Asbestos and wet rooms: the renovation risks of older flats

Asbestos: who it affects

Asbestos in construction was banned in Finland in 1994 (Työsuojeluhallinto). In older buildings it can be in floor adhesives, tiles, pipe insulation and fillers.

A survey is required before renovation, and removal needs a licensed contractor. The added cost is typically about €30–80/m². Asbestos legislation tightened on 21 Dec 2025: removal work requires a training certificate and stricter protective measures.

Wet rooms: age of the waterproofing

Modern waterproofing (building code C2, since 1999) lasts about 25–30 years. NOTE: bathrooms built before 1999 often lack code-compliant waterproofing entirely — then you need a wet-room condition survey (kuntotutkimus), not just the renovation year.

Ask when the bathroom was last renovated and whether the waterproofing was done by a certified installer.

How to assess before buying

The construction year flags asbestos risk immediately, and the bathroom-renovation year tells you the wet-room status. The Lumi passport shows these risk flags by address.

Frequently asked questions

Is asbestos dangerous in a flat?

Intact and undisturbed it's usually not; the risk arises during renovation when material is broken. That's why a survey is mandatory.

How much does an asbestos survey cost?

The survey itself is a few hundred euros; safe removal adds an estimated €30–80/m² to the renovation.

How long does waterproofing last?

Bathroom waterproofing lasts about 20–25 years; after that, budget for renewal.