Complete Asbestos Surveys were instructed to carry out a comprehensive asbestos management survey at a large Victorian farmhouse near Huddersfield after a RICS homebuyer report highlighted concerns regarding potential asbestos-containing materials within the property. The new homeowners wanted a full understanding of any asbestos risks before beginning refurbishment works. By carrying out a detailed survey across the farmhouse, garages, workshop and external areas, we were able to identify asbestos-containing materials, provide removal guidance and give the clients complete confidence before starting their renovation project.
Case Study Overview
- Provided
- Asbestos Homebuyers Survey
- Client
- Residential Property Owner
- Location
- Huddersfield
- Year
- 2024
- Duration
- 4 Hours
- Cost
- £350
The Client's Challenge
Purchasing an older rural property often comes with uncertainty surrounding historic building materials and potential asbestos risks. Following advice within their RICS homebuyer report, the new owners wanted a professional asbestos survey before carrying out any refurbishment or improvement works.
The property in Huddersfield consisted of a substantial Victorian farmhouse together with attached garages, workshop areas and external structures covering a large overall footprint. The clients required a thorough inspection that would identify any asbestos-containing materials, provide clear guidance on future management and allow them to budget accurately for any removal works required as part of their renovation plans.
Our Approach
We carried out a comprehensive asbestos management survey across approximately 3,500m² of internal and external areas, including living accommodation, workshop spaces, garages and garden structures.
The inspection took approximately 3–4 hours and involved detailed assessment of historic building materials commonly associated with properties of this age. A total of 10 samples were taken and submitted for UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis.
Testing confirmed three asbestos-containing materials within the property. These included paper-backed lino flooring within the workshop, an asbestos rope seal associated with the AGA within the kitchen and asbestos cement sheeting that had been repurposed within a garden compost area. Additional samples taken from textured coatings, floor tiles, sink pads and other decorative materials returned negative results for asbestos.
Despite the scale of the property, all accessible areas were successfully inspected. The only limitation encountered was a very small loft hatch which restricted access to the roof space.
10
Samples Taken
3,500m²
Area Surveyed
£350
Cost
48 Hours
Report Turnaround
Positive Outcome
The survey provided the new homeowners with a clear understanding of all asbestos-containing materials present within the property before refurbishment works commenced. By identifying asbestos risks early, the clients were able to accurately budget for future removal works and plan renovations safely without unexpected surprises.
Although asbestos-containing materials were identified, the majority of the property was found to be asbestos-free. Detailed recommendations and removal cost guidance were provided for each identified material, allowing the clients to prioritise future works appropriately. With a complete asbestos survey report and asbestos register in place, the homeowners were able to move forward with confidence knowing all accessible asbestos risks had been properly identified and assessed.