Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral used widely in construction and manufacturing throughout the 20th century. It was prized for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, when disturbed, it releases microscopic fibres into the air that — if inhaled — can cause serious and life-threatening conditions including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Its use in building materials was banned in Ireland and the UK in 1999.

Asbestos can be present in many parts of a property built or renovated before 2000. Common locations include:

Roof tiles and corrugated roofing sheets

Garage roofs and outbuilding cladding

Textured ceiling coatings such as Artex

Floor tiles and the adhesive beneath them

Pipe lagging and boiler insulation

Soffit boards, fascias, and guttering

Behind wall tiles in bathrooms and kitchens

If your property was built before 2000 and you are unsure, we recommend a professional survey before carrying out any renovation work.

No. Asbestos removal must be carried out by a licensed professional. Attempting to remove it yourself is illegal for certain asbestos types and extremely dangerous — disturbing it without the right equipment releases harmful fibres into the air. Our team is fully licensed, insured, and trained to remove asbestos safely and dispose of it in line with all regulations.

If your new home was built before 2000, there is a real possibility that asbestos-containing materials are present somewhere in the property.

Here is what to do:

- Do not start any renovation, drilling, or demolition work until you know what you are dealing with

- Check if an asbestos survey was carried out as part of your purchase — ask your solicitor or estate agent

- Look out for common risk areas: textured ceilings, garage roofs, old floor tiles, and pipe lagging

- Book a professional asbestos survey — this is the only reliable way to confirm whether asbestos is present and where

We can carry out a full survey and give you a clear picture of what is in your property before you do anything else.

You are not legally required to remove asbestos before selling a property in Ireland or the UK, but you do have obligations around disclosure. Here is what sellers should be aware of:

You must disclose known asbestos to buyers — concealing it could expose you to legal liability after the sale

If an asbestos survey has been carried out, it should be shared with the buyer's solicitor as part of the conveyancing process

Buyers may request removal as a condition of sale, or negotiate a reduction in the asking price

Removing asbestos before listing can make your property more attractive and avoid delays or price reductions during negotiations

We recommend speaking with your solicitor for advice specific to your situation. If you want the asbestos dealt with before listing, we can move quickly to keep your sale on track.

Not at all — no job is too big or too small. We have multiple teams on the road every day and can handle everything from a single small removal to a full-property clearance.

Every job is different, so the best way to get an accurate price is to fill out our quick online questionnaire — it takes about 2 minutes and gives you an exact quote tailored to your property and the work involved.