Thinking of buying or selling a house? If you have come across the word ASBESTOS in the building surveyor’s report for your property - don’t panic - asbestos is only hazardous if the fibres are disturbed. Based on the type of asbestos material present, we will determine which removal process has to be undertaken. The process depends on whether the materials to be dealt with are Notifiable or Non-Notifiable (see below). Identification and sampling A visual inspection by one of our qualified surveyors can advise on what asbestos materials may be present. However, a sample of the suspect material must be taken if we feel that the asbestos may be class as Notifiable. A sample analysis certificate will be issued showing the type of asbestos present, and which steps need to be taken.   How much will asbestos removal cost? If the materials found are Notifiable, the removal costs tend to be higher depending on the amount of asbestos present. A full site setup is required, including the erection of polythene/timber safety enclosures. On completion, independent analysts are brought in to check the air quality of the enclosure, sealed containers for waste have to be located on site. The external costs relevant to the job can make the process more costly. The removal of Non-Notifiable materials does not need the involved setup process and air monitoring at the end of the job. Such contracts tend to be quicker and less expensive. Notifiable asbestos » Greater health hazard » More complex and involved to deal with » Pipe lagging on old boilers, ropes and textiles, spray coatings on steelwork, asbestos insulation board, ceiling/wall boards inside heater cupboards,Notifiable Asbestos.   Non-notifiable asbestos » Less hazardous to health » Simpler to deal with » Corrugated roof sheets, old garages/sheds, toilet cisterns, artex coatings, ceilings/walls, asbestos cement, flue pipes attached to domestic boilers