Do You Need An Asbestos Survey When Purchasing A Flat In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been widely used in the construction industry for many years due to its heat-resistant properties. However, asbestos has been found to be a hazardous material and has been linked to lung cancer and other deadly diseases. As a result, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but it can still be found in many older properties, especially those built before the 1980s.

If you are planning to purchase a flat in Hampshire, it is essential to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos in the property, and whether you need an asbestos survey. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, providing expert advice and affordable asbestos removal services.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a property to identify any materials that may contain asbestos. The survey is carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor who will take samples of any suspect materials such as ceiling tiles, insulation materials, and wall coatings, and send them to a laboratory for testing.

The survey will also identify the condition of the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and whether they are likely to be disturbed or damaged during normal use of the property. If ACMs are in a poor condition or are likely to be disturbed, they will need to be removed or managed to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey When Purchasing a Flat in Hampshire?

When buying a property, it is important to identify any potential issues that may affect the value, safety or legality of the property. Asbestos is one such issue that needs to be identified before purchase. A survey will tell you whether asbestos materials are present in the flat, what condition they are in, and where they are located.

If asbestos materials are present, you will need to take steps to either remove them or manage them safely to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. Furthermore, if you later decide to sell the flat, you will need to provide evidence of an asbestos survey to potential buyers, lending institutions, or insurance companies.

The Legal Requirement for an Asbestos Survey

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, if you are the owner or manager of a non-domestic property (i.e. a property that is not a private dwelling), you have a legal obligation to identify any asbestos materials and manage them safely.

While there is no legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey on a private residence, it is strongly recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that an asbestos survey is carried out before any renovation or building works are undertaken. This is to ensure that any asbestos materials are identified and safely disposed of before work commences.

Common Places for Asbestos in Flats

Asbestos was widely used in the construction of flats in Hampshire in the 1960s and 1970s, with many flats built with concrete soffit and asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos can be found in a wide range of areas within a flat, including:

• Ceiling tiles

• Insulation materials, such as pipe lagging and boiler insulation

• Wall coatings, such as Artex or textured paint

• Floor tiles and adhesives

• Roofing materials, such as corrugated cement roofs

Asbestos materials are generally safe when in good condition and left undisturbed. However, when the materials are damaged or disturbed, they release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and lead to serious health problems.

Two Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: the Management Survey and the Refurbishment/Demolition Survey.

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey and is designed to identify the presence, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials that are within easy reach, and which could potentially be disturbed during day-to-day activities within the flat. This type of survey is a legal requirement for non-domestic properties.

The surveyor will take samples of any suspected asbestos materials and inspect the condition of any ACMs. If the ACMs are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they may be left in place and managed by regular monitoring.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a much more intrusive survey and is designed to identify all asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during any renovation or demolition work that may be carried out in the flat.

The surveyor will take samples of all materials that are suspected of containing asbestos and identify their condition. If any ACMs are in poor condition, they will need to be removed before any building work commences.

Buying or Selling a Flat with Asbestos

If you are buying or selling a flat in Hampshire that contains asbestos, it is essential to have an asbestos survey carried out to identify the type, condition, and location of any ACMs.

If you are buying a flat, you will need to provide evidence of an asbestos survey to your lender or mortgage company. Many lenders will not provide a mortgage on a property that contains asbestos materials if they are in a poor condition or are likely to be disturbed during renovations or refurbishments.

If you are selling a flat, you must provide evidence of an asbestos survey to any potential buyers, insurance companies or lending institutions. Failure to disclose the presence of asbestos can lead to legal action and invalidate any insurance policies.

Variables Affecting the Need for an Asbestos Survey

The need for an asbestos survey will depend on the age and condition of the flat, the type of construction, and the likelihood of any building work taking place.

For example, if the flat was built before 1980, it is likely to contain asbestos materials, and an asbestos survey should be carried out. If the flat is in good condition and there are no plans to carry out any building work, a management survey may be sufficient.

However, if the flat is in poor condition and may require renovation or refurbishment, a refurbishment/demolition survey will be necessary to identify any asbestos materials that may be disturbed during the building work.

The Intrusive Approach to Asbestos Survey

Asbestos surveys can be intrusive, especially the refurbishment/demolition survey, which involves taking samples of all materials that may contain asbestos. This type of survey can cause damage to the flat, and it is therefore essential to have the survey carried out by a qualified surveyor who is experienced in dealing with asbestos-containing materials.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire use an intrusive approach to identify all asbestos materials present in a flat. The surveyors are highly trained and experienced in identifying asbestos materials and are equipped with the latest technology to ensure accurate results and a safe working environment.

What Happens if Asbestos is Present in a Flat?

If asbestos is present in the flat, the next steps will depend on the condition and location of the ACMs. If the ACMs are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they may be managed and monitored regularly to prevent damage and exposure to asbestos fibers.

If the ACMs are in poor condition or are likely to be disturbed during any building work, they will need to be removed. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire provide affordable and professional asbestos removal services across Hampshire and South East England.

Conclusion

When purchasing a flat in Hampshire, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos materials and to have an asbestos survey carried out to identify any potential risks. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, providing affordable and professional asbestos removal services.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems, and it is essential to take action to manage or remove any ACMs that may be present in a flat. With an asbestos survey from Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, you can ensure that your property is safe and free from asbestos materials.

For more information about our asbestos survey and removal services, please contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our website is also available at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk.