How To Identify – If you own a house, it is important to note that asbestos cannot be identified by looking at the material. To identify asbestos containing materials (ACM), samples have to be taken to a laboratory.  As such, having your house tested first before even considering to renovate or demolish it is the wisest step you could take. Nevertheless, if you do not wish to do this due to cost issues, then you should assume that your home has been built using asbestos.