1997 House Found to Contain Asbestos: Why Pre-2000 Buildings Need a Survey

November 1, 2026

Introduction

A house built in 1997 might sound too new to contain asbestos. But during a recent refurbishment project, asbestos was identified in fibre cement products in a house of that age.

The client had been reluctant to arrange testing because they believed asbestos had been banned in New Zealand in 1990. That belief is understandable, but it can create a serious blind spot: the date asbestos was restricted or banned does not tell you whether an older building contains asbestos.

Why could a 1997 house contain asbestos?

Asbestos was used in a wide range of building products for many years. New Zealand restrictions were introduced in stages. Blue and brown asbestos imports were banned in 1984, but that was not a ban on every asbestos-containing product. The import of white asbestos was banned in 1999, and the import of all asbestos-containing products was banned in 2016, unless authorised by a permit.

That history matters when assessing older buildings. WorkSafe says buildings built before 1 January 2000 are likely to contain asbestos materials. A building’s age alone cannot confirm that it is asbestos-free.

In this recent case, the house was built in 1997. Inspection and sampling confirmed asbestos in fibre cement products. If the refurbishment had gone ahead without that information, the work could have disturbed asbestos-containing material.

Check before refurbishment or demolition begins

A refurbishment or demolition survey is intended to locate asbestos materials that could be disturbed by the planned work. It is more intrusive than a survey for a building in normal use, because the surveyor may need access to areas behind finishes or within parts of the structure.

New Zealand’s asbestos regulations apply to refurbishment or demolition of structures constructed before 1 January 2000, as well as structures where asbestos has been identified or is likely to be present. For work at a workplace, the PCBU planning the work must ensure the structure is inspected by a competent person before the refurbishment or demolition proceeds.

This is why it is important to arrange the right survey before contractors start removing linings, lifting floors, cutting into walls or dismantling building materials. Finding asbestos early gives the owner and project team time to understand what is present and plan the work accordingly.

What about commercial buildings that are not being renovated?

Asbestos management is not only a demolition issue. In a workplace, a PCBU must identify asbestos materials and manage the risks. Where a structure has, or is likely to have, asbestos material, an asbestos management plan must be in place.

An asbestos management survey can help identify and record asbestos materials that are accessible during normal occupation and maintenance. The management plan then records where identified or presumed asbestos is located and how the risks will be managed. It can give owners, property managers, workers and contractors useful information before maintenance or other work begins.

A management plan is not the same as a refurbishment or demolition survey. A management survey supports the ongoing use of a building; a refurbishment or demolition survey looks for asbestos that could be disturbed by specific planned work.

Don’t rely on the build year or guesswork

A building constructed after 1990 can still contain asbestos. So can parts added or refurbished later, even when the original building is newer. If the building was constructed before 1 January 2000, its age should prompt proper consideration of asbestos before work starts.

If you are planning a renovation, refurbishment or demolition, arrange an appropriate asbestos survey before work begins. If you manage a commercial workplace, make sure asbestos has been identified and the risks are recorded and managed.

Need an asbestos survey or management plan?

Asbestos Safe Consultancy provides asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys, asbestos management surveys and management plans across Hawke’s Bay and surrounding regions.

To discuss a building or upcoming project, visit https://www.asbestossafeconsultancy.co.nz.

Further information

Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 — Regulation 19
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2016/15/en/latest/sections/DLM6729810/

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