1930's semi - asbestos ceiling

[Jumper]

hello all hope you can help, about to buy 3 bed semi house with possible asbestos ceilings (its in panels and has been papered over. Not much has been done to property, and it also needs rewiring....

Question is this, Is there anyway round the expense of having asbestos removed? Was advised to leave in place, but this creates problems if its to be rewired...would it be possible to rewire without using original wires ie by creating false ceilings? Any idea of costs to a) put new ceilings in after asbestos removed or b) to rewire with false ceilings?

aggh help!

thanks

Sal

 

[drewC]

Personally i would be tempted to plasterboard over the top of it and leave it in place.

I must add i have no idea, thats just what i would do.

 

[Dragonrider]

As I understand it, it all depends on what SORT of asbestos it is.

This SITE gives as good a description of each that I've found.

And the RICS site gives some sensible advice for the UK as well.

 

[xxxxxxrich]

Would make for a good fire proof if you leave it there. But I wouldn't fancey bashing holes in it...

 

[breezer]

as you havent actually brought the hose perhaps yopu could ask the seller to have it removed before you buy it at their expense. (obviously dependinging if it is asbestos.

did the surveyor not mention it?

 

[aussie1]

you will have trouble finding any tradesmen that will work around that stuff.

 

[Peebs]

I'd say get a specialist asbestos contractor to examine the suspect ceilings before you exchange contracts. You may have to pay for the examination, but if you get the work done you may get this cost deducted from the total cost of the work. Once you have a professional quote (and it is asbestos) try to get the cost of the work deducted from the house price - and get the work done before you move in.

 

[joolz46]

I had this problem in my ex-local authority house and my local council provided the information about removal and disposal. Hope this helps.