Understanding Asbestos Removal Costs: What You’re Really Paying For
- asbestoseliminator
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Understanding asbestos removal costs—if you’ve been told you need asbestos removed, we get it—the price can come as a surprise. As a family-run business, we want to break down why asbestos removal costs what it does so you can see exactly what goes into keeping you and your loved ones safe.
What Makes Asbestos Removal Expensive?
Removing asbestos isn’t just about pulling it out. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to do it safely and properly:
Safety First
Your safety—and that of our team—is our top priority. If the asbestos is friable (meaning it can easily crumble into dangerous dust), we must set up a full enclosure around the work area and use negative air pressure machines. This creates a sealed space so no harmful fibres can escape. Even with non-friable asbestos, strict safety measures are necessary; however, friable asbestos requires additional equipment, time, and care.
Clearance Inspections
After we finish removing asbestos, a licensed asbestos assessor comes out to do a clearance inspection. They’ll visually check the area, may do air monitoring, and sometimes take surface swabs to make sure everything is safe for you to be back in your home or workplace.
More info: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/licensing/overview/
Protective Gear
Our team wears special suits, masks, and gloves—all designed to protect us and keep your space safe. This gear is expensive, and most of it needs to be replaced after each job.
Safe Disposal
Asbestos can’t just go in your regular rubbish bin. It must be packed and transported carefully to a special landfill that handles hazardous waste. This safe disposal adds to the overall cost. You can read about safe disposal guidelines on the EPA New Zealand site.
Training and Licensing
We’re fully licensed and regularly update our training. This ensures we do the job safely and legally. If you want to understand the health risks better, check out the Ministry of Health’s asbestos info.
All these steps add up—but they’re essential to protect you, your family, and our team.
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Do It Yourself
We understand the temptation to save money by doing asbestos removal yourself or hiring uncertified help, but it’s not worth the risk.
Health Risks
Asbestos fibres are dangerous and can cause serious illnesses if inhaled.
Legal Trouble
WorkSafe has strict rules around asbestos removal. Ignoring these can lead to fines or legal action.
Costly Mistakes
Improper removal can cause contamination, leading to costly cleanups and delays in your project.
How You Can Help Keep Costs Down
While safety is the priority, there are ways you can help reduce costs:
Clear Out the Space
Removing furniture and personal items before we arrive means less work for us, which can save you money.
Book Smart
If you can, try to schedule during quieter times of the year. Sometimes this can lower prices.
Bundle Jobs
If you have asbestos in several places, getting it removed in one go often works out cheaper.
We’re Here For You Every Step of the Way
We know dealing with asbestos can be stressful. As a family-run team, we treat every job like it’s our own home. We’ll be honest and upfront, happy to answer any questions you have—no pushy sales talk, just genuine advice.
If you’re in Rotorua, Taupo, Tokoroa, or nearby, give us a shout for a free assessment.
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