Why You Need a Home Buyer Asbestos Survey

There are many aspects to think about when you buy a house, and it is really important to check if your property has asbestos or not. Hiring the help of asbestos surveyors to carry out an asbestos survey is a great investment. Here are the reasons why.

Almost Any Home Could Contain Asbestos

Asbestos is the term used for a group of minerals that can be very harmful when breathed in as they contain microscopic fibres that are harmful to your lungs. Before the dangers were known asbestos was used in buildings as an insulation material, which is now banned in the UK, but many buildings constructed before 2000 will still have asbestos in them. If the asbestos remains undisturbed it poses very little risk, but if the asbestos is disturbed it can realise the fibres into the air and cause health issues.

You should never assume that a property you are buying doesn’t contain asbestos, and a standard home survey often isn’t enough to discover the true extent of the problem. A home buyers survey might suggest some of the most obvious areas that may contain asbestos, but the surveyor is not qualified in asbestos surveys and he doesn’t take samples. On the other hand, a full home buyer asbestos surveying will give you a detailed analysis of the condition of the asbestos, as well as the likely amount it will cost you to deal with the material.

Getting the Home Buyer Asbestos Survey

There are many reasons a home buyer asbestos survey is a worthwhile process. Removing asbestos is strictly controlled and has to be carried out by specialist licensed contractors, so it can get very expensive. You will probably want to know whether this cost is something you will need to consider before you sign the deed on your house and are faced with the unexpected expense after.

Additionally, many mortgage lenders and solicitors are now advising attendance by asbestos surveyors before they exchange on any contracts. Apart from the obvious health concerns, the presence of asbestos can affect the price of the property and so mortgage lenders want this information before they grant you your loan. Furthermore, if you are buying the property as a buy to let you are under a legal obligation to manage the risk of exposure of your tenants, therefore a home buyer asbestos survey is compulsory in this case.

There are different types of asbestos surveying, depending on whether you will be simply managing the presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), or whether you will be upgrading or refurbishing your home, in which case the materials are likely to become disturbed and pose a threat. It’s important that you take the advice of a surveyor and choose the right home buyer asbestos survey for your situation.

Speak to Us for More Information

We pride ourselves on conducting accurate and reliable asbestos surveying, and speed is at the core of our business model. We have made investments in the latest technology and have a dedicated software solution that will enable us to provide you with an accurate report withing 2 working days maximum, meaning you will not have to wait around and delay your home purchase due to long waiting times. Contact us now if you would like an immediate, no obligation quote.