Bye Bye Asbestos
Pre-purchase asbestos survey
Buying a home or building from before 2000? Find out what asbestos is there, and its condition, before you exchange.
Why buyers ask for one
Homebuyer surveys and building surveys often flag “possible asbestos” but don’t usually take samples. A pre-purchase asbestos survey inspects the property and has suspect materials analysed, so you know what’s actually there, where, and in what condition. That helps you plan renovations and budget for any removal.
What it covers
We agree the scope with you. Usually it follows the method of a management survey, looking at the parts of the property in normal use, including the loft, garage and outbuildings. If you already know you’ll be renovating, tell us: a more intrusive survey of those areas may be better, but it needs the seller’s permission.
Access and permission
You’ll need the seller or their agent to agree to the survey and provide access. Taking samples involves minor intrusion, which is sealed afterwards. We’ll explain what we need to do so you can ask the seller.
Using the results
Asbestos in good condition isn’t always a reason to walk away. The report tells you what’s present, its condition and what might need doing before or during your plans. See buying a house with asbestos.
Pre-purchase asbestos survey: ask for a quote
- Survey or test first when it isn’t clear what a material is
- Work planned to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and HSE guidance
- Written paperwork: reports, results and waste consignment notes
- Asbestos waste double-bagged or wrapped and taken to a permitted site