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Key Points
- DIY renovations are popular in Australia, but it’s important to understand the risks, rules and safety requirements before starting.
- Asbestos, lead-based paint and dust are common hazards in older homes, and disturbing them can pose serious health risks.
- Many types of work, like electrical and plumbing, must legally be done by licensed professionals, and major changes often require permits.
- Beginners should start small, build their skills gradually, and budget carefully to avoid costly mistakes.
But while DIY projects can be rewarding, they also come with important safety and legal considerations.
Staying safe around asbestos and other hazards
One of the biggest risks? Asbestos. In Australia, one in three homes contains asbestos, a mineral that can cause cancer if disturbed and then inhaled.
If asbestos needs to be removed, you should engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Source: Getty / PixeloneStocker
Asbestos can be found all around the home, including wet areas (bathroom, kitchen and laundry), eaves and wall sheeting. There are around 3,000 different building products that can contain asbestos, and homes built before 1990 are most at risk.
Control the dust at the source as much you can and go get yourself a respirator or disposable mask.
John Batty
“Ensure you’re wearing that during any demolition works and ensure that you’re washing your hands and face appropriately before you go and eat or drink, because you’ve got that risk of inadvertent ingestion,” Batty says.
Safety means wearing the right gear and knowing how to use the tools. Credit: Asbestos Awareness
Renovating legally: Permits and licences
“You don’t want to encounter the risk of something failing,” she says. “With DIY renovations, we’ll see people who haven’t done the waterproofing correctly or they haven’t prepared their subfloor properly. Within a couple of years, you’ve got mould, you’ve got timber rot, and you’re having to replace everything that you’ve done.”
If you’re new to DIY, start small
Geneva Vanderzeil, a DIY expert who began her journey while renovating her Brisbane cottage, says DIY can be a great way to save money… but warns that costs can add up quickly.
It’s easy to imagine that DIY home renovations are going to be really cheap because you’re not paying someone else to do it, but things like materials, tool hire, delivery fees and waste disposal, all those things do add up.
Geneva Vanderzeil
“Buy a table and tile it, and learn how to do it first before you tackle the bathroom floor,” Hannon says.
Saving money is one reason why people try DIY, but the costs can mount. Source: Getty / Maskot
No matter your skill level, there’s a project out there for you. Vanderzeil encourages everyone to give DIY a go:
“You don’t have to be a pro to get started with DIY. Mistakes are really part of the learning process and starting with smaller projects or starting with those painting projects, those simple projects, will really help you hone your skills and make you feel a lot more confident.”
Do you have any questions or topic ideas? Send us an email to australiaexplained@sbs.com.au
