Why might an asbestos survey be needed for domestic properties built before 2000? Because, prior to that year, when the ‘final’ ban on asbestos was introduced in the UK, there was a strong possibility it could be present in any domestic property, due to the popularity of asbestos-containing materials in construction.
As a result, this means that if you are planning to buy, sell or live in a home which is more than 24 years old, it may be beneficial to have a domestic asbestos survey undertaken to fully inspect the risk of asbestos in the property.
When To Get An Asbestos House Survey
If you purchase an older domestic property which hasn’t had an asbestos survey undertaken prior to completion, any asbestos-containing materials which are found after the purchase are now your responsibility to manage accordingly.
This includes the costs associated with a domestic asbestos survey itself, which will identify the location and types of asbestos present, any asbestos removal or asbestos remediation work required and subsequent re-inspections after that.
As asbestos consultants, we can confidently say that the importance of up-to-date asbestos surveys cannot be underestimated when dealing with properties built before 2000.
The Benefits Of A Domestic Asbestos Survey
There are many preventative benefits of having a domestic asbestos survey undertaken, such as:
-
- Complete clarity and peace of mind for you and any future property buyers, likely to aid a speedier sale, saving you time, convenience and money.
-
- If you’re not buying or selling, but are intending to extend or renovate your existing home, you’ll need an asbestos survey before any demolition work is undertaken. This will determine the presence of any asbestos-containing materials, plus the proper requirements for removal and disposal.
Where Would I Find Asbestos In My Home?
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there are several places where asbestos-containing materials may be present in an older property, including:
-
- Artex decorative ceilings
- Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
- Pipework and boiler insulation
- Various types of cement, such as garage roofs and flue pipes for boilers.
- Roofing materials and rainwater goods.
- Asbestos floor tiles
If you suspect the presence of asbestos, under no circumstances should you attempt to remove or dispose of it if you are not trained and competed with the correct equipment, such as RPE. When disturbed, asbestos fibres can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity, posing a serious risk to health. For example, the HSE notes that in excess of 5,000 people a year still die from asbestos-related diseases in the UK.
How Can I Arrange A Residential Asbestos Survey?
A residential asbestos survey is the most straightforward way to achieve peace-of-mind for everyone involved, whether you’re planning on buying, selling or refurbishing. Satisfy any health and safety concerns, or legal obligations by talking to an asbestos survey professional.
To speak to a specialist about domestic asbestos surveys, please contact us today!
