Hi, I've recently bought a property that has some issues with asbestos.
Prior to purchase, I've had an RICS level 3 building survey done and the surveyor mentioned the likelihood of asbestos in the ceilings and advised me to consult a specialist. He also told me there was extensive moss growth on the roof and that I'd have to have it cleaned ASAP to prevent further damage.
So (prior to purchasing the property) I've hired a certified asbestos specialist and had an asbestos survey done. They found asbestos in the ceilings, in one of the internal doors and in the water tank. As for the exterior of the property, their survey report only briefly mentions "no asbestos found in the external area".
I requested a quote for the removal of all the asbestos found and used this figure to negotiate the price of the house down.
Now I have bought the property, had all the asbestos mentioned in the report removed, but the roofers who came over to fix the issues with the roof informed me the roof contains asbestos, which was not picked up either by the building surveyor (who talked extensively about the roof in his survey, but didn't mention asbestos at all) or by the asbestos specialist company who dismissed the external area with a brief "no asbestos found".
What should I do? Is this enough to sue them (the building surveyor and the asbestos company) for professional negligence?
If I had been aware the roof contained asbestos, I would have negotiated an even lower price for the property. And, more importantly, I wouldn't have exposed myself and the roofers to a very serious health hazard (the asbestos on the roof is cracked, which might or might not have happened as a result of the works done on the roof... the roofers only realized the roof contained asbestos when they came over for the second time, but they had already worked on my roof for a full day by then).
Any ideas? Suggestions?
Thanks in advance!