Buying a house is a significant investment, and ensuring the safety and well-being of your future home is paramount. One potential hazard that may lurk in older properties is asbestos. Asbestos is known as a naturally occurring mineral that was at a time widely recognized for being used in construction materials thanks to its heat resistance and strength.
However, it is now known as a hazardous material as it causes serious health issues when it’s fibres are released into air. As a prospective homebuyer, should you get an asbestos survey before making the purchase?
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials like protection, roofing, flooring and siding until the late 20th century. Although it is safe when undisturbed, when materials containing asbestos are harmed or deteriorate, they can deliver little asbestos filaments up in the air.
When inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lungs, leading to serious health conditions over time, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Thus, several countries have prohibited or regulated the utilisation of asbestos in construction.
An asbestos survey involves a complete investigation carried out by qualified experts for evaluating the presence of ACMs in any property.
Here are the reasons why getting an asbestos survey is crucial before buying a house:
As the health risks associated with asbestos are high, it is important to manage and look out for any ACMs present on the property.
An asbestos survey will reveal if there are any materials containing asbestos that may pose a risk to the occupant’s health.
Depending on the country or region, there may be legal requirements regarding asbestos identification and management in residential properties.
An asbestos survey ensures compliance with these regulations, safeguarding both the buyer and seller from potential legal issues.
If asbestos is found, the survey will provide insight into the extent and condition of the ACMs. This information can help in estimating potential abatement costs, which can be factored into the overall cost of purchasing the house.
There are two primary kinds of asbestos studies regularly directed to survey the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings. Surrey asbestos company like Advance Asbestos offer a wide range of asbestos surveys and removals, but it’s important to know the types there are to make an informed decision
These surveys are essential for identifying and managing potential asbestos hazards. The two types of asbestos surveys are:
This is the standard asbestos outline coordinated in most private properties. The assessor will visually investigate the property, taking examples from suspected ACMs if required.The main goal is identifying and managing the condition of any material containing asbestos.
This survey is required before significant renovation or demolition work is undertaken. It is more intrusive, involving access to areas not readily available in a management survey.
The surveyor will thoroughly examine areas that may be disturbed during the proposed renovation or demolition.
In conclusion, getting an asbestos survey before buying a house is a prudent step to ensure the safety and well-being of the property’s future occupants. Asbestos exposure can lead to severe health problems, and identifying the presence of ACMs is essential for managing potential risks. An asbestos survey provides valuable information for both buyers and sellers, enabling informed decision-making and compliance with legal regulations.
By investing in an asbestos survey, you can confidently proceed with your home purchase, knowing that the property is free from asbestos hazards or that appropriate remediation measures are in place to protect your health and that of your loved ones.