If buying a property built before 2000, you may like to consider an asbestos survey, giving you peace of mind about whether there is asbestos present or not. Of course, you can have an asbestos survey at any time after you move in, but it can be helpful to know what you’re dealing with and plan any building work taking place after the purchase.
Here’s everything you need to know about pre-purchase asbestos surveys.
What is an asbestos pre-purchase survey?
A pre-purchase asbestos survey is carried out by a professional experienced in this type of assessment.
The asbestos surveyor will produce a report identifying the presence and quantity of asbestos materials within the property, including any outbuildings, such as garages and sheds. They’ll also determine the present risk based on the condition of the materials they’ve identified.
You can then judge what you need to do to manage the materials if you go ahead with the house purchase and factor this into potential costs.
Do you need an asbestos survey when buying a house?
Asbestos surveys when buying a home aren’t a legal requirement, but they have many benefits. If you know the presence, location and extent of asbestos in your new home before you move in or commit to a sale, it gives you time to plan its management, especially if planning renovations.
A pre-purchase survey can also help keep you and your family safe, stopping someone from unwittingly disturbing the materials in the future. You’ll be able to put measures in place to manage the risks as much as possible. If the report recommends safe asbestos removal, the owner may even agree to complete this as part of the sale agreement.
What does a pre-purchase asbestos survey involve?
Before the sale of a residential property, you can request an asbestos survey to take place, but this will require the current owner’s permission.
The survey shouldn’t be intrusive, as it aims to locate (where reasonably practical) the presence and extent of any asbestos-containing materials at surface level, including any that could be disturbed during the normal occupancy of the premises. Some sampling and testing may be required to confirm the findings.
If asbestos is identified, you’ll need to plan its management and what this means for you in the future. For example, if you’re planning intrusive refurbishments soon after moving in, you’ll need to inform your building contractors and organise a more in-depth demolition survey post-purchase.
Do you need an asbestos survey? Speak to our team
At Goodbye Asbestos, we provide professional asbestos surveys, sampling and testing, including those performed as part of a property purchase. We offer our expert services across London, Surrey and surrounding counties, coming out to Cranleigh, Crawley and beyond.
To get a free quote, please get in touch.
