fibre-cement sheeting in wet areas, eaves and soffits, external cladding panels, and older boards around service areas. We identify suspect materials by appearance, age indicators and installation style, then note condition and where disturbance risk is highest during planned works.
A visual survey identifies likely asbestos-containing materials, but it cannot confirm asbestos content without laboratory testing. If you’re planning to remove, cut, drill, sand or demolish any suspect material, testing is the safest way to confirm what you’re dealing with. We’ll tell you which areas are most important to sample based on visibility, condition, and your renovation or maintenance plans.
Yes. Kitchens and bathrooms are high-risk areas because older wall and ceiling linings can sit behind tiles, splashbacks, cabinetry and waterproofing layers. A Visual Asbestos Survey helps you understand what’s likely behind finishes before demolition starts. We’ll flag suspect substrates and the areas where trades typically cut and chase, so you can plan safe testing and removal steps before works begin.
For older terrace-style homes and similar period dwellings in Little Italy, be cautious around rear additions, eaves/soffits, wet areas that have been updated, and any patched wall or ceiling sections where previous renovations may have covered older sheets. Also check garages and storage spaces, which are often lined with older cement sheeting. A visual survey highlights these likely locations so you don’t discover them mid-renovation.
Treat the material as asbestos until proven otherwise. Avoid disturbing it—no drilling, sanding, cutting or removal—and keep the area stable. If works are planned, arrange testing through appropriate channels and use a licensed asbestos professional for removal where required. We’ll provide clear guidance on which items are higher priority due to condition or likely disturbance, and how to sequence next steps safely.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on pre-1990 asbestos risk points common in Little Italy’s renovated terraces and mixed-use buildings. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your survey before any cutting, drilling or demolition.