Short answer: sometimes. But it’s not as simple as chucking on a dust mask and going for it.
Asbestos is still lurking in a lot of Kiwi homes and buildings—especially anything built or renovated before the mid-1980s. And while some smaller jobs can legally be done DIY, you need to know the rules before you touch it, because the risks are real.
So, Can You Do It Yourself?
Yes—but only if the asbestos is non-friable (meaning it’s solid and not easily crumbled) and the total area is under 10 square metres.
That might include:
- A small section of old vinyl flooring
- A bit of soffit or external cladding
- Isolated panels in a garage or shed
But even then, you’ve got to:
- Wear the right safety gear: P2 respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves, and gumboots
- Wet down the area to suppress dust
- Work carefully—no cutting, drilling, or sanding
- Double-bag everything for disposal and take it to a proper asbestos-approved site
If it’s friable (crumbly, damaged, or deteriorating), or over 10m²?
You legally cannot remove it yourself.
You’ll need a licensed asbestos removalist.
Check WorkSafe’s rules on removal here
Why You Should Be Cautious
Asbestos isn’t dangerous when it’s sitting there undisturbed. But once it’s broken or sanded—even accidentally—it can release microscopic fibres into the air. Breathe them in, and they can get lodged in your lungs for life, causing:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma (a type of aggressive cancer)
Symptoms usually take 20–30 years to show up, so you won’t even know until it’s too late.
Where Asbestos Hides in NZ Homes
- Corrugated roofing and exterior wall cladding
- Vinyl floor tiles and old lino
- Textured ceilings (like popcorn or stipple)
- Hot water pipe lagging
- Eaves, soffits, and gable ends
- Garage linings or fences made with cement board
If your home was built before 1985—or even after, if it’s had older materials reused—get it tested before any reno or demo work.
WorkSafe guide: Identifying Asbestos
The RB THOMAS LTD Take
We get it—DIY can be satisfying and cost-saving. But with asbestos, it’s not worth the gamble. If there’s any uncertainty at all, talk to a licensed professional and get a survey done.
We’re happy to point you in the right direction, help with planning, or connect you with certified removers. And if we’re handling your project, you can trust we’ll deal with it properly—by the book and with your health in mind.
Quick Rules Recap:
More info:
