General The survey, the report and the price
Does my house have asbestos?
If it was built or refurbished before 2000 it may. Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, and before that it was used in hundreds of building products. The only way to know is a survey with laboratory analysis — you cannot tell by looking.
Which survey do I need?
A management survey if you are buying, selling or simply living in the property. A refurbishment and demolition survey if you are about to do building work — it is more intrusive and covers only the areas being worked on. We tell you which on the phone.
How long does it take?
A typical Warrington house takes one to three hours on site. Lab results and the report follow within 24 hours.
Is it dangerous to take samples?
Sampling is done in a controlled way: the material is wetted, a small piece removed and the spot sealed. The disturbance is far smaller than drilling a screw hole, and the surveyor takes it with them.
What exactly do I get?
A written report following HSG264: every material inspected, its location, a photo, the lab result, its condition and a risk score, plus a clear recommendation — leave, encapsulate, monitor or remove.
I'm buying a house — is it worth it?
A HomeBuyer survey can only say "possible asbestos". A £249 survey before exchange tells you what it actually is, whether it matters, and what removal would cost — which is a negotiating point, not just a worry.
Do I have to remove it?
Usually not. Asbestos in good condition that will not be disturbed is often safest left where it is and checked occasionally. Removal is only needed if it is damaged or in the way of planned work.
Is asbestos in a garage roof a problem?
Cement sheet roofs are low-risk while intact. They become a problem when they are broken, drilled, jet-washed or taken down without the right precautions.
Is it the landlord's or the owner's responsibility?
In non-domestic buildings, and the common parts of flats, the duty holder — usually the owner or managing agent — must manage asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Inside a private home it is the owner's decision.
What if nothing is found?
That is a result too. A clear report is evidence you can hand to a buyer, a builder or an insurer.
Can I use your report to get removal quotes?
Yes. The report is yours. Any licensed or competent removal contractor can quote from it without surveying again.
How much does asbestos removal cost?
It depends entirely on what and how much. As a rough guide, a small cement garage roof is often in the region of £1,000–£3,000, and removing textured ceiling coatings or floor tiles from a room can run to several hundred or a few thousand pounds. The survey tells you which, if any, applies.
Are there any extra charges?
The survey price is quoted before we attend and includes a set number of lab samples. If more are needed we say so before taking them.
How much does an asbestos survey cost in Warrington?
From £249 for a typical house, fixed and quoted before we attend, including the lab analysis and written report.