Buyers usually worry about location, price, and the structure’s integrity when purchasing a property. However, one essential thing that should be more often considered is whether there is asbestos in the building. This hazardous material was commonly used in construction before the 1990s and can pose serious health risks if disturbed.
Asbestos pre-purchase surveys are important and must be carried out to ensure that the building will be safe and protect future residents from possible health problems. This blog discusses what a pre-purchase asbestos survey comprises, its significance, and how it would protect your health and financial investment.
Schedule a pre-purchase asbestos survey to guarantee long-term safety for your newly acquired property. You can call on 07711 096089 or email us at sales@amg.org.uk today.
We are a professional team of safety-conscious asbestos testing surveyors who diligently provide reliable surveys, ensuring our clients can make informed property decisions with complete peace of mind.
What Is A Pre-Purchase Asbestos Survey?
A pre-purchase asbestos survey is a visual assessment performed by a certified aerospace expert to determine the presence of any materials that contain asbestos (ACMs) before buying a property. This is quite important for old buildings erected before 2000 when the UK prohibited using asbestos in their construction.
The survey aims to identify where the asbestos is located, its current state, and how much there is within the dwelling. If there are ACMs, it will provide recommendations on whether they can be managed or removed altogether. In some instances, if they remain undisturbed and free from damage, they may stay where they are but need constant monitoring; otherwise, they can pose a future danger.
Types Of Asbestos Surveys
There are two main types of asbestos surveys.
1. Management Asbestos Survey
Such a survey is non-intrusive and often conducted to control asbestos in buildings still occupied by people. The aim here is to identify, through regular use of the building and little maintenance, those containing asbestos materials (ACMs) that might be affected.
2. Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey
A more extensive survey is needed for significant renovation or demolition works. This means that invasive inspection methods such as removing panels or drilling into walls are used to detect the ACMs hidden within the building.
Generally, managers’ asbestos surveys are usually enough for pre-purchase purposes unless significant renovations have been planned after buying.
Why Is A Pre-Purchase Asbestos Survey Important?
1. Health and Safety
The main reason for conducting a pre-purchase asbestos management survey is to protect the health and safety of homeowners. Asbestos is a silent killer that poses serious health risks. In the future, if not detected, asbestos fibres will be released during renovation or even through normal wear and tear, which may threaten the life of people staying there.
2. Financial Implications
A pre-purchase asbestos survey may also prevent buyers from experiencing unexpected financial burdens in the future. However, if, after purchase, it is discovered in a house, it can be quite expensive to remove and restore it. The price for removing asbestos greatly depends on its volume, condition and how deep it goes into the building.
3. Legal Compliance
There are rigid regulations related to asbestos management in buildings within the UK. After buying a property, if you find out there is the presence of asbestos, it becomes your duty to manage or remove it. Serious consequences can affect those who don’t follow these laws, especially when this material puts the health of residents, workers, or visitors at risk.
4. Informed Renovation Planning
If, after purchase, you want to make some alterations in the house, it is essential to know where these materials are found. When renovating some parts that involve disturbing those parts with asbestos, airborne fatal fibres may be released, thus putting the health of both employees and people living there at risk.
An asbestos pre-purchase survey lets you know any cases where they might happen and plan appropriately for any renovations. In certain situations, before any renovation begins, someone might be required to remove that material before proceeding.
What Happens After The Survey?
As soon as the pre-purchase asbestos survey is finished, the surveyor will prepare a comprehensive report for you. The report must disclose:
- The location of any ACMs found
- The condition and type of asbestos present
- Recommendations for its management or removal
- Any legal obligations regarding the management of asbestos in that given property
If asbestos exists, you can choose whether to proceed with purchasing and how to deal with the issue. In case it calls for asbestos removal, it is essential to hire an authorised contractor who specialises in this area; this ensures that everything will be performed safely.
CONTACT ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT GROUP
Takeaway
As a buyer, carrying out a pre-purchase asbestos survey in London before making any property purchases is essential. It is an important step in the purchasing process, especially the old ones, which protects occupants’ health as well as avoiding financial and legal problems for the buyers.
Homebuyers should always contact licensed professionals offering such services before acquiring real estate property. With appropriate measures put in place, you will be confident that your house meets safety standards and is legal.
Act today to ensure your property’s safety! Schedule a pre-purchase asbestos survey with the Asbestos Management team and avail yourself of a personalised level of service that will ensure your property is safe and protected. Call us on 01689 452 003 or email us at sales@amg.org.uk to book your survey now.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. How often should asbestos be inspected on a property?
If asbestos is present in your property but undisturbed, it should still be inspected regularly—usually every 12-24 months—to ensure it remains in good condition and doesn’t pose a risk. Always consult a licensed asbestos professional for proper guidance.
2. Who is qualified to conduct an asbestos survey?
Only a licensed asbestos surveyor or inspection company can conduct an asbestos survey. These professionals are trained to safely identify and assess asbestos-containing materials and provide guidance on managing or removing them.
