A Guide to Asbestos Surveys vs Homebuyer Surveys: What’s Actually Included?
If you’re buying, selling or renovating a property, you may have been advised to get a homebuyer survey – but does that include asbestos checks? In short, no. A RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Level 2 Homebuyer Survey does not include an asbestos survey.
While the chartered surveyor may comment upon the risk or likelihood of a material potentially containing asbestos, their inspections do not involve sampling or laboratory testing. That’s where we can help.
At Pillars Environmental, we’ve been qualified asbestos surveyors for over 35 years, offering Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys, as well as Asbestos Management Surveys, Asbestos Management Plans, Asbestos Removal Management and Asbestos Re-Inspections across the UK. Contact us to get your free, no-obligation quote today.
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OVER 35 YEARS
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ASBESTOS
What’s Included in an Asbestos Survey?
- Pre-Inspection Desktop Studies: Compiling information about the place or items that are being inspected. This can involve procuring building plans, site layouts, old asbestos surveys/registers, and any removal certificates from previous works.
- On-Site Assessment: Attending the building to start inspection, collect bulk samples to be sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory. This will confirm the presence, type, location and condition of asbestos within the samples.
- Compile Information into a Report/Survey: Gathering all of the information we have collected into a report (or survey as it is known in the industry) for the property owner, which should be clear and concise. It should also explain which areas have been inspected and which haven’t (e.g. due to a room/area being inaccessible, occupied, etc.)
As BOHS P402 qualified asbestos surveyors, we specialise in two types of asbestos surveys, which both have one main aim:
- Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys (R&D Surveys): Find the location of any present asbestos and assess the extent of its presence before a refurbishment, demolition or major maintenance project takes place at the property.
- Asbestos Management Surveys (AMS): Locate all ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) within a building that could be disturbed during its normal occupancy, before further action is taken. Visit the HSE website to check which areas require inspection as part of an AMS.
Over 35 years of experience across projects of any size, sector or complexity.
What’s Included in Homebuyer Surveys?
- A visual inspection of all major indoor features, e.g. ceilings, walls, bathrooms
- A visual inspection of permanent outdoor buildings/features, i.e. roofing and gutters
- Damp-proofing, drainage & insulation checks (drains are not tested)
- Window checks, including whether they are double glazed
- An assessment regarding the condition of the building’s timbers (usually this checks for rot or woodworm)
- A test on the walls for any damp present
- An inspection of the loft to check for leaks in the roof
- Background information on the property and location
- A list of any urgent problems that require specialist attention
- Information on major faults that may affect the property’s value (only included in a Homebuyer Survey ‘with valuation’)
- A valuation and an estimate for the cost of rebuilding the property (only included in a Homebuyer Survey ‘with valuation’)
BESPOKE ASBESTOS INSPECTIONS & MANAGEMENT
OFFERING TAILORED, EXPERT ADVICE
What are the Risks of Buying a Home with Asbestos?
However, if you are planning to extend or renovate your home, major works like that could disturb hidden asbestos and release its fibres into the air (e.g. via drilling, sawing or sanding). If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases – not with an immediate effect, but they will normally affect people 20-40 years into the future.
Who’s Responsible for Asbestos in Leasehold Properties?
- Leasehold properties, such as flats or apartments
- Shared ownership homes
- Mixed residential and commercial buildings
However, you are still responsible for the part of the building that you solely occupy. You would also be responsible if you buy the freehold or take over ownership of a shared area. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an asbestos survey carried out before you consider buying the freehold.
SERVICES TAILORED TO YOUR BUILDING
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Qualified Asbestos Surveyors for the UK
Whether your premises are domestic, commercial or industrial, Pillars Environmental has the expertise to put your mind at ease. Any size, any sector, any complexity.
Want to Know If You’re Buying a Home With Asbestos?
If you’re looking to buy, sell or renovate a building, but you’re worried about asbestos, contact us today to receive a free, no-obligation quote.
With offices based across Lancashire, Manchester and Cheshire, we can provide our expert services and support for several areas within Great Britain.
Asbestos Surveys vs Homebuyer Surveys: FAQs
Do I need an asbestos survey if I plan to extend or renovate?
Can I negotiate a lower purchase price if the house contains asbestos?
Then you can take this extra cost into account when you make an offer on the property. Alternatively, if your offer has already been accepted, and you haven’t exchanged contracts yet, you can go back to the seller and renegotiate the purchase price.
If I need asbestos removal, will home insurance cover the cost?
Will asbestos affect my mortgage application?
- Lender Requirements: Different lenders will have different requirements regarding asbestos, some may even refuse to lend on houses with known ACMs present.
- Property Condition: The condition and location of ACMs can influence the lender’s decision.
- Lack of Information: The lender may request an asbestos survey be carried out to understand the extent of the issue.
- Remediation vs Removal: Depending on the extent/condition of the asbestos, the lender may require remediation or removal before approving your mortgage offer.
