Asbestos testing

[germanshepforever]

I am in the process of buying a semi detached 1960s house. We are planning on having the kitchen diner wall knocked through however, I am aware of houses being built before 2000s could have some asbestos in. Obviously I don’t want to expose a builder to asbestos fibres whilst carrying out the work so will be having a survey carried out however, do I go for a asbestos maintenance survey or a refurbishment and demolition survey. Just to add we are planning on renovating the whole house but only cosmetic apart from the wall being knocked through. I have read that R/D survey is a very messy job ie pulling up floors and leaving holes in walls and ceilings, also what are the average cost of these surveys. Would appreciate any insight if anyone else has had this done :) Thankyou.

My understanding is that there are specific places asbestos is likely to be found in homes: namely textured ceilings (artex), vinyl flooring, fascia/soffits and in sheets on shed roofs and such. It's unlikely to be randomly in an internal wall. Has the builder asked for this survey? They'll have loads of experience and can probably advise if you actually need one or not.

If you have textured ceilings around the house you can buy asbestos testing kits yourself too

I'd get the more thorough survey, then you're done.

We got asbestos testing separately.

We had a standard building survey, and then asbestos testing in the three rooms with artex (one of which also had original vinyl flooring under the carpet). All had asbestos (1970's house).

I think the asbestos testing cost a couple of hundred £.

I suspect there is probably asbestos skimmed into the ceilings in other rooms, so I'd have that tested before doing any work that required the removal of those ceilings.