A Federal plan to make presentation of an Asbestos appraisal certificate mandatory before an existing home can be sold, leased or renovated will fill many people with dismay. The reason for this measure is unclear - and what requirements will be added is unknown.
Most houses built from 1945 to 1987 have at least some asbestos content. It was a popular external wall cladding and a roofing material. It was commonly used for bathroom floors, and wherever tiling was needed asbestos was the preferred base for this work. Outside the home, asbestos was usually used for sheds, garages - and even boundary fences.
There is no doubt that asbestos is a very dangerous threat to health. If the asbestos fibres are disturbed and enter human lungs they cause life threatening diseases and 40,000 Australians are expected to die from this cause over coming decades.
Most experts agree that it is relatively safe if left undisturbed. Danger arises if a home containing asbestos is being renovated - or demolished. Strict handling and disposal protocols are in place and tip fees for asbestos disposal carry premiums.
This certificate proposal is a new measure that will require owners to consult a licensed assessor and have the house inspected. The report would indicate where asbestos is present and this preparation is expected to cost between $ 150 and $ 200. It would be required whenever a home is offered for sale, becomes rental property - or renovation work is proposed.
It is hard to see what value this proposal will achieve. The dangers of asbestos are widely known - as is the fact that most older homes are riddled with it. This merely adds to the bureaucratic demands that presently exist with property searches - and will be added to reach into tenancy laws. Like all other housing defects, it is a case of " Buyer beware " and do your homework before you commit to signing a purchase or leasehold agreement.
The cynical will wonder what ulterior motives may be lurking in the background. This will certainly create a new certification industry and the bureaucracy loves shuffling paperwork that creates long time delays in getting official approvals - and costs money !
It is difficult to see what benefit this proposal will achieve !
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