We are often asked how important it is to have an asbestos survey done when purchasing a home. We thought we would dedicate a blog to this topic.
Whilst there are clear benefits to a property being surveyed for asbestos, it is not required. Many people buy their homes without one.
However, there are many good reasons to conduct an asbestos survey of your new home. It could save you a lot of headaches and even make you more money in the long run.
This article will discuss all the reasons why an asbestos survey is necessary when purchasing a property.
How many United Kingdom homes contain asbestos?
It is not known how many homes in the UK have asbestos. It is possible that any property constructed before November 1999, when the substance was banned in the United Kingdom could still have asbestos. This is especially true for properties built before 1985 when asbestos was extensively used in house-building.
Asbestos was a popular material in house construction throughout the 20th century. You’ll find it in many older properties, particularly those that have been renovated or modified since their completion. Even properties that were built before asbestos was fashionable may still have it.
Asbestos is a deadly material. When asbestos is damaged or disturbed, microscopic fibres are released into the atmosphere. These fibres can cause serious damage to the lungs if they are inhaled. This could lead to life-threatening, life-altering diseases like mesothelioma or other forms of lung cancer.
It is important to recognize the severity of your asbestos situation and take the appropriate actions, such as having a removal plan or asbestos management plan, depending on whether demolition or refurbishment work will be done.
Reasons and situations when an asbestos survey is needed prior to a house purchase
We will discuss below why and when an asbestos survey is important or strongly recommended when buying a home.
#1 It can save your life
The most obvious reason to have an asbestos survey done is that it could save your life. Asbestos is highly dangerous. It is still found in many homes across the UK despite its ban in 1999. It can be life-saving to be aware of its existence and avoid exposure to its fibres if they have been damaged or disturbed. This could help you protect your health.
#2 Interested in renovating?
It’s a good idea for anyone who is planning to make any changes to their home, such as removing an Artex ceiling or updating heating systems.
It is possible to incur additional costs for surveys and asbestos removal if you are renovating or causing damage to any Asbestos Contained Materials (ACMs). This is why it’s important to know everything before you make a purchase.
#3 You’re purchasing a buy to let property
You are legally required to protect tenants from asbestos exposure if you buy a property you plan to rent out to tenants. In these situations, it is crucial to conduct an asbestos survey in order to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
#4 Property has an Artex ceiling
It is a good idea to have an asbestos survey done on any property that has an Artex ceiling before you sell it. Artex ceilings are textured and very popular in the 1970s and 1980s. They are often made with white asbestos which is used to reinforce the ceiling.
#5 If the property has an old-fashioned central heating system
There’s a possibility that asbestos was used to insulate pipes or boilers in an older central heating system. It is a good idea to get an asbestos survey done before you start any work. This will affect the cost of your work and you may be able to renegotiate the price in order to cover the additional expense.
#6 If you’re planning work in the loft
Loft insulation was a common feature in older homes, particularly those built between 1960 and 1970. It was often used to insulate lofts. Insulation is one of the most important properties of asbestos and was a major reason why it was so popular.
A survey of asbestos is required before you can legally purchase a loft conversion in a property. This is especially true if it was built prior to 1999.
#7 It may affect the value
The value of a property that contains asbestos can be affected if it is not encapsulated or is at risk of being damaged. Encapsulation refers to the process of adding a protective coating to the ACMs. This will protect the ACMs from any damage and contain the fibres. An encapsulating material can be a sheet or rigid board, or a spray- or painted coating. A wrap from fabric could also be used. It is important to get a survey done. If you find any ACMs, you can negotiate a fair cost that takes into consideration the cost of asbestos removal and encapsulation.
Pagen Consultancy Ltd works within the Asbestos industry. We have offices in Barnsley and offer a nationwide service. We also offer the following services:
Contact Pagen Consultancy Ltd on 0800 188 4862 for more info.
Want to learn more about Asbestos? Why not check out our Asbestos Awareness course accredited by IATP
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