Is this artex?

[FluidDruid]

Had an offer accepted and now worried that this is artex and therefore there is asbestos. It's a 30s build.

Looks like it. Is it everywhere? Often still found on ceilings which are easier to ignore and not disturb. Think it’s only dangerous when disturbed but might depend when it was done in terms of whether it contains asbestos.
I suppose you could walk away or if you love it have it removed by specialists. Expect this would involve you having somewhere else to live whilst work was carried out.

Yes artex.

Not necessarily asbestos though, you maybe able to skim coat it too which is easier than hacking it off. Even if it is asbestos if fire safe and not dangerous unless airborne (from being disturbed).

Thanks both, trying not to panic. One room has been replastered although possibly it was skimmed. Our offer has been accepted and we're moving along - is it appropriate to call the agent and ask about this or would the survey come back on it (getting level 2).

What counts as disturbed? This pic is their child's room and they had mobiles attached to the ceiling.

My level 2 survey only came back with a generic 'possible traces of asbestos in ceiling' just because there is artex on the ceilings. To actually make sure you will need the specific asbestos survey (separate cost & inspector).

So annoyed didn't ask at the time but took this photo as thought it might be. Just excited to finally both agree that we liked the house.

In general, the risks from asbestos in artex are very low, so I wouldn't worry excessively, but you can take the adequate steps for your peace of mind.

Artex isn’t a particularly dangerous kind of asbestos. If you’re really worried get it plastered over. Job done

@HavenSprings thank you, that is a very soothing response!

You can send scrapings off to test for asbestos. The people who bought my late dad's house did this (without asking 🙄).

Most houses of a certain age will contain asbestos. Many will have been skimmed/boarded over, so you won't even be aware it's there. It wouldn't put me off as I know I'd have to rule out any house built pre 2000 to be certain there wasn't any hidden away.

You survey will simply say to book an asbestos test, the EA won't know as nobody knows what was used in what job pre-1980. You can't tell by anything other than a test but if left alone its no risk to anyone its only a risk if you remove it.

I'm also burying a 30s build with artex ceiling, when I was asking around I was advised that if it's in good condition e.g. no major cracks etc then it can just be skimmed over. The quote was also reasonable (I think) - around £500 for an open plan living and dining area ceiling approx 25m2.

yes it’s artex, you need to test it to be sure re asbestos. Chrysolite (white asbestos) is the lowest risk (green and blue are much higher and often in older domestic properties - water tanks, fuse boards, roofing etc). I went down this rabbit hole with ours which we have definitely disturbed by putting light fittings in and adding /removing walls.

im not worried about it anymore. Cost £400 to remove two ceilings in fairly small rooms if you are interested (south west).

We had specialist asbestos survey done and asbestos was in the artex and a few other places but we chose to go ahead with purchase as it was defined as low risk unless disturbed. We don’t disturb it and have skimmed the ceilings so we don’t have to look at the artex.

Thanks all, am talking myself down - skimming sounds affordable as well.