Asbestos risk

F1001

Thanks!
One more Q - Would you expect that an asbestos survey was done when the garage was converted and rear and side extension done? The room with the possible asbestos is above the garage.

kirtsypoos

Hello!

I wouldn't be able to say for sure - the regulations regarding asbestos surveys has become much more stringent in the past 9 years, so I would say it is not a definite that an asbestos survey was done at the time.

If I was you, I would instruct an asbestos surveying company to get definitive answers - because of the fact it's an extension and your wording was in walls and roof, rather than walls and ceiling I would say it's likely to have been a material other than artex (eg cement or insulating board) and you won't be able to get an accurate quote for removal without knowing the material type.

F1001

Ok thanks so much!!

kirtsypoos

You're very welcome, hope you get on ok!

DaftyDuck

I agree with kirstypoos - in this case.

We see a fair number of threads on this forum worrying about asbestos in a 1970's home, as a survey has said "the artex ceiling may contain asbestos", or "Without further examination, I could not determine the absence of asbestos".... which a new buyer reads, looks up on the interweb, and decides they are bound to die - slowly and painfully. What it really means is the surveyor hadn't a clue, and doesn't want any comeback or a later insurance claim, because there is a 99.9996% safe lino floor which may, on lab testing, show trace amounts of asbestos (and will, no doubt, be replaced with modern floor tiles that may contain, or be glued with, something like cyanoacrylic glue!).

Your case is made slightly different by the inclusion in planning detail

I have just been sent the building regulations plan from the council and it shows the use of asbestos in the walls and the roof

, and by the date (1955), which might just (unlikely) mean you have some nastier types and uses. So, in your case, I would check.


{As a note; I'm due to exchange on a pile that has an estimated 16 tonnes of asbestos ... mainly cement sheeting, and I'm not sweating... but I did get a quote for worst-case-scenario removal}

F1001

Thanks! Yes I think it was the building plans that scared me. Will look into it and hopefully the current owners removed it - I hope!!

jicms

Our homebuyer report suggests there could be asbestos in the artex ceiling. Is it possible/acceptable to plaster over the top? The place does need rewiring. If it is a flat will this mean searches will reveal what has been used in the original building construction in the 1960s?

DaftyDuck

Plastering over artex is quite acceptable. Been there, done that. Searches will not reveal if there's any asbestos in it. The rewire might - fuses and consumer units are often sources. Easily sorted, and not a huge risk. Wouldn't overly worry.

jicms

That's good news. As long as the electrician doesn't require us to commission a full asbestos inspection report before we can rewire.