Asbestos Survey & Removal Costs?

Fuzzyness

dont panic. there are various types of asbestos some of hwich are less inert than others and are easier to dispose of. before having a survey done, ask a company round to quote and to get an informal view before paying them to do a full survey that may not be necessary. we had asbestos roof tiles which our builder disposed off at the local dump. i think he needed special bags to put them in but nothing else. the asbestos company may also quote for removing it for you as well so its in there interests to come round and look.

propertyman

Fuzzyness wrote: »

dont panic. there are various types of asbestos some of hwich are less inert than others and are easier to dispose of. before having a survey done, ask a company round to quote and to get an informal view before paying them to do a full survey that may not be necessary. we had asbestos roof tiles which our builder disposed off at the local dump. i think he needed special bags to put them in but nothing else. the asbestos company may also quote for removing it for you as well so its in there interests to come round and look.

It's not quite that simple....

sonastin

It depends on what work the builder is being asked to do. If he is carrying out demolition or any sort of work which could generate dust and make the asbestos fibres airborne, he needs to know about it and special precautions need to be taken. Removing asbestos tiles or sheets which are intact and will remain so throughout the removal without breaking or releasing fibres is a much less risky job. Any sensible builder will still take precautions though to protect against the consequences of accidental breakage.

HarrysTaxBill

sonastin wrote: »

It depends on what work the builder is being asked to do. If he is carrying out demolition or any sort of work which could generate dust and make the asbestos fibres airborne, he needs to know about it and special precautions need to be taken. Removing asbestos tiles or sheets which are intact and will remain so throughout the removal without breaking or releasing fibres is a much less risky job. Any sensible builder will still take precautions though to protect against the consequences of accidental breakage.

Any "sensible" builder will not be removing the asbestos in the first place unless they enjoy breaking the law. If its AIB (and if its a fireplace thats probably what it is, looks similar to plasterboard) then specialist licensed contractors must be used who will set up an enclosure, decon unit, etc etc. and cost you a lot of money!

Of course, the law only applies to those at work. There is nothing to stop a homeowner removing asbestos themselves and disposing of it at a fraction of the cost. (but read up on safe methods first)

propertyman

Or members could read the link to the HSE advice posted earlier.....

moremore

propertyman wrote: »

If the house is only 10 years old it is highly unlikely that it is asbestos.

It's use was stopped in 1974 and sprayed asbestos 1980 something.

If appropriate contact the manufacture of the fireplace to see if they used or recommended a backing.

If you mean over 100 years ago then it would not have been used then either, but a subsequent installation might have.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/where-is-it-found.htm

There are DIY kits here http://www.test4asbestos.com/?gclid=CNXpo83Li64CFcEntAodVSIE4g

or check local listings and make a few calls for quotes.

Contact your local council for advice.

My aunt has asbestos in her council flat it is behind cuboard door and shelfs in the same cupboard. Councils know about but refused to do anything about it.

She a questionaire from council asking what areas of her flat has absbestos as when she leaves the flat they can take it out for new tenants. The council does not care about their existing tenants all they are intested in is getting rid of asbestos for new tenants. :eek::eek::eek:

knightstyle

Don't forget that lots and lots of public and private buildings have asbestos somewhere in the structure. The only problem is when fibers get into the air, so if the asbestos is unlikely to be damaged it can be left in place. Often just painting it with a pva based glue and some warning labels is OK, much cheaper than full removal. People tend to panic about asbestos and if selling it is probably worth having a survey and removing it but otherwise, as long as you know about it and do not damage it there is no risk.

moremore

It was not painted over my aunt only realised what it was when drilling a hole in the cupboard door and the fibers were flying all around over the her kitchen. Also in anothe cupboard the asbestos is soft and bits broke off when she put things on it.

Council could not care less.:eek: