Do I need an asbestos survey before buying a house?

By Realty Times Published Jan 6, 2023 03:55 pm

If you’re thinking of buying a house, you might be wondering if you need an asbestos survey. The answer is: it depends. If the house was built before 1980, there’s a good chance that it contains asbestos in some form or another. An asbestos survey will help identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the purchase. Even if the house doesn’t contain ACMs, though, it’s always a good idea to have a professional inspect the property before making such a major investment.

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a dangerous material composed of naturally-occurring mineral fibers that are toxic when disturbed. Asbestos has been used extensively as a building material due to its highly fire-resistant characteristics and its ability to insulate. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other health issues, so the use of asbestos in construction is now tightly regulated and rarely used. It’s important to be aware of the health risks associated with asbestos and understand that any disturbance or deterioration can release harmful particles into the air and cause potentially serious medical conditions.

Reasons to have an asbestos survey before buying a house

Many home buyers forget to factor in the cost of an asbestos survey when searching for their new home, but it’s a crucial step when making one of the biggest investments of your life. Any house built before 2000 should have an asbestos survey to check for any potential presence of asbestos. If the survey finds evidence of asbestos, you will need to hire a specialist to identify and remove it so that you can sleep soundly in your new home. Don’t forget this important task – otherwise, you may find yourself in a sticky situation down the track, particularly in relation to your health, or if you are looking to extend or modify the property. The presence of asbestos can also negatively affect the value of your home.

How long can an asbestos survey take?

An asbestos survey can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the complexity of the building and its contents. Although it may seem like a long time, it’s essential for a thorough survey to be done so any dangerous asbestos materials can be identified and removed safely. Of course, different buildings bring with them different challenges when it comes to identifying asbestos and therefore surveys require different levels of resources and time allocated in order for them to be conducted effectively. That’s why if you want your building to be properly surveyed for asbestos, make sure the person conducting the survey has enough time to do a comprehensive job.It’s worth setting aside plenty of extra time to ensure nothing is missed.

How can you find a qualified asbestos surveyor in your area, and what questions should you ask them before hiring them for the job?

Finding a qualified asbestos surveyor for a job in your area can seem overwhelming, but the process is much easier than you might expect. Start by doing some research to try and identify reputable companies or individuals who specialize in asbestos surveying. Check out third-party review sites to see what past clients have said about the company’s services, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions that you may have. When speaking with potential surveyors, make sure to ask specific questions related to their qualifications as well as their experience working with asbestos specifically. You’ll also want to make sure they are knowledgeable about safety measures that must be taken when dealing with asbestos, and ensure that they are properly insured before signing on the dotted line. Doing the proper due diligence can save you time and money in the long run and ensure there is no exposure risk during the project.

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can be found in many homes built before the 1980s. If you’re thinking about buying an older home, it’s important to have an asbestos survey done first to ensure your safety. These surveys aren’t expensive or time-consuming, and they could save your life. When hiring an asbestos surveyor, be sure to ask for references and check their qualifications carefully. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a qualified professional who will give you the peace of mind you need when purchasing an older home.