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Concerns from survey and searches
adonis10
Posts: 1,811 Forumite
Survey:
- Asbestos potentially present in soffits, verge boards and roof tiles. Expected due to age of property, however if not disturbed do not see an issue. Also could be present in textured ceilings - this is a concern as we are having building work done. We don't think the ceiling finishes are particularly old so perhaps not an issue but could it be worth having an independent check before exchange?
Searches:
- Potential ground movement. It did not raise a loud alarm bell but did make reference to it, possibly due to the location of large trees. We have a large tree at the end of the back garden (quite some way from the house) which we plan to remove. Could this be an issue? Presumably removing it will eradicate any potential risk? Best to get it removed professionally?
Any thoughts are appreciated.
- Asbestos potentially present in soffits, verge boards and roof tiles. Expected due to age of property, however if not disturbed do not see an issue. Also could be present in textured ceilings - this is a concern as we are having building work done. We don't think the ceiling finishes are particularly old so perhaps not an issue but could it be worth having an independent check before exchange?
Searches:
- Potential ground movement. It did not raise a loud alarm bell but did make reference to it, possibly due to the location of large trees. We have a large tree at the end of the back garden (quite some way from the house) which we plan to remove. Could this be an issue? Presumably removing it will eradicate any potential risk? Best to get it removed professionally?
Any thoughts are appreciated.
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Comments
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Forget about the asbestos being an issue
What's moving, the ground in the garden or the house?!0 -
Forget about the asbestos being an issue
Why? If it is present in the ceiling finish and we are knocking through a wall, surely there is the risk that it will be disturbed?What's moving, the ground in the garden or the house?!
Risk of possible movement the search said, cannot remember the exact wording as the docs are at home.0 -
Why? If it is present in the ceiling finish and we are knocking through a wall, surely there is the risk that it will be disturbed?
The survey doesn't say asbestos is present, it says it could be present. There's always a risk unless you know it's < 20 years old. In the same way that old gloss paint might contain lead. It's a perfectly normal comment and I expect the surveyor puts it in every report whenever they spot some artex. It doesn't mean there's anything special about this house.0 -
Why? If it is present in the ceiling finish and we are knocking through a wall, surely there is the risk that it will be disturbed?
Risk of possible movement the search said, cannot remember the exact wording as the docs are at home.
AIUI any risk is utterly minimal if its damp when worked on. This is a typical CYA type survey quote. Get it tested to understand the extra cost a builder may add perhaps.
Risk of possible movement the search said, cannot remember the exact wording as the docs are at home.
If that's from searches and not inspection of the house, all thats saying is there might have been some ground movement somewhere in the vicinity which would probably apply to about everywhere in the UK apart maybe from Aberdeen. Again more CYA.0 -
The survey doesn't say asbestos is present, it says it could be present. There's always a risk unless you know it's < 20 years old. In the same way that old gloss paint might contain lead. It's a perfectly normal comment and I expect the surveyor puts it in every report whenever they spot some artex. It doesn't mean there's anything special about this house.
Ah yes, I totally get and understand your point. I agree that it is probably a standard comment for properties of a certain age, however there is a chance that it is present. I know it may be paranoid but with building work planned, perhaps it is worth getting checked? Rather not look back in 20 years, with lung cancer, and say "I wish I'd spent the extra £200 on getting it checked for asbestos".
I am veering towards leaving the outside (tiles, soffits, verge boards) and perhaps just having the inside checked; rationale being that we don't plan to disturb any of the roof, but the ceilings we do.0 -
Why? If it is present in the ceiling finish and we are knocking through a wall, surely there is the risk that it will be disturbed?
Not really. Especially not if it is modern and securely fixed. The fibres are bonded together with cement/plaster and not free flying. It isn't the dangerous type and can be removed with care by anyone with access to Google and the HSE website.
It can easily be overboarded as well.
If you are looking for a perfect house, you'll be looking for a very long time.Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
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AnotherJoe wrote: »AIUI any risk is utterly minimal if its damp when worked on. This is a typical CYA type survey quote. Get it tested to understand the extra cost a builder may add perhaps..
Makes sense. Been quote £80+vat for samples to be tested - perhaps it is worth sampling the ceiling as we plan building work and leave the roof as is. If we ever need/want to do work to the roof then we can look into it.AnotherJoe wrote: »If that's from searches and not inspection of the house, all thats saying is there might have been some ground movement somewhere in the vicinity which would probably apply to about everywhere in the UK apart maybe from Aberdeen. Again more CYA.
Agree. Searches can be quite frustrating as they cover such a vast area, as you say. Rather frustrating way to spend a few hundred £ as they don't tell you anything specific to your property.0 -
You might want to check for the presence of asbestos before deciding how careful to be in removing the artex/whatever, but it's hardly a dealbreaker when deciding whether or not to buy a house.0
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Regarding the trees: just chopping them down won't eliminate a risk of movement if that risk is already present. In fact it could make it worse as it will create a sudden imbalance in the ground moisture levels, possibly causing heave.
Consult an expert about the trees. They will advise the best time and speed at which to remove them.
If the trees are far enough away then this is not applicable.0 -
Regarding the trees: just chopping them down won't eliminate a risk of movement if that risk is already present. In fact it could make it worse as it will create a sudden imbalance in the ground moisture levels, possibly causing heave.
Consult an expert about the trees. They will advise the best time and speed at which to remove them.
If the trees are far enough away then this is not applicable.
Thank you.
To be honest, we want to chop the large tree down as it currently blocks out a lot of sunlight. We may not necessarily need to remove the root, rather just cut it down to a stump that is, say 4-5ft, high. I assume this would not cause heave as the root would remain?
Tree surgeon or a different type of surveyor?0
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