Domestic Services
Non-Destructive Asbestos Survey
Why do I need an Asbestos Survey?
In recent years we have seen a large increase in the amount of domestic calls we receive from people who have been told that there is potentially asbestos within their property. This became much more apparent with the introduction of Home Improvement Packs across the U.K, although now disbanded the asbestos section of the pack is still in use for most of today’s surveys.
If your independent building survey highlights the potential presence of asbestos within the house, there are many benefits in opting for a full asbestos survey to be carried out. If requested, we will also provide you with a free quotation for the removal of the asbestos containing material. Home buyers should bare in mind that the removal of asbestos products can run into thousands of pounds, therefore a full asbestos survey is recommended to prevent a costly mistake for both your finances and your health.
What can I expect from a Home Buyers Asbestos Report?
Our Home Buyers reports will often involve minor intrusive work and some disturbance. The extent of intrusion will vary between premises and depend on what is reasonably practicable for individual properties, ie it will depend on factors such as the layout of the house, the nature of construction and its accessibility.
As standard all of our reports include:
- Recommendations on how to deal with any asbestos found
- Risk assessments of all materials
- Testing of samples to UKAS standards
- Photographs of suspected, confirmed asbestos
- Photographs of negative materials
- Floor plans showing asbestos locations
- Electronic copy of the report emailed directly to the client
- Quotations for any remedial works needed to make the house safe
Where can Asbestos be found?
Any home that was built before the year 2000 may contain asbestos materials.
Asbestos is known to be in over 4000 different building products, many of which are common everyday items that you wouldn’t suspect.
Asbestos has been used in building products since the 1920s with its peak use being between 1950 and 1975. It is extremely likely that any home built within this time frame will contain multiple asbestos items. It is important to remember that asbestos materials in good condition, do not pose a danger to your health. Therefore it is vital to find these materials in your home and ensure that they are not disturbed during normal occupancy or refurbishment works.
Although there are far too many asbestos products to list, we have compiled a short video of the most popular types of asbestos containing materials which our surveyors come across. Please remember that asbestos materials should only be handled by an appropriately trained, inured and competent person.
If you are looking to get a Home Buyers survey and wondering if Asbestos is covered, please read our blog here to learn more. If you would like to book an inspection, then please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 458 4136.