Does A Homebuyers Survey Check For Asbestos In Hampshire?

If you're planning to buy a house or a property in Hampshire or the South East of England, you need to be aware of the risks of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction of houses and other buildings until the late 1990s. It can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, if inhaled in large quantities over an extended period.

Therefore, it's crucial to make sure that your future home is free from asbestos before you buy it. It's important to note that asbestos is not illegal, but using or selling it is. So, it's your responsibility as a homebuyer to check whether there is any asbestos in the property you're interested in.

One of the ways to find out if a property contains asbestos is by having a homebuyer's survey. In this article, we'll discuss what a homebuyer's survey is, if it includes checking for asbestos, and how we, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, can help you with a comprehensive asbestos survey.

What Is A Homebuyer's Survey?

A homebuyer's survey is a detailed report about the condition of a property. It's usually carried out by a chartered surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The surveyor will visit the property and examine it thoroughly to identify any defects, faults, or potential problems.

The purpose of a homebuyer's survey is to provide you with an accurate and unbiased understanding of the property's condition before you commit to buying it. The report will highlight any issues that may affect the property's value, future sale, or your safety.

There are two types of homebuyer's surveys: the Home Condition Report (HCR) and the Building Survey (BS). The HCR is a basic survey that gives you an overview of the property's condition, while the BS is a more detailed survey that covers all aspects of the property's construction, including its foundations, walls, roof, and services.

Does A Homebuyer's Survey Check For Asbestos?

It depends on the type of survey you choose. The HCR does not usually include an asbestos survey, as it's a basic report and only covers the visible parts of the property. However, the BS may include an asbestos survey if the surveyor suspects that there may be asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the property.

If the surveyor does find ACMs during the BS, they will include a recommendation for an asbestos survey. This survey will identify the location and type of ACMs, their condition, and the risk they pose. It will also provide advice on how to manage or remove them safely.

Therefore, if you want to be sure that your future home is free from asbestos, you need to have an asbestos survey carried out by a specialist company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in the construction industry until the late 1990s. It was used for its strong, flexible, and durable properties, as well as its resistance to heat and fire.

There are three types of asbestos: white, brown, and blue. White asbestos, also known as chrysotile, is the most commonly used type and was used in various products such as insulation, ceiling tiles, and cement. Brown asbestos, also known as amosite, was used in products that needed to withstand high temperatures, such as insulation boards and pipe insulation. Blue asbestos, also known as crocidolite, was the most dangerous type and was used in insulation, spray coatings, and cement products.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos fibres are very small and can easily be inhaled. Once inhaled, the fibres can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious health problems. Asbestos exposure can lead to a range of health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The risk of developing these health problems depends on the intensity and duration of exposure. However, it's essential to note that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even brief exposure can cause health problems.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are usually safe if they are left undisturbed. However, if they are damaged or disturbed, they can release fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause health problems.

Therefore, if you're planning to buy a property in Hampshire or the South East of England, it's essential to have an asbestos survey carried out. An asbestos survey will identify any ACMs in the property, their condition, and the risk they pose. It will also provide advice on how to manage or remove them safely.

What Is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a property to identify any ACMs present. It's usually carried out by a specialist company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, using a combination of visual inspection, sampling, and analysis.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: the management survey and the refurbishment/demolition survey. The management survey is used to identify the presence, location, and condition of ACMs that could be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy. The refurbishment/demolition survey is more intrusive and is used to identify all ACMs in a building before refurbishment or demolition.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire Help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a specialist asbestos survey company in Hampshire. We offer both management and refurbishment/demolition surveys to help ensure your safety and compliance with the law.

Our team of experienced surveyors uses advanced equipment to identify any ACMs present in your property accurately. We will provide you with a comprehensive report that includes a description of any ACMs, their location, condition, and the level of risk they pose. We will also provide detailed advice on how to manage or remove them safely.

Moreover, we offer affordable asbestos removal services in Hampshire that are tailored to your needs. If you need to have asbestos removed from your property, our fully licensed and qualified team can carry out the work safely and efficiently.

To learn more about our services or to book an asbestos survey in Hampshire, contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our work and to request a quote.