Does A UK House Survey Look for Asbestos in Sussex?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in the construction of buildings until it was banned in the UK in 1999. Many buildings, including homes, built before this period may contain asbestos in various forms, including wall coatings, insulation, and flooring materials. If you are buying or selling a property in Sussex or South East England, it is important to know if there is any asbestos present and to take the necessary measures to mitigate any risks. In this article, we will explore the topic of asbestos in house surveys and what you need to know.

Who Are We?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a professional asbestos survey and removal company based in Sussex. We provide our services to homeowners, landlords, and businesses in the region, helping them to identify, manage, and remove any asbestos present in their properties. Our team comprises experienced and qualified surveyors and removal experts, who use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure safe and efficient asbestos management.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. It is essential to have an asbestos survey carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place, as disturbing ACMs can release harmful fibers into the air. There are two types of asbestos survey: a management survey and a refurbishment/demolition survey.

A management survey is the standard type of survey carried out for all non-domestic properties to assess any risk from ACMs that may be present. It involves an assessment of the various materials in the building that could potentially contain asbestos, and a sampling and testing process to determine if any of the suspect materials contain asbestos.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is required when a building is undergoing major works, such as demolition or renovation. This survey involves taking samples of all the materials that are to be disturbed or removed during the works, to determine if they contain asbestos, and measures to reduce any risks before the works can proceed.

Does a UK House Survey Look for Asbestos in Sussex?

When you buy or sell a property in the UK, a condition survey is conducted to identify any defects in the property. However, these surveys do not typically search for asbestos specifically. A standard homebuyers' survey may include a non-invasive visual inspection of the property and may identify any visible evidence of asbestos, such as damaged floor tiles or old pipe insulation, but this is not a comprehensive asbestos survey.

If you are concerned about the presence of asbestos in a property, you will need to commission an asbestos survey. This is essential if you are planning any works that may disturb the fabric of the building. The cost of an asbestos survey is dependent on several factors, including the size and age of the property and the level of access required.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide cost-effective asbestos surveys that are tailored to your requirements. Our surveys are carried out by trained and qualified surveyors, who conduct a thorough inspection of your property, taking samples and testing them in a UKAS-accredited laboratory to provide a comprehensive report of the types and locations of any ACMs present.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

There are several reasons why you may need an asbestos survey.

Buying or Selling a Property

If you are buying or selling a property, you will need to know if there is any asbestos present. Asbestos can affect the value of a property, and if you are aware of its presence, you can take steps to manage the risks.

Refurbishment or Demolition

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work, you will need to know if there is any asbestos present before you start. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release dangerous fibers into the air, which can cause serious respiratory diseases, so it is essential to have an asbestos survey carried out before you start any works.

Managing an Existing Property

If you own a property that was built before 2000, you should assume that it may contain asbestos in some form. An asbestos survey can help you to identify any ACMs present and to develop a management plan to reduce any risks to you or your tenants.

What Happens After an Asbestos Survey?

After an asbestos survey, you will receive a report that identifies any ACMs present in the property and assesses the level of risk they pose. If an asbestos-containing material is identified that is presenting a risk, it will need to be removed or encapsulated to reduce the risk of inhalation of harmful fibers.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer a comprehensive asbestos removal service that is carried out in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. Our team of experts use the latest techniques and equipment to remove any ACMs from your property safely and effectively, and we provide full documentation to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos is a hazardous material that can be present in many homes in Sussex and South East England. A UK house survey is unlikely to identify asbestos specifically, so you may need to commission an asbestos survey if you are concerned about the presence of ACMs in your property. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide affordable and reliable asbestos surveys and removal services to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants. Contact us on 01273 978238 or at [email protected] to start your asbestos survey today.