Asbestos Removal Cost UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Last Updated on 8 November 2023
If you own a home or business in the UK and you have a suspicion that there might be asbestos in your property, it is crucial to take immediate action to deal with the problem. Until its ban in the UK in 1999, asbestos was widely used in construction. However, this hazardous material poses significant health risks when it is disturbed. On the other hand, removing asbestos can be a complicated and expensive procedure. Therefore, In this article, we will discuss the cost of asbestos removal in the UK and provide you with the necessary information to help you make informed decisions regarding asbestos remediation.
Understanding Asbestos
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a collection of minerals that occur naturally and that were widely utilised in the construction industry because of their ability to resist fire. Due to its fibrous nature, it was commonly used in a variety of building materials, including insulation, roofing, and flooring.
Exposure to asbestos: Understanding the health risks
Exposure to asbestos fibres can have serious health consequences, such as the development of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Many diseases take a long time to develop, and their symptoms may not appear until many years after being exposed to them. Therefore, It is extremely important to promptly address any potential presence of asbestos in your property, considering the risks involved.
Asbestos Removal Cost UK: Factors to Consider
Before we delve into the specifics of cost, it is crucial to grasp the various factors that can impact the asbestos removal process:-
1. The Size and Complexity of the Project
The overall cost of asbestos removal is greatly influenced by the size and complexity of the project. When dealing with larger properties or buildings that have multiple levels and intricate designs, it is necessary to carry out more extensive asbestos removal work. Moreover, if the asbestos is found in areas that are difficult to access or if its removal necessitates the use of specialised equipment, it is probable that the cost will rise.
2. Type, Condition and Quantity of Asbestos
The cost of asbestos removal will also be influenced by the type and amount of asbestos found on your property. There are various types of products that contain asbestos. Each product type may necessitate different approaches for removal, which can impact the overall costs involved. Moreover, the duration and complexity of the removal process depend on the quantity of asbestos present. In addition, it’s important to consider that the condition of the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can impact how easily they can be removed and the resulting costs.
3. Location of Asbestos
The cost of asbestos removal can be influenced by the presence of asbestos in different areas of your property. For example, removing asbestos from walls and ceilings that are easily accessible may be a more cost-effective option compared to removing asbestos that is embedded in floors, on pipes or sprayed into cavities. Also, when it comes to accessing and removing asbestos from confined spaces or hard-to-reach areas, it’s important to keep in mind that it may take more time and effort than usual. As a result, this can lead to higher costs associated with the process.
4. Asbestos Testing and Survey
It is essential to perform a comprehensive asbestos survey and testing before starting any asbestos removal work. In this process, we need to identify and analyse materials that contain asbestos (ACMs) in order to understand the full scope of the issue. The cost of asbestos testing and surveying may differ based on factors such as the property’s size and the number of samples needed.
5. Professional Expertise and Accreditation
When you hire licenced and experienced professionals for asbestos removal, you can rest assured that they will adhere to all legal requirements and industry standards. The expertise and accreditation of the professionals involved can have an effect on the overall removal cost, but it ensures that asbestos materials are handled safely and correctly. You should also ensure the selected professionals have the skills and expertise to complete the work safely.
6. Disposal Fees
It is important to dispose of asbestos waste at licenced facilities in order to ensure proper handling and disposal. The disposal fees are in place to ensure that hazardous materials are safely transported and disposed of, as required by environmental regulations. These can often represent a significant cost as the amount and weight of asbestos being remediated also affects cost.
7. Reinstatement Costs
Once asbestos removal is complete, it is possible that your property will need to undergo reinstatement or repairs in order to bring it back to its original condition. The costs will vary based on the amount of removal work needed and any additional restoration measures that may be required.
The Asbestos Removal Cost Breakdown
Now that we’ve discussed the factors influencing asbestos removal cost in the UK, let’s explore the estimated expenses you can expect for different types of properties:-
1. Residential Properties
The cost of removing asbestos from a typical residential property in the UK usually falls between £800 and £15,000. The estimate includes the cost of removing asbestos from various areas, including ceilings, walls, soffits and flooring materials. Please keep in mind that the actual cost can vary greatly based on the factors mentioned earlier.
