Why check before you buy
Most houses built or altered before 2000 can contain some asbestos materials. They are often harmless if left alone, but they affect the cost and the plan if you intend to renovate. A check before purchase puts a figure on that risk.
What to ask for
For a house you intend to renovate, a refurbishment survey of the areas you will work on is the most useful. For a quick answer on a single material, a sample is enough. A contractor can advise from your photos and the seller's description.
Using the result
A written result can be used in price discussions and in planning the work. It also gives you a record to hand to builders and to future buyers.
Who does the work, and what the law expects
Kilnbrook Asbestos Surveys is an introduction service. We pass your details to an independent contractor, who provides the quote, takes the samples or carries out the survey, and holds the insurance and any competence they need. Samples are analysed by a laboratory and the result is issued in writing. Taking samples or surveying a building is work with real exposure risk, so it should be done by trained people with dust controls, and the sample should be bagged, sealed and labelled correctly.
What to send us
- Two or three clear photos of the material and where it is
- The room, roof or area, and roughly how much of it
- The age of the building if you know it
- What work is planned, and when, if any
- Whether the building is occupied or in use
Prices on this site are guides only. Only the contractor's written quote counts.
How it works.
- 1
Send details and photos
Say what the material is, where it is and the age of the building. Clear photos help.
- 2
Contractor replies
An independent local contractor reviews your enquiry and confirms in writing what they can sample and what it would involve.
- 3
Sample taken
A small sample is taken with controls to limit dust, sealed and labelled.
- 4
Laboratory result
The sample is analysed and you receive a written result you can show to builders.
What affects the price.
- Size and age of the property
- Number of materials to test
- Access before completion
- Survey or samples only
- Timescale to exchange
Good to know.
Is it compulsory?
Not for a home, but it is sensible for any pre-2000 property you plan to renovate.
Can I do it before I make an offer?
Usually it is done after an offer is accepted and with the seller's permission.
Does a positive result mean I should walk away?
Not necessarily. Many materials can be managed in place. It affects the price and the plan, not necessarily the decision.
Who can I send the results to?
Builders, your solicitor and your surveyor, as you wish.
Do you do the testing yourselves?
No. We are an introduction service. We pass your details and photos to an independent local contractor, who provides the quote, takes the samples and arranges the laboratory analysis.
What should I send?
Two or three clear photos, what the material is and where it is, the age of the building if you know it, and a postcode. A phone photo is fine.
Can I take a sample myself?
It is not recommended. Cutting, scraping or drilling can release fibres. Leave the material alone and have a trained person take the sample.
Where we cover.
Stoke-on-Trent, its neighbourhoods and the towns and villages around it.
Tell us what needs testing.
A local contractor reviews your details and photos, then replies with a written quote for sampling or a survey. Free to ask, no obligation.
Prefer to talk?
01782 000 000