Selling but asbestos in artex. Advice requried ASAP

g_fella

Just thought I'd keep you up with the latest news.

My buyer still hasnt supplied the report on the artex, saying its his report why should he pass it on. (Grrrrr). He's made no attempt to resolve our situation (Grrrrr). But I have.

I got a couple of quotes from local asbestos removal companies that deal with residential properties (believe it or not, they both said that removal of the ceiling boards IS the easiest and potentially quickest solution - although I dont know if its the cheapest...). Anyway, they both came back to me and said that £8k 'finger in the air' quote he was given is ridiculous. The average cost from the 2 companies I got quotes from was about £3300 inc vat for the removal of approx 45 sq metres of ceiling AND reinstatement of the ceiling.

Now, I know the rule is never negotiate with terrorists, but I'm just pretty fed up with my buyer and either want him in on the deal so that we can progress with our chain, or out of the deal so we can get on with finding another buyer (although we would no doubt lose the house we've offered on).

Long story short, I offered to reduce my price by £1500, no negotiation, take it or leave it. That's the maximum hit we can afford, so ball is firmly back in his court to make a decision. Said he had until Monday lunchtime to decide. If he pulls out then fine, we are just back to square one - the search for an sane buyer goes on and we have to find another house. If he goes with it (unlikely given the fact that he has put no effort into trying to find a solution), then maybe we will get to move this side of Christmas. In truth I'm past caring which way this goes, just need to know one way or the other.

Watch this space.

Doozergirl

Bless you. I'd buy your house just for your sense of humour.

"never negotiate with terrorists" with regard to house buying. Just genius! :rotfl:

I think you're probably right. he sounds like a nutter especially as he won't let you see his report. Why do people think these things have special evil powers when given to a vendor? It adds credence to what you're saying and hey, if you pull out at least they know what's wrong - why keep it to yourself?

googler

Roughly, at what build dates was it common for artex to contain asbestos? When would it have been phased out?

burt1980

Asbestos in Artex is minimal ie 1%. Anyone who has been on a half day course can work on it. Basically you use a gel to ensure that no fibres make it into the air.

If the report states asbestos insulated board this is totally differentand you have to be a qualified remover.

Either way the only time you have to do something about the asbestos is when you are working on it. If it's not damaged not an issue. I would say your buyer is using this to knock you're price down

50plusabit

I have had a leak in a pipe which causes water to come through the kitchen ceiling. Insurance sent a surveyor out who said ceiling needs to come down and new one up. He sent a specialist firm in to test for asbestos and they found some, a very small amount. I had just had the kitchen fitted and asked if the builder could do the work, I was told no problem, as long as he is made aware of the asbestos.
He has taken it down, and as they say there is such a small amount, and it only is a problem when disturbed.
Get a firm in to give a quote who are happy to deal with asbestos, a huge difference in costs.
The buyer should know that it is not a problem as long as it is not disturbed. Most houses with artex are in the same way.

sazzy6

Sorry to be the odd one out but I would be concernd if I knew that there was asbestos in the ceilings. I also know that, I would have asked for the reduction in price.

I think your buyer just wants to be sure before jumping into a house that could start to eat money

Doozergirl

sazzy6 wrote: »

Sorry to be the odd one out but I would be concernd if I knew that there was asbestos in the ceilings. I also know that, I would have asked for the reduction in price.

I think your buyer just wants to be sure before jumping into a house that could start to eat money

It won't eat money. I can understand yoiur hesitancy but this stuff is in ceilings across the land. It isn't pure asbestos, it contains some asbestos and left alone it is totally harmless. If you've ever moved around, one could almost guarantee you've lived in a house with artex.

I could believe that the buyer was nervous although 8k sounds mighty excessive even for a regulated firm and here we are - OP with quotes for 3500 and the plain reality that if you simply plaster over it and an even lesser cost, you never have to look at it again and it is not a concern. There are probably more real threats in every home.

Davesnave

sazzy6 wrote: »

Sorry to be the odd one out but I would be concernd if I knew that there was asbestos in the ceilings. I also know that, I would have asked for the reduction in price.

I think your buyer just wants to be sure before jumping into a house that could start to eat money

Do you know your house's Radon exposure risk, sazzy? If not, I'd consider that before worrying about asbestos in Artex.

Charis

Davesnave wrote: »

Do you know your house's Radon exposure risk, sazzy? If not, I'd consider that before worrying about asbestos in Artex.

I hear plasterboard has a low level radioactive content too

g_fella

Charis wrote: »

I hear plasterboard has a low level radioactive content too

Oh god, don't tell my buyer that, he'll have the guys in white suits in with a Geiger Counter

Only 17 hours and 16 mins (max) until I find out whether I still have a buyer or not. It's just SOOO exciting. :whistle: