Filming on My Reno Rules briefly paused after asbestos was allegedly discovered inside the Bulleen homes.
Filming on My Reno Rules has briefly shut down after asbestos was uncovered inside the two Bulleen houses bought by Adrian Portelli for Channel 7’s ambitious 2026 renovation gamble.
Sources close to the production confirmed to NewsCorp Australia work stopped for several days when crews identified “suspect material” inside the 1960-70s homes in Pinnacle Cres, the same properties Portelli purchased earlier this year for about $2.7m and donated to the series.
An industry insider rubbished claims, labelling the reports as “ridiculous”.
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“Any home built before 1990, can have asbestos in the eaves the switchboards the bathroom or the laundry,” the insider said.
“In Victoria the process is clear, you stop work get a licensed assessor to test it then a qualified removalist fences it off strips it safely and gets a clearance certificate before anyone returns, that’s exactly what happened.
“This wasn’t a scandal it was a routine precaution to keep crews and contestants safe.”
The industry insider said under Victorian law, all work immediately ceased while a licensed asbestos assessor was brought in to take samples and complete formal testing.
Under Victorian law a removalist will sealed the affected zones, carried out removal under strict containment, disposed of material at an EPA-approved facility and then obtain an independent clearance certificate before contestants and trades were allowed back on site.
Licensed specialists were apparently brought in to assess and remove the asbestos before work could resume on the renovation series.
The interruption comes as Australia marks National Asbestos Awareness Week, with Housing Industry Association managing director Jocelyn Martin warning thousands of homeowners are unknowingly exposed each year when renovating older properties.
“Asbestos Awareness Week is an important reminder heading into the end of year when people may be taking on DIY work,” Ms Martin said.
“If you’re working on homes built before 1990 you need to assume asbestos could be present in cladding eave sheets switchboards internal linings pipework roofing or floor underlays.”
Ms Martin said renovators should always use a licensed assessor and ensure any removal is done professionally.
“Legislation and industry awareness have come a long way but people must remain vigilant. Complacency risks the next generation of workers and homeowners.”
The Bulleen homes, at 54 and 56 Pinnacle Cres, have remained central to Seven’s push to create a more relatable alternative to The Block.
Adrian Portelli purchased the two Bulleen homes for about $2.7m and is the principal sponsor of My Reno Rules. Picture: Angelica Snowden
Earlier this year NewsCorp Australia revealed the properties were not “television-ready” in time for the original September filming start, with delays forcing production company Endemol Shine to readvertise for producers as crews moved across to MasterChef Australia’s 2026 season.
The show has already abandoned the traditional auction format, with Portelli instead backing two multimillion-dollar home giveaways, a move experts say could be life-changing for winners but risky for transparency.
Safety checks were carried out on both Pinnacle Crescent houses featured in the new Channel 7 show.
Belle Property and Hockingstuart state director Anthony Webb previously praised Bulleen as the perfect battleground.
“Pinnacle Cres, is full of 1960s and ’70s homes ripe for clever renovations the type of housing many Australians actually live in,” Mr Webb said.
Prominent Melbourne buyers advocate Cate Bakos said focusing on metropolitan Bulleen rather than prestige regional markets like The Block gave Seven a safer property play.
“I’d rather see a show based in a suburb with real local fundamentals than in a holiday market that swings wildly,” she said.
My Reno Rules is set to air in 2026 across Seven and 7plus with Dr Chris Brown hosting and Neale Whitaker Simon Cohen and Julia Green leading the judging panel.
Channel 7, Endemol Shine, and Adrian Portelli were contacted for comment.
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