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For prospective buyers, the risk of asbestos is a key consideration, so what should you look out for and how worried should you be?
EMS explain common areas where there might be asbestos in a property, what you should do if you find it, what the risks are, what a building survey covers, what an asbestos surveyor does and what an asbestos survey is and how to have your property safely checked for asbestos.
If you are buying a property and would like to have a survey for for asbestos, call our team now on 0800 358 1100.
Asbestos was once extremely common in construction materials and can be found throughout homes built during the 20th century.
If you find asbestos in a property we have some professional recommendations on what to do next based on whether you already own the property or are simply considering purchasing it.
If you already own the property:
If you are considering buying:
Because of the now widely known health risks associated with it, buying a house with asbestos can be a daunting prospect. Here are some quick answers to the most common questions to help assist you through the process.
Firstly, as a rule, if the home you are looking to buy was built at any time during the 20th century, then it may contain asbestos. If it was constructed after 1999 it is unlikely to contain asbestos. However, the only way to know for certain is to ask the seller for any existing asbestos reports or to conduct your own asbestos survey.
Asbestos in property often poses relatively few risks, unless it is disturbed in any way, such as drilling into it, then it can release hazardous fibres. The level of risk is generally determined by what condition the Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) are in, as well as whether you intend to make any modifications to the property. Again, the safest and most accurate way to determine the risk level at the property you intend to purchase is with an asbestos survey. You can request an asbestos management survey, asbestos refurbishment survey or asbestos demolition survey depending on your intentions with the property.
A general building survey will not specifically look for asbestos. The surveyor may indicate areas where asbestos is likely, but they are not qualified to say for certain and cannot conduct the laboratory analysis to provide any proof.
These surveys are helpful for assessing the general condition of the structure, however, and can be a helpful tool when it comes to price negotiation.
An asbestos surveyor will focus solely on asbestos in the property. They will conduct a visual inspection to identify any possible ACMs before taking samples for laboratory analysis. Your surveyor will then issue you with a detailed report, listing the location and type of any ACMs as well as any recommended remediation based on the level of risk. Negotiating house prices with asbestos reports can also be a helpful strategy.
The most accurate and safest way to check your property, or one you are hoping to buy, for asbestos is to arrange an asbestos survey. This way, you get the insight and recommendations of a trained, experienced specialist using scientific analysis.
At EMS, we have been conducting asbestos surveys in Hereford, Worcester, Cardiff and throughout the UK for more than two decades. We can help you assess a property for asbestos and offer a range of asbestos management services including surveys, removal or management.
Book your asbestos survey today by calling 0800 358 1100, emailing info@emsgroupuk.com or filling in our contact form.
It arguably depends on the condition of the asbestos and whether you intend to make any renovations. If the asbestos is in good condition and you don’t plan on making alterations, then the asbestos is unlikely to present a hazard in most situations. However, if the asbestos is exposed or has begun to degrade or you plan on renovating the property, then you may have to spend money to seal or remove the asbestos. On the other hand, you may be able to use the presence of asbestos to influence price negotiations as part of the sale.
Yes, but it can be more difficult. Some lenders may have additional reservations or requirements. Some may request that you conduct a survey prior to purchase or even order remedial works before approving your mortgage. Others might also take into consideration the condition of the property.
Typically, no, certainly not the full cost at least. Your insurer may cover the cost of repairs or removal in the case that damage to your home causes asbestos to be exposed, but this will vary depending on your policy.
Yes. Failing to disclose asbestos in a property when selling is a breach of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The only exception is if you are not aware of the asbestos, otherwise, knowingly selling a property containing asbestos without disclosing it is illegal.
Asbestos use was banned in the UK in 1999, so any properties built after that date should not contain asbestos of any kind.
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