Buyer asking for asbestos survey in 1960’s maisonette

youth_leader

I think that the request is reasonable, as a FTB they might not have any savings left after the conveyance and if it is the 'wrong' type of asbestos they could be in for a big bill.  My daughter was buying a house in Belfast with many textured ceilings and I was advised to get her the kit you can use yourself. 

Why don't you get one and test it in advance?  It could save your sale - or help the next buyer decide to make an offer.  

Mutton_Geoff

youth_leader said:

I think that the request is reasonable, as a FTB they might not have any savings left after the conveyance and if it is the 'wrong' type of asbestos they could be in for a big bill.  My daughter was buying a house in Belfast with many textured ceilings and I was advised to get her the kit you can use yourself. 

Why don't you get one and test it in advance?  It could save your sale - or help the next buyer decide to make an offer.  

The asbestos, if present, has been there for 60 years and hopefully not caused too much inconvenience.

Asking for additional surveys this late in the process from an inexperienced buyer, I would just say no.

I've had several proper asbestos surveys done, they involved lifting Marley tiles from the floor, chunks of plaster removed, bits of artex and ceiling board, internal window cills lifted to check the adhesive and even the bottom of kitchen sink checked as the sound insulating pads glued to the bottom used to contain asbestos.

youth_leader

I only commented because the young couple across the road got caught out with the 'bad asbestos'.  It is in the attached garage roof and unfortunately the extension, which is attached to their kitchen.  They are still saving to have the job done.

theartfullodger

youth_leader said:

I only commented because the young couple across the road got caught out with the 'bad asbestos'.  It is in the attached garage roof and unfortunately the extension, which is attached to their kitchen.  They are still saving to have the job done.

Safer left as it is.  I'd not interfere with it.

Section62

theartfullodger said:

youth_leader said:

I only commented because the young couple across the road got caught out with the 'bad asbestos'.  It is in the attached garage roof and unfortunately the extension, which is attached to their kitchen.  They are still saving to have the job done.

Safer left as it is.  I'd not interfere with it.

Depends what 'it' is, and what condition 'it' is in.

I can't think of a good reason to leave loose-fill loft insulation in place, or if the ceilings are made of AIB which is deteriorating then it is better to get rid of that sooner rather than later.

Working out what 'it' is, and whether it is safer to leave in-situ, would be a good reason to get a complete asbestos survey done... although not leaving it until the last minute would be a better idea.

RHemmings

Section62 said:

Blueberries said:

grumpy_codger said:

AFAIK, the main concerns are Artex (if any) and various heat insulation (mainly in the loft), so it can't be very disruptive.
Also, there were some floor tiles, but they are unlikely to be found in a mmisonette.

Thank you! That’s very helpful. Yes we have artex ceilings in 2 bedrooms, we are on the first floor and there is no tiling.

Depends on the kind of survey they want.

An "asbestos survey" may mean a survey of the whole house/building to identify any asbestos-containing products.  This could be more disruptive as the surveyor may want access behind panels, under carpets/laminate etc.

"Asbestos testing" is less disruptive as it typically involves just taking small samples of already visible materials suspected of being asbestos-containing.

collecting and testing of samples of artex from one or more ceilings could be called an "asbestos survey", but if you are concerned then make sure the scope of the survey/testing is clear and agreed.

I had asbestos testing done on a previous property. I just had the ceilings tested. It was very quick and easy, and left no real visible mark.

Note: I am not saying that the OP should therefore have asbestos testing done. I'm just relaying my experience.