Although it is not mandatory, there are numerous advantages to arranging a residential asbestos inspection when buying a house. Interestingly, many individuals still proceed with their home purchases without conducting one. Nevertheless, there are frequently compelling justifications for going ahead with an asbestos survey on the prospective property, as it can prevent future complications and potentially save you money in both the short and long term. In this piece, we explore the various circumstances and rationales that make an asbestos survey crucial during the property acquisition process.
Below, we list the reasons or circumstances in which it is important, or at the very least highly advisable, to obtain an asbestos inspection prior to purchasing a new residence:
It could save your life
Evidently, the primary and most apparent rationale for arranging an asbestos examination is that it potentially could preserve your life. As previously stated, asbestos is an extremely perilous material. Despite the prohibition in 1999, it still exists in numerous residences throughout the United Kingdom. Acknowledging its existence and preventing contact with its particles in the event that they have been harmed or disrupted could potentially be life-saving – or at the very least, it could effectively protect your well-being.
Helps planning renovation
If you’re considering making changes to the new home, such as getting rid of the artex roof, heating system modernization, planning a garage or loft conversion, or adding an extension, it is a wise decision to get an asbestos inspection done before finalizing the deal. The expenses for a later stage inspection, as well as the removal of asbestos if you’re renovating and should probably disturb any materials containing asbestos that the inspection identifies, can quickly accumulate. Therefore, ensure that you are aware of any potential asbestos issues before you buy the property, especially because this may also allow you to negotiate a reduction in the price.
When you are purchasing a buy-to-let property
If you’re purchasing a property to lease it to tenants, it is your legal responsibility to protect those who are renting from you against the risks of asbestos. Therefore, in these situations, it is crucial to conduct an asbestos inspection to guarantee adherence to the rules and regulations.
When the property has an artex ceiling
If the property you’re purchasing has an artex ceiling, generally it is advisable that you have an asbestos inspection conducted before finalizing the purchase. Artex ceilings attain textured designs and were trendy in the 70s and 80s.
The property has an outdated central heating system
In case the house you’re purchasing has an outdated heating system that requires modernization, there’s a possibility that asbestos was used for insulating boilers and pipes. Therefore, it is prudent to conduct an asbestos inspection prior to finalizing the transaction. Naturally, this will impact the price of the renovations, allowing you to potentially reevaluate the cost to accommodate the additional expenditure. If you are already thinking of an Abestos Surveys London metro-pat.co.uk is the site you should pay a visit.
