Any ideas as to cost to remove asbestos walls and ceilings?

[Triathlonmummy]

We have had an offer accepted on our forever home. The survey has thrown up a few issues that we’re not too concerned about; we expected some things due to the age of the house. However one thing that is worrying us is the presence of asbestos.

The surveyor thinks that every wall and ceiling has been boarded with AIB’s. We’ve had an asbestos survey done and we await the results. If the costs of removing it are huge I think it would be a deal breaker. I think the sellers feel we should have expected asbestos so I don’t think they will be inclined to reduce the price. I know asbestos is ok if left undisturbed but the house needs quite a bit of renovation so leaving it undisturbed isn’t an option I don’t think.

Basically I’m looking for ball park figures to remove the stuff! Has anyone been in a similar situation? Thank you 😊

In these circumstances, 'thinks that' is not sufficient. You need to know for certain. It's the difference between the house of your dreams versus a financial nightmare. Hopefully the testing will answer your questions
All I can tell you is that it would be very expensive (1000s) and also very invasive.(and you will more than likely have to vacate the house) I would also be concerned that this is just the tip of the iceberg. A house that has been allowed to languish for years while full of asbestos, when the dangers have been known for decades, is likely to be lacking modernity in other areas, such as electrics, pipework etc. Also, will it be mortgageable?
If it were me, and I found it was full of asbestos boarding, I wouldn't buy it.

I would also be concerned that this is just the tip of the iceberg. A house that has been allowed to languish for years while full of asbestos, when the dangers have been known for decades, is likely to be lacking modernity in other areas, such as electrics, pipework etc.

Well she already says the house needs renovation work...! And there is nothing wrong with most asbestos if you don't remove it, so it is perfectly possible to live in your house happily and safely without doing remedial work - usually asbestos removal only happens when the house is sold and renovated!

You need to wait for the results of the survey and get a quote from a couple of asbestos removal firms.

Depending on the extent of the asbestos it could be pretty destructive work.

I would 100% be seeking a price reduction if this turns out to be substantial.

Thank you for your reply. That’s my concern also re tip of the iceberg. Our offer was £340k which would leave us with some money to do some renovation works but we haven’t budgeted thousands for asbestos removal! Like you say we need to know for certain. I’m sad as it would be a perfect forever home otherwise but I need to think with my head and not heart on this one!

Hi OP, you do right to say use your head and not your heart. Asbestos is a very emotive topic and some very polarised opinions. AIB is 25-40% asbestos and can contain the most dangerous type of asbestos (blue) it could also contain the least dangerous (white) which is still dangerous in itself.

AIB is known to be more friable than others ACMs which is what is dangerous. AIB removal is not difficult as such (seal up an area, person seal ups in PPE mask overalls etc) then remove the boards whole if possible double bagging them. Some types including AIB can be removed diy up to certain amounts (HSE has more details).

Of course take the guidance from the surveyor, but a whole house could be 10ks depending on size if done professionally a depending on the risk.

I personally wouldn't leave it in place. If it's a forever home it could be a big millstone in future and every time you are doing work you need to be aware of it and you would need to inform anyone doing work on your house.

Google is your friend, lots of good info online. Good luck!