ASBESTOS Responsibilities as a Homeowner 

Asbestos was used extensively in UK homes built before 2000, in floor tiles, Artex ceilings, pipe lagging, roof felt, soffits, and more. If your home was built before that, there's a reasonable chance asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present somewhere.

 

As a homeowner living in your own property, you're not legally required to have an asbestos survey carried out. But that doesn't mean you should ignore it.

 

Where your responsibility kicks in

The moment you plan any renovation, extension, or DIY work that could disturb materials such as drilling, sanding, cutting, demolishing. You need to know what you're dealing with before you start. Disturbing asbestos unknowingly is how most domestic exposures happen, and the consequences can be serious.

 

If you're having tradespeople work on your home, you have a duty to make them aware of any known asbestos. Sending a builder in blind isn't just dangerous, it puts you in a difficult position if something goes wrong.

 

What we'd recommend

If your home was built before 2000 and you're planning any kind of work, get a survey done first. It's a straightforward process, and it means everyone, you, your family, and any tradespeople knows exactly what's there and where.