Worried about the asbestos survey cost, Wolverhampton homeowners often avoid getting one. Yet the £200 survey ensures you’re HSE-compliant and won’t be fined. Homeowners could even get a free survey, which means there’s no reason. 

Asbestos Survey Cost Wolverhampton and West Midlands Homeowners Should Know

The average cost for a management survey in Wolverhampton and West Midlands is £200–£600. Then you have a demolition and refurbishment survey. This costs between £400 and £1,000. 

Whilst a survey may be pricey, Wolverhampton homeowners and landlords may be able to  claim a free survey.

How to Find Out if Your Property Is At-Risk of Asbestos

The best way to find out if your property is at-risk of asbestos is through a survey. But you can also assess if your home is at-risk if it ticks any of the following:

1. Older Housing Stock 

If you reside in Wolverhampton or West Midlands, there’s a higher chance of asbestos. Why? Because of the older housing stock. Most homes in the area were built and refurbished before the UK banned asbestos in 2000.

Wolverhampton’s housing stock got a boost post-war. This means the region’s homes were being built during the asbestos boom years. Even though homes have been renovated since, many homes still contain asbestos. This asbestos may be in roofing, pipes, and insulation.

2. Homes Refurbished Between 1950 and 1999

But sometimes refurbishments were the cause of the asbestos. For instance, a Victorian-era home may not have had any asbestos. But following a refurbishment between 1950 and 1985, there would be asbestos in the home. Asbestos in materials was especially rife from 1950 to 1985. As a result, many contractors used building materials containing asbestos.

3. Building Materials

Popcorn ceilings and vinyl tiles often contain asbestos. The spray-on material in popcorn ceilings contains about 10 per cent asbestos. Then vinyl tiles and their adhesives also contained asbestos. However, other building materials from the era also have asbestos. These include:

• Fireboard
• Cladding
• Panels
• Cisterns
• Pipe Lagging
• Roof sheets
• Artex

If your home has any of these from before 2000, you likely have asbestos.

Essentially, if your Wolverhampton home isn’t a new build, it’s at high risk of asbestos.

The homeowner is responsible for managing asbestos. When the homeowner doesn’t reside in the home, that responsibility falls to the landlord.

Why Asbestos Matters for Wolverhampton Homeowners and Landlords

Because there are links between cancer and lung disease and asbestos, the HSE has stepped in. Now, homeowners have a legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings.

• HSE Legal Requirements: Landlords must protect anyone who works in or uses a building from asbestos exposure. Homeowners have that same legal requirement. For landlords, this will include both contractors and tenants. However, for homeowners, that responsibility only extends to contractors.
• Fines for Non-Compliance: The HSE is stepping up its compliance efforts. The average HSE fine for asbestos non-compliance is £7,400. However, fines can reach up to £20,000 for non-compliant homeowners and landlords.

When to Get an Asbestos Survey

Now that you know there’s no reason to worry about the asbestos survey cost, Wolverhampton and West Midlands homeowners and landlords should choose when to get a free survey.

• Before Renovations: Legally, you must protect those working on your property from asbestos. Hence, you need to have a survey before renovating. The HSE will take action against property owners who don’t manage asbestos exposure. And not knowing is no longer an excuse. Because the guide states that homeowners and landlords must “presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not.“
• After Property Damage: The same applies to any property damage. Even if the damage is minor. If a tenant, handyman, or contractor gets exposed to asbestos, you’ll be facing fines.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to begin? Always start with an asbestos survey. If you’re concerned about cost, don’t worry.

As a Wolverhampton homeowner or landlord, you are eligible for a free asbestos survey. You can claim a free asbestos survey and report here.