Asbestos Surveys in Kent (27)

Asbestos is a mineral fibre that was once popular in the UK and widely used in building materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties.

However, it was later discovered that breathing in these tiny fibres can cause serious lung diseases, including deadly cancers.

Even though asbestos was banned in 1999, it's still present in many older buildings.

This means it's essential to handle any potential asbestos-containing materials with care and seek professional advice if you're concerned.

Worried you might have asbestos in your home? Speak to asbestos survey specialists in Kent as soon as possible.

You can also find out more in our homeowner’s guide to asbestos in the home.

While it's best to hire an experienced local asbestos surveyor in Kent to assess your property, here are some common materials that often contain asbestos:

• Textured ceilings and decorative coatings, such as Artex

• Vinyl floor tiles, especially those installed before the 1990s

• Insulation materials, e.g. lagging on pipes boilers

• Roof tiles and slates, particularly those with a textured or fibrous surface

• Textured paint used on walls and ceilings, especially older ones

Note – Never attempt to disturb or remove any suspected asbestos-containing materials yourself. Doing so can release harmful asbestos fibres into the air.

Always consult an experienced asbestos expert for safe removal or encapsulation of the asbestos.

You might find it useful to read our complete guide on everything you need to know about asbestos removal.

There’s currently no legal requirement that obliges you to have an asbestos survey carried out before you sell your home. However, it’s highly recommended.

An asbestos survey can help the sale process go smoothly and comes with a range of benefits, particularly if you live in a property built pre-1990:

• An asbestos survey provides clear information and avoids potential legal issues

• It gives you peace of mind

• It can speed up selling your home as buyers often prefer properties with known asbestos conditions

• You can save time by having an asbestos survey done ahead of time to put potential buyers’ minds at ease

• It demonstrates your proactive responsibility as a seller

• The price of an asbestos survey is relatively small and can have big benefits

Also, it’s worth remembering that even properties built after 1999 can have asbestos in older materials or renovations.

Want to organise an asbestos survey now? Check out our guide to finding asbestos survey companies near you.

There are three main types of asbestos surveys in line with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidelines, depending on your situation:

• Management survey – This is the standard survey that identifies and locates asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are likely to be disturbed or damaged.

• Demolition survey – Think of this as a full building scan for asbestos that involves an intrusive inspection, usually on older properties to see what they’re made from

• Refurbishment survey – If you’re planning refurbishment work, this survey will review where the works are to be carried out before an intrusive inspection

When it comes to asbestos, always play it safe and consult a professional right away to survey your property.

The cost of an asbestos survey varies depending on the size of your property, the complexity of the building, and the type of survey required.

To help you plan your budget, here are some estimated average costs for asbestos management surveys in Kent – actual prices may vary:

• 2-3 bedroom domestic property – £250
• A shop with a flat above – £325
• A commercial property – £400

For accurate quotes for asbestos surveys in Kent, use our request a quote tool and we’ll get multiple asbestos specialists in your area to contact you directly.

Learn more about pricing in our guide to asbestos survey costs.

Yes, unfortunately, asbestos removal can be an expensive process, particularly if extensive work is needed.

The exact price you pay will depend on various factors but, as a rough guide, here are some estimated asbestos removal costs – actual prices may vary:

• Asbestos roof removal – £2,100
• Asbestos encapsulation – £33 per m²
• Domestic asbestos removal – £225 per m²

Factors affecting the asbestos removal costs

To help you plan your budget, here are some of the factors to consider that will affect the cost of removing asbestos from your home:

• The amount of asbestos-containing material present

• How easily the asbestos can be reached and removed

• The type of asbestos

• Disposal costs

• Labour costs

• Any additional work needed, such as repairing or replacing damaged structures

For accurate quotes, use our request a quote tool and we’ll get multiple asbestos specialists in Kent to contact you directly.

You can also learn more about pricing in our guide to asbestos removal costs.

No, absolutely not! It’s not only illegal to attempt DIY asbestos removal in the UK, it’s also extremely dangerous.

Asbestos fibres can be easily released into the air, posing a serious health risk.

Only a licensed asbestos specialist has the expertise and equipment to remove asbestos safely. They'll follow strict safety regulations to keep you and your home safe.

Ready to hire a professional? Scroll up and browse our list of approved asbestos survey experts in Kent who can help.

To ensure you’re in safe hands with a reputable asbestos surveyor, consider these tips when choosing a local professional:

• Check online reviews to determine their reputation and quality of work

• Ask about their experience of dealing with asbestos removal

• Verify their public liability insurance so you know they’re covered against any potential accidents or damages while they carry out their work

• Get multiple quotes from different asbestos surveyors so you can compare prices and services

• Check for certifications and accreditations, such as being accredited by the UK Asbestos Training and Certification Board (UKATCB)

• Use Checkatrade and hire one of our approved members that have undergone up to 12 rigorous checks, so you can hire with confidence

For more helpful advice, check out our top tips for hiring a good tradesperson.