How big a deal is asbestos in your home?

[Gizmosgremlins]

We are hopefully buying a 1970s bungalow. The survey has flagged some likely asbestos (ceiling tiles, garage walls, heating cupboard, soffits). We are going to get a more specific asbestos survey done but I'm struggling to get my head around the possibility of being told it's safe and to just leave it be. My husband thinks this would be fine and that it is common and safe for people to live alongside asbestos. So, am I being overly cautious or he is being overly blasé. And if we do need to remove it, is it horrendously expensive and disruptive?

Get a survey. Asbestos if undisturbed can be fine.

We had it in a previous house.

it was part of some ceiling boarding that had been used. We were told it was fine if undisturbed.

when we did building work we had to get specialists in for extraction and disposal but it wasn’t hideously expensive.

@Gizmosgremlins did you buy the bungalow in the end? Did you get the asbestos removal? We are currently going through the exact same process and are having a survey done on a 1970's bungalow. It has the patterned ceilings and we think the survey will flag up possible asbestos.

It's awful isn't it i grew up in a bungalow and worry about yellow fuzzy cladding around our boiler that I used to pull. Was that asbestos and and weird pattern on the ceiling etc.
My current house is a terrace but has white icing like stuff on the ceiling also

Where else is this stuff lurking

Also when we had our kitchen redone really old plastic style tiles where hidden under the floor and the builders just ripped them out .

We are fully prepared that we may need to get it all removed. Luckily we love the bungalow enough to get it done and have the money in the budget to do it if its needed. I think I would worry living there if its found without getting it removed, although apparently its fine if its not disturbed! 😬

Asbestos is a significant concern in UK homes, especially properties built before the 2000s, but its level of risk—and the need for removal—depends on its type, condition, and location. In many cases, if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are undisturbed and in good condition, it's considered safe to leave them in place, though regular monitoring is recommended. Your husband's perspective reflects current UK guidance, but caution is always advisable when planning renovations or if any ACMs show signs of damage.

Bungalows from the 1970s frequently contain asbestos in areas such as:

1. Ceiling tiles

1. Garage walls

1. Heating cupboards

1. Soffits

These materials were widely used due to their fire resistance and durability, so the findings in your survey are not uncommon.

Living Safely with Asbestos

1. If undisturbed and undamaged: ACMs pose minimal health risk, as asbestos fibres are only dangerous when airborne and inhaled.

2. Leave in place: Many UK homeowners live safely alongside asbestos by ensuring materials remain intact and are not disturbed by DIY or renovations.

3. Monitoring: Qualified UKAS accredited asbestos surveyors can help monitor condition and advise future actions, particularly if you’re planning building work.

Removal or remediation is recommended when:

1. Materials are damaged, crumbling, or otherwise deteriorated.

1. Planned works may disturb asbestos, creating a risk of fibre release.

1. Survey identifies high-risk types (e.g., sprayed insulation) or poor condition ACMs.

Cost and Disruption of Removal

1. Expense: Removal costs vary based on the amount and type of asbestos, but removing common household ACMs may range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. Licensed contractors are required for higher-risk work, adding to costs.

2. Disruption: Removal can be disruptive, especially for larger or more complex jobs; some areas may become inaccessible during the process and specialist cleaning will be needed.

3. Cheaper alternatives: Encapsulation—sealing the asbestos to prevent fibre release—is sometimes an option and is less disruptive than full removal.