Get Instant Quote

Asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous material widely used in construction before its ban in 1999 in the UK. Renowned for its heat resistance, insulation properties, and durability, asbestos can still be found in older homes, particularly in roofing, insulation, flooring, and pipe lagging.

When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres that can be inhaled, posing severe health risks such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

How to Identify Asbestos

Detecting asbestos early is crucial to ensuring safety. Common indicators include:

Older Building Materials: Homes built before 2000 are most likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Key Locations: Check insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing sheets, and pipe lagging.

Professional Testing: Asbestos cannot be identified visually; samples must be tested by a licensed professional.

Why is Asbestos Bad?

Asbestos poses significant risks to both health and property value, such as:

Health Hazards

When inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause serious and often fatal diseases.

Renovation Delays

Asbestos must be safely removed before building work can continue, delaying projects.

Costly Removal

Proper asbestos removal is expensive and must be carried out by licensed contractors.

Property Value

The presence of asbestos may deter potential buyers or reduce a property's market value.

Cost of Removing Asbestos

The cost of asbestos removal varies depending on its location and the extent of contamination. Typical costs include:

£200–£800

Inspection and Testing

for surveys to confirm the presence of asbestos.

£500–£3,000

Removal and Disposal

for small-scale removal projects; larger or complex removals may cost upwards of £10,000.

£1,000–£2,000

Encapsulation

for sealing off asbestos materials instead of full removal.

Risks of Buying a House with Asbestos

Purchasing a property with hidden asbestos can lead to significant challenges, including:

Health Risks

Unknowingly disturbing asbestos materials puts you and your family at serious health risk.

High Removal Costs

Removing asbestos during renovations can quickly add unexpected expenses.

Renovation Delays

Renovation plans may halt until the asbestos is dealt with.

Property Value Issues

The presence of asbestos may deter future buyers, complicating resale.

Benefits of Having a Home Survey

We understand that buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll make. That’s why our expert home surveys give you the confidence to move forward by uncovering hidden issues, ensuring you’re not overpaying, and helping you secure your mortgage with ease.

Early Detection

Identifies the presence of any potential issues before purchase.

Peace of Mind

Provides clarity on what you’re buying and potential risks

Cost Savings

Enables negotiation with the seller or inclusion of a treatment plan

Financial Protection

Prevents future expenses linked to legal disputes or repair costs.