Asbestos found in property

teneighty

Littlebobo1981 wrote: »

The house we are looking to buy had a survey done today and they have found Asbestos in the loft, kitchen and fascia boards ..also potentially the ceiling( artex) ..

What does this mean to us, we already knew there were significant issues with the house ( rewire, new boiler , rads needed and windows/doors so have knocked a fair amount off the asking price but if this is going to result in more work what cost would that be to us ?

As others have said asbestos containing materials left alone can be OK. However if you are planning lots of work they can become a major issue. Contractors are becoming much more aware of asbestos and often refuse to work in areas where they will disturb it. Trying to do a rewire with asbestos containing artex is rather tricky unless the electrician is prepared to take the risk.

I know someone who is trying to get a new boiler fitted but no one will touch it because the boiler flue passes through a corrugated asbestos cement sheet under a concrete slab. It's going to cost thousands to remove the concrete slab and asbestos cement sheets, its cheaper to relocate the new boiler and re-route all the pipework.

Littlebobo1981

I think we will have to do an Asbestos test just to be certain from the sounds of it, anyone recommend a company i have seen that you can buy kits but think i'd be more comfortable having a company do it for us ..costs at mounting up right now

AdrianC

Littlebobo1981 wrote: »

The house we are looking to buy had a survey done today and they have found Asbestos in the loft, kitchen and fascia boards ..also potentially the ceiling( artex) ..

1960s house? Unsurprising.

What does this mean to us, we already knew there were significant issues with the house ( rewire, new boiler , rads needed and windows/doors so have knocked a fair amount off the asking price

As ever... the relevant figures here are what price you've agreed, and what price the surveyor has valued the property at. If the surveyor says it's a fair price, then it's unlikely the vendor will agree to any further reduction. If the surveyor downvalues it, then you've got good grounds to negotiate. If the vendor won't move, then decide if you're prepared to walk.

Again, as ever... don't get the vendor to do any work themselves - they'll do the absolute bare minimum to satisfy you.

but if this is going to result in more work what cost would that be to us ?

How long is a piece of string? Most asbestos is likely to be in board-type products, which are absolutely fine left in situ and not broken up/drilled/cut. Any loose/"fluffy" insulation is more of a risk. If you're really worried, get a quote from an asbestos specialist company - or simply walk away and buy something built from the late 80s onwards, which is about your only real guarantee of none.

cjmillsnun

As long as the asbestos is in a board type form and in good condition and/or can be encapsulated, the. It is fine. Encapsulate what’s needed and don’t disturb the rest and it’s perfectly safe.

teneighty

Littlebobo1981 wrote: »

I think we will have to do an Asbestos test just to be certain from the sounds of it, anyone recommend a company i have seen that you can buy kits but think i'd be more comfortable having a company do it for us ..costs at mounting up right now

I would wait until you have read the survey report and know exactly what items have been highlighted.

It could be they are all low risk and will not be disturbed so a test would be a waste of money. Soffit, floor tiles, tank in loft etc.

If they are higher risk and likely to be disturbed then a test would confirm what you are up against.

Artex type textured ceiling coatings in a 1960's house are likely to contain asbestos but it is a very low risk. You will have to make a decision based on how much work you are planning that are likely to damage the ceilings. Minor work can be carried out safely if you follow the correct procedures.

ed67812

Loads of people have artex that's been skimmed or overboarded before they moved in and wouldn't know.

I was concerned about our artex until I read the scientific studies on chrysotile asbestos as was used in artex. I'm more worried about the red meat and alcohol I consume.

Whereas an asbestos insulation board in bad condition would scare me off as the risk is much higher because of the type and concentration of asbestos.

Everyone has been exposed to asbestos though.

marliepanda

Littlebobo1981 wrote: »

Property is around 45 years old ..1960’s house

Its 2017. a 45 year old house would be built in 1972!

Littlebobo1981

marliepanda wrote: »

Its 2017. a 45 year old house would be built in 1972!

Surveyor said it was a 1960's house ..checking the mortgage valuation it was 48 years ago - my mistake !

Littlebobo1981

Thanks everyone for all your input will just have to wait for the survey to come through and fingers crossed its nothing horrendous ..!

Littlebobo1981

marliepanda wrote: »

Its 2017. a 45 year old house would be built in 1972!

Surveyor said it was a 1960's house ..checking the mortgage valuation it was 48 years ago - my mistake !