Picture this.
You’ve just purchased your dream house. You’re finally settled in after weeks of boxes and dust. Your soft furnishings are in place, your pans are in the cupboards, and you’re finally starting to feel at home.
Then, you find out you have asbestos.
Nightmare, right? Right.
Now, we know what you’re thinking. Asbestos is banned, so why do I need s survey? Well, if you’re purchasing a property that was built pre-millennium, there is a chance that there may still be asbestos lurking.
That’s why if you are house-hunting and concerned about asbestos, one of the best things you can do is perform an asbestos survey before buying the house.
What is an asbestos survey?
Simply put, an asbestos survey is a sort of review undertaken on a building to determine whether or not asbestos-containing materials are present and establish how much asbestos there is and where and the best removal solution.
What is involved in an asbestos survey?
Typically, a professional surveyor will enter the property and assess, locate and advise on any asbestos present. Due to the fact that the naked eye can’t always detect asbestos, it’s likely that your surveyor will take samples to gain further information.
The survey will help decipher the following:
- Whether or not there is asbestos present
- Where the asbestos is
- How much asbestos there is
- The condition of the asbestos
- Any further action required
Remember, asbestos-related diseases are far better prevented than they are treated. Over 5000 people per year die from asbestos-related health issues – so if you think you need a survey, get one.
Types of asbestos survey
There are two types of asbestos surveys available:
- Management Asbestos Surveys
- Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Surveys
Management Asbestos Surveys are the preferred survey (if that’s a thing) because they are designed to help people manage asbestos.
These surveys are far less invasive, require little to no action immediately, and cause less disturbance to your property and life.
If you are purchasing a property that was built prior to the year 2000 – you must get a management asbestos survey.
By contrast, Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Surveys are performed when construction on a property has disturbed the asbestos.
These surveys are far more detailed and, by extension, far more invasive. In order to assess the property to the level required, it’s likely you will need to vacate the property.
If you are thinking of carrying out construction work on any property built prior to 2000, you must get a refurbishment & demolition asbestos survey.
What are the consequences of not having an asbestos survey?
Asbestos exposure is no pretty thing.
Side effects include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing and wheezing
- Fatigue
- Pain in the chest and shoulders
- Swollen fingertips
After prolonged exposure, asbestos can also cause scarring in the lungs in severe cases.
If you think you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s vital that you reach out to a medical professional.
So, if you are thinking of purchasing a new home or you are in the process of doing so, hiring an asbestos surveyor is definitely worth doing – and essential if your property was built before 2000.
When it comes to asbestos, prevention is best, and hiring a professional surveyor to assess your property is the best place to start.