Do I Need An Asbestos Survey To Sell My Shop In Hampshire?

Are you looking to sell your shop in Hampshire? You may be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey before listing your property. With the potential health risks associated with asbestos-containing materials, it's important to know your obligations and options.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a trusted asbestos survey company in Hampshire. Our management team is straightforward and knowledgeable, with years of experience in managing asbestos in various settings. We offer a range of services to help property owners comply with health and safety regulations and ensure the safety of their occupants. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about asbestos surveys and how they can benefit you when selling your shop in Hampshire.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in building materials and other products in the past. Asbestos is known for its heat resistance, strength, and durability, making it ideal for use in insulation, flooring, roofing, and other applications. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many older properties in the UK, and any disturbance of these materials can release asbestos fibres into the air, posing a risk to anyone in the vicinity. For this reason, regulations require property owners to identify any ACMs in their buildings and take steps to manage or remove them.

Do I Need an Asbestos Survey to Sell My Shop in Hampshire?

As a property owner in Hampshire, you may wonder if you need an asbestos survey before selling your shop. The short answer is that it depends on the age and condition of your building and whether there is any reason to suspect the presence of ACMs.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that any building constructed before 2000 must have an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. This means that if your shop is older than 20 years, you should have an asbestos survey done before any major renovation or demolition work. However, if you're simply selling the property and no work is scheduled, an asbestos survey may not be a legal requirement.

That being said, it's always a good idea to have an asbestos survey done, even if it's not required by law. By identifying any ACMs on your property, you can take steps to manage or remove them before potential buyers raise any concerns. This can help to ensure that the sale process goes smoothly and that you get the best possible price for your property.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive assessment of your property to determine whether there are any ACMs present and their condition. The survey is carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor who will inspect all accessible areas of your property, including roof voids, walls, ceilings, and floors. The surveyor will take samples of any suspected ACMs and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. A management survey is designed to identify any ACMs that may be present in your property and assess their condition. This type of survey is recommended if you're planning to sell your property or if you're the owner of a non-domestic property that is likely to contain ACMs. A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more invasive survey that is carried out prior to any renovation or demolition work on a property.

Why Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?

There are several reasons why you may want to have an asbestos survey done, even if it's not required by law. Here are a few:

• To comply with health and safety regulations - As a property owner, it's your responsibility to manage any ACMs on your property and ensure that they don't pose a risk to anyone who occupies or visits your property. An asbestos survey is the first step in identifying and managing any ACMs.

• To protect your investment - If you're selling your shop, an asbestos survey can help to ensure that there are no surprises or potential deal-breakers during the sale process. By identifying any ACMs upfront, you can take steps to manage or remove them, which can make your property more appealing to potential buyers.

• To ensure the safety of your occupants - If you have occupants in your property, it's important to ensure that they are not exposed to asbestos fibres. By having an asbestos survey done, you can identify any ACMs that may be present and take steps to manage or remove them to protect your occupants.

What Happens After an Asbestos Survey?

After an asbestos survey is completed, you will receive a report outlining the findings of the survey. If ACMs are identified, the report will provide recommendations on how to manage or remove them safely. Depending on the condition and location of the ACMs, you may need to hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove the materials.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we not only provide asbestos surveys, but we also offer asbestos removal services. This means that we can provide a one-stop-shop for all your asbestos needs, from identifying ACMs to safely removing them.

How to Find a Qualified Asbestos Surveyor

When looking for a qualified asbestos surveyor in Hampshire, it's important to look for someone with the right qualifications and experience. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website provides a list of accredited asbestos surveyors who have demonstrated their competence in carrying out asbestos surveys.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, all of our surveyors are fully trained and certified to carry out asbestos surveys in compliance with HSE regulations. We have a proven track record of providing high-quality asbestos services to our clients in Hampshire and the South East of England.

Conclusion

So, do you need an asbestos survey to sell your shop in Hampshire? While it may not be a legal requirement, it's always a good idea to have an asbestos survey done to identify and manage any ACMs on your property. By doing so, you can protect the safety of your occupants, comply with health and safety regulations, and ensure that your sale goes smoothly. If you're looking for an affordable and trustworthy asbestos survey company in Hampshire, look no further than Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more.