Asbestos is a material that was widely used in construction for many years, especially in roofing, insulation, and cement boards. It was once considered very practical: strong, fire-resistant, and cheap.
Today, however, we know it can be dangerous for your health, especially when it is damaged or disturbed.
If you live in an older property, there is still a chance asbestos may be present in building materials.
How to identify asbestos and where to look for it
You usually cannot identify asbestos just by looking at it. However, there are common places where it is often found:
- old corrugated cement roofing sheets
- garage roofs and sheds
- exterior wall panels in older buildings
- pipe insulation (especially in basements or utility rooms)
- ceiling boards or fireproof panels
- old adhesives or construction materials
How to check if your home contains asbestos
If you suspect asbestos, the safest approach is:
- request a professional asbestos inspection
- send a sample to a certified laboratory
- check building documentation (if available)
In the Netherlands, buildings constructed before 1994 have a higher risk of containing asbestos materials.
How asbestos is removed
In most cases, removal must be done by certified professionals.
What you should NOT do
- do not cut, drill, or break suspected asbestos materials
- do not clean old roofs with high-pressure washers
- do not remove asbestos without proper certification
The process usually looks like this:
- A professional inspection is carried out.
- The type and risk level of asbestos is confirmed.
- A removal plan is created.
- The area is sealed and secured.
- Asbestos materials are safely removed.
- Waste is packed and transported to licensed disposal sites.
Who pays for asbestos removal?
Usually:
- the property owner is responsible for the cost
- during renovations, costs may be included in the overall project budget
- some municipalities offer partial subsidies or support schemes
How much does asbestos removal cost?
Costs depend on several factors:
- the amount of asbestos present
- accessibility of the material
- where it is located (roof, interior, insulation, etc.)
- whether demolition work is needed
As a general idea:
- small areas: a few hundred euros
- larger projects (like roofs): can reach several thousand euros
Not sure what to do next?
Talk to our advisors. At Domek, we help you understand your options clearly and take the right next step.
The all-in-one service for internationals
At Domek, we make arranging a loan or mortgage in the Netherlands simple and stress-free. With more than 15 years of experience and a team of 100+ professionals, we help internationals understand their borrowing options, compare lenders, and find the solution that fits their situation.
Our advisors guide you through the entire process — from calculating your borrowing capacity and comparing offers to explaining the conditions and preparing the application. If you decide to buy a home, we handle all the formalities — before the purchase, during the process, and after the property transfer.
When it comes to older homes, we also help you understand important factors like renovation risks and hidden materials such as asbestos, so you know what to expect before making decisions about your property.
Call us at 088 1021 500, email info@domek.nl, or fill in the contact form — we’ll handle the rest.
