Stuck on an asbestos issue...any advice?

T-Sil

Hi All

We had a full structural survey on the house we offered on (built in 1898) which showed a very high likelihood there is asbestos in the pipes under the lounge floor boards. The photo showed white powder around the pipes and also some on the floor beneath the pipes.

Some pipes in the cellar have already been encapsulated so the surveyor said the likelihood of it being asbestos is almost certain.

The vendor has said he pulled out the asbestos report from when he had the basement done and it doesn't mention anything about the pipes under the lounge floor. He said it's in no way been disturbed and that there should be no reason to but actually we need to install a new central heating system and do extensive renovations.

We had asked if they will get a full R&D report to find out the type of asbestos and cost to remove it...however doesn't look like they want to do that.

We are in a unique position where we are talking directly to the vendors and he wants us to meet to discuss this and all the other bits and pieces bought up in the survey.

My husband is adamant they should get this asbestos survey done so we know what is what.

I think its either they take some money off the price and we accept its something we have to deal with or we insist they get another asbestos report? It's all a bit awkward having to do it face to face though!

Would love any thoughts...

Thanks

TheTalkingDead

I don't think you should be talking directly with the vendor, I think this should be done through the estate agent. Meeting up would not be a good idea in my opinion.


You are the purchaser so everything falls to you hypothetically, if you want survey after survey that's up to you you're the one paying for it all after all, or you can simply say to the Estates agent, that you don't want to pay the whole amount due to the asbestos present, and that your offer is XYZ, if this is refused by the vendor you amend your offer or walk away from it, doing deals direct with vendors aside from the estate agent and solicitors is a no no.

unforeseen

Or you accept that the vendor refuses both options and you walk.

It sounds like any danger of disturbing what is possibly asbestos is due to what you plan to do. In which case the onus is on you to get the vendor to allow access for a proper survey that you pay for.

sevenhills

T-Sil wrote: »

We had a full structural survey on the house we offered on (built in 1898) which showed a very high likelihood there is asbestos in the pipes under the lounge floor boards. The photo showed white powder around the pipes and also some on the floor beneath the pipes.

Some pipes in the cellar have already been encapsulated so the surveyor said the likelihood of it being asbestos is almost certain.

Asbestos was common in 1960’s and 1970’s housing. What are these pipes? Obviously not fitted when the house was built, not if its asbestos.
Asbestos was used in insulation, are they underfloor heating pipes, seems unlikely.

T-Sil

Hmm good point, I don't actually know what the pipes were originally...I think heating pipes, it's the only thing that makes sense? They have a very old style heating system, with radiators around the edges of the room at skirting board level.

Here is the photo

PhilE

No need to do it face to face, go through an agent or talk via your solicitor.

I would say, if the property needs new heating then the asbestos has to be taken into consideration. If the new heating is just for your pleasure, and not necessary, than its fair for the vendor to not offer a reduction, as if it's undisturbed it is not a hazard. Of course, you could still ask for a reduction even if you don't plan to disturb it, its up to you and what else is happening in the sale.

So if you NEED to do work on the house, then asbestos has to be considered in the price.

I would recommend getting your own asbestos inspector in, to get professional advice. 'Professionals,' tend to be on the side of those that pay them, so its important to get your own.

Looking at the picture, if that is asbestos it's coming off. If it's high content asbestos that already is a hazard and has to go. The property may require a clean up also. Get professional advice before continuing.

phill99

Virtually every house in the UK has asbestos in it. It only stopped being used as a building material in the mid 1990s.


In terms of getting an asbestos survey done, this is part of YOUR due diligence and as such is something that you need to pay for, just the same as you would pay for say a timber or damp survey.


If you are not happy with the situation then walk away. And good luck with finding a house without asbestos.