How big of a deal is this? Asbestos in structures to be removed

Bossypants

I've had the survey back on the property I'm trying to buy, and it notes likely asbestos in a couple of places. Most of them I'm not concerned about, as I'm not planning any works in those areas, but two do worry me: The boiler flu in the kitchen, and the small front porch (approx 1mx1m). I'd like to completely remove both of these (boiler will be changed to a combi and moved), how much extra trouble is the asbestos going to cause? Is my local builder likely to be able to handle it himself (I would ask him, but he's away till end of January)?

Thanks all!

maninthestreet

What type of asbestos is involved? Last year it cost me over £500 to have a foot square hole cut in an artexed ceiling from the 1970s that contained white asbestos (considered far less dangerous that blue or brown asbestos).

Sanne

Our back boiler flue had asbestos on it - we asked the gas engineer who would deal with it and he advised only specialist asbestos removal guys. We had an easy solution - leave the flue where it is and plaster the chimney breast closed as I didn’t want to pay for that.

trailingspouse

We have an integral garage, and the ceiling above the garage/below the living room was asbestos. It cost us £1000 + VAT to have it tested and then removed (two guys, full hazmat suits, all bagged up and removed, and certificate to show it had been done). They also hoovered the entire garage - money well spent!! We could have left it in situ (obviously the people before us had) - but thinking ahead we decided to get rid, with a view to making a future sale a bit easier.

Bossypants

Thanks all! Sounds like it'll be pricey but doable in the context of a bigger renovation project.