Purchase Artex Property ???

[howser]

Hi
I'm looking into a purchasing a property which I believe was built around about the late/early 50s/60s. The property needs a complete decor modernization, dont think its been touched since the 70s ie still has oil central heating.

All the rooms in the house have artex on the ceiling, some with cracks, some with bulges (sagging).
I have not had a asbestos survey done YET but not sure what I should do, I want to bring the house back to live but I dont want to put my or my families health at risk.


The couple of options I see that I have are:-

a. Leave the ceilings as they are and skim over the artex and bulges (not a nice look with sagging ceiling).
b. Cut out the bulges and refit new board, skim over.
c. Remove all the artex.

What would you do? Any other options? What are the rough costs?


Also worried that when renovating the whole house that I will disturbe dust which contains asbestos , ie lifting boards, carpets, knocking down cupboards.


Am I over worrying????

 

[cotswoldbuilders]

Taking into account the sagging and bulges etc, Id get a specialist company in to remove all the ceilings.
Chances are, you will need to upgrade electrics and maybe plumbing, it will be easier with the ceilings down.

 

[joe-90]

Just wear a mask and pull it down - 'specialist' means rip off merchant.

 

[TheHandyAndy]

Just wear a mask and pull it down - 'specialist' means rip off merchant.

Agree.

 

[maltaron]

Whilst mask and rip it down is one answer, If you are concerned about the dust an alternative is to screw batterns through the Artex into the joists and plasterboard & skim. The battens will pull up any sags.

 

[howser]

Am I being over cautious, most are just saying put a mask on and rip it down.

Aren't people worried about asbestos poisoning?

 

[wingcoax]

Most of asbestos used in buildings was 'White' and the really nasty stuff was 'Blue' If you take basic precautions as already said, including overalls and a shower cap there should be no real problems. Use of a vacuum cleaner will help(THROW THE BAG AWAY AFTER)

 

[mikric]

Most of asbestos used in buildings was 'White' and the really nasty stuff was 'Blue' If you take basic precautions as already said, including overalls and a shower cap there should be no real problems. Use of a vacuum cleaner will help(THROW THE BAG AWAY AFTER)

Are you for real with the vacuum cleaner, that fine dust they blow off will make matters worse.Only a type H only hoover should ever be used.

OP get your ceilings tested to know what your dealing with if its Amosite Asbestos (Brown) or Crocidolite (Blue) it can only be removed by a licensed contractor.
Even if it contains the lesser Chrysotile Asbestos (White) you will need the proper gear ie,respirator (P3)and overalls (Type 5) Type H vacuum etc
The HSE do some good guidance notes if you google it.
That said it may not contain any asbestos only testing will give you the answer.