2. Commercial Properties
Asbestos removal for commercial properties generally incurs higher costs compared to residential properties. This is primarily because commercial properties are typically larger in size and have more intricate designs, which make the removal process more complex and time-consuming. The average cost of asbestos removal from commercial buildings in the UK can vary from £2,500 to £100,000 or even higher. The price you’ll be quoted will vary based on several factors, including the size of your property, the amount and type of asbestos present, and any additional complexities that may arise.
3. Industrial Properties
Many industrial properties, particularly those built before the 1990s, often contain a significant amount of asbestos-containing materials. Removing asbestos in industrial settings can be a complex and demanding task, which often leads to increased expenses. The cost of removing industrial properties in the UK can vary greatly, typically falling between £15,000 and £500,000 or even higher. The final price depends on factors such as the size and intricacy of the project.
FAQs about Asbestos Removal Cost UK
Q1: Can I safely remove asbestos myself in order to save money?
If you disturb asbestos without the necessary training and proper equipment, it can release harmful fibres into the air, which can pose a risk to your health. In order to ensure safe and proper removal, it is always recommended to hire a HSE licensed or appropriately trained professional for asbestos removal. For certain types of asbestos products it’s a legal requirement to use a licensed contractor. Typically these would include pipe insulation, sprayed fibre coating and asbestos insulation board AIB. Not using a licensed contractor could result in a heavy fine or custodial sentence.
Q2: Are there any other expenses to consider besides the cost of the asbestos removal service?
Indeed, there could be extra cost and expenses linked to the removal of asbestos. Some of the costs involved in asbestos removal may include expenses for testing and surveying, fees for proper disposal, and any required repairs or replacements following the removal process. Before finalising your decision on an asbestos removal company, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion about all the possible costs involved.
Q3: Is it possible to negotiate the price with companies that specialise in asbestos removal?
When selecting an asbestos removal company, it is crucial to prioritise quality and safety over cost, although there may be some room for negotiation regarding the price. It is important to prioritise choosing a reputable and licenced professional instead of solely focusing on finding the lowest price. Ensuring the safety of yourself, your family, and anyone on your property should always be your utmost concern.
Q4: Is it possible for me to seek compensation for illnesses caused by asbestos exposure?
If you have received a diagnosis of an illness related to asbestos exposure, you might be able to pursue a compensation claim. If you want to understand your rights and explore the options available to you, it’s a good idea to consult with a specialist asbestos claims solicitor for legal advice.
Q5: How can I avoid health risks associated with asbestos in the future?
In order to reduce the chances of being exposed to asbestos and the potential health problems associated with it, it is crucial to regularly carry out surveys and testing for asbestos, particularly in older buildings. If you discover the presence of asbestos, it is crucial to make sure that it is handled, maintained, or removed by professionals who are licenced to do so.
Q6: Can I get tax relief on the removal of asbestos?
In many cases you can. You need to be a business and not have installed the asbestos originally. There are a number of qualifying rules under the appropriate UK Legislation. Always consult an accountant or a specialist in the area.
Summary – Cost To Remove Asbestos
The cost of asbestos removal in the UK can vary due to a number of factors. These factors include the size and complexity of the project, the type and amount of asbestos involved, and where the asbestos is located within the property. Residential, commercial, and industrial properties have varying cost ranges, with industrial properties typically incurring higher expenses.
Removing asbestos yourself is not an option as it requires a combination of manual labour, specialised equipment and training, and proper disposal, all of which come with associated costs. The cost for asbestos removal per square metre or per hour can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier. It is recommended to get quotes from several reputable asbestos removal companies in order to ensure a fair price.
It is important to always hire licenced or appropriately trained professionals for asbestos removal in order to prioritise the safety of yourself and others. To ensure the well-being of everyone on your property and avoid any potential long-term health hazards, it is crucial to promptly and properly address any asbestos-related concerns.
Need asbestos advice?
We hope you found our article on the cost of asbestos removal helpful. If you need any help or advice at all with any aspect of asbestos management or removal, then we’ll be very happy to assist you. Give us a call and our experts will give you some advice and guidance on whatever if is you’re concerned about.
Please contact us on 0800 141 2676, email us at info@rbasbestos.co.uk or fill in the form below.
Our professional asbestos surveyors conduct asbestos inspections and asbestos surveys every day across the UK on all types of properties, both residential and commercial, for private home owners and commercial property Managers and owners. So when it comes to managing asbestos in your property, you’re in very safe hands with RB Asbestos Consultants.
