Looking for Asbestos Removal near me? We’ll Help You Find the Best

Why Professional Asbestos Removal is Non-Negotiable

Until its ban in 1999, asbestos was a common component in a vast range of building materials in the UK. Its fire-resistant and insulating properties made it a popular choice. However, when these materials are disturbed or degrade over time, they can release microscopic fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can lead to serious and fatal lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, often decades after the initial exposure.

For this reason, all work with asbestos is strictly governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations place a legal duty on tradespeople to handle asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a highly controlled manner. Attempting to remove it yourself is not only extremely dangerous to your health but can also lead to widespread contamination of your property, requiring a far more extensive and costly professional clean-up. Hiring a licensed professional isn't just a recommendation; for many types of asbestos, it is a legal requirement. A specialist will have the correct training, specialist equipment (including respiratory protective equipment or RPE), and procedures to contain and remove the asbestos without risk.

Where is Asbestos Commonly Found in UK Homes?

If your property was built or refurbished before the year 2000, there is a reasonable chance it could contain asbestos. It was used in everything from terraced houses and council flats to large detached properties. Knowing where to look can help you assess whether you need to arrange an asbestos survey. Common locations are often split between internal and external areas of a building.

Inside the Home

Asbestos was frequently used for fireproofing and insulation inside the house. Be particularly mindful of the following materials and locations:

• Textured coatings on ceilings and walls (such as Artex)


• Insulation boards (AIB) in partition walls, ceiling panels, and around boilers


• Lagging on pipes and boilers, particularly in older central heating systems


• Vinyl floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive used to stick them down


• Toilet cisterns and seats, which can be made of asbestos resin composite


• Cement water tanks, often found in loft spaces


• Panels behind fireplaces, cookers, and fuse boards (consumer units)


• Gaskets and seals in older heating systems

Outside the Property

The robust and weather-resistant nature of asbestos cement made it a go-to material for exterior applications. It is frequently found in:

• Corrugated cement sheets on the roofs of garages and sheds


• Soffit and fascia boards underneath the roofline


• Cement flue pipes for boilers and stoves


• Guttering and rainwater downpipes


• Panels used for infill or on the walls of outbuildings


• Asbestos cement roof tiles and slates

The Asbestos Removal Process: What to Expect

A professional asbestos removal project follows a meticulous, multi-stage process designed to maximise safety. Understanding these steps will help you know what to expect when you hire a specialist through ServiceTasker.

• Step 1: Asbestos Survey and Sampling: Before any work begins, the material must be positively identified. A surveyor will attend the property to take a small, sealed sample for analysis at a UKAS-accredited laboratory. This confirms if asbestos is present and, crucially, what type it is, which dictates the removal method required. For larger projects, a full Refurbishment/Demolition Survey will be needed.


• Step 2: Quotation and Plan of Work: Once asbestos is confirmed, the company will provide a detailed quotation. This should clearly outline the scope of the work, the method of removal, the setup and clean-up procedures, and the arrangements for waste disposal. A written ‘plan of work’ is a legal requirement for most jobs and is essential for ensuring safety.


• Step 3: Site Preparation: The work area is completely sealed off from the rest of your home using heavy-duty polythene sheeting. For high-risk, licensable work, the enclosure will be kept under negative pressure with a special air unit to ensure no fibres can escape. A decontamination unit for the operatives will also be set up.


• Step 4: Safe Removal: The tradespeople will wear full protective gear, including specialised masks and disposable overalls. The asbestos materials are carefully wetted down using a controlled spray to suppress dust. They are then removed using hand tools to minimise breakage, sealed in heavy-duty, clearly labelled bags, and removed from the site.


• Step 5: Decontamination and Air Monitoring: After the materials have been removed, the entire sealed area is meticulously cleaned with a special Class H vacuum cleaner designed to capture fine asbestos dust. For licensable work, an independent analyst will then conduct air testing inside the enclosure to certify it is safe to dismantle. This "certificate of reoccupation" is your assurance that the area is clean.


• Step 6: Hazardous Waste Disposal: Asbestos is hazardous waste and cannot be put in a regular skip or taken to the local tip. The removal company must transport it in a sealed vehicle to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility. They must then provide you with a copy of the Waste Consignment Note, which is your legal proof that the asbestos from your property has been disposed of correctly.

Understanding the Cost of Asbestos Removal in the UK

The cost of asbestos removal is a significant consideration for any homeowner. Prices can vary substantially based on a number of factors, so it is vital to get detailed quotes from several reputable companies. Always remember that with asbestos, safety and compliance are paramount, and the cheapest quote is not always the best choice. A "cowboy builder" cutting corners could expose you to serious health risks and legal liabilities.

Key Factors Influencing the Cost

The final price on your quotation will be determined by a combination of these elements:

• Type of Asbestos: Cement-based asbestos (like a garage roof) is generally less risky and cheaper to remove than fibrous insulation boards (AIB) or pipe lagging, which require a licensed contractor and more complex safety controls.


• Quantity and Area: The cost is often calculated per square metre or per sheet. A single garage roof will be significantly cheaper to remove than the Artex from every ceiling in a three-bedroom house.


• Location and Accessibility: Asbestos in a hard-to-reach location, such as a high roof or a cramped cellar, will require more time and specialist access equipment, increasing the labour costs.


• Licensable vs. Non-Licensable Work: Licensable work (e.g., AIB, pipe insulation) is far more expensive due to the stringent safety measures, mandatory air testing, and HSE notification requirements.


• Geographical Location: As with most trades, costs are typically higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK due to higher operating and disposal costs.

Average Asbestos Removal Costs

To give you a general idea, here are some typical price ranges for common asbestos removal jobs in the UK. Please note these are guide prices and you should seek tailored quotes for an accurate figure.

Asbestos Survey: A sampling survey for a specific material usually costs between £200 - £450. A full pre-refurbishment survey for an entire house will be more.

Asbestos Garage Roof Removal: For a standard single-car garage with a corrugated asbestos cement roof, expect to pay between £400 - £800. For a double garage, this could rise to £700 - £1,500.

Textured Coating (Artex) Removal: This is often priced per square metre, typically ranging from £35 - £60 per m². The price depends on whether the underlying plasterboard also needs removing.

Asbestos Floor Tile Removal: Similar to Artex, this is usually priced per area, often between £30 - £50 per m², including the removal of the underlying bitumen adhesive which may also contain asbestos.

Asbestos Pipe Lagging Removal: This is high-risk, licensable work. Costs are usually per linear metre and can be very high, from £75 - £150+ per metre, due to the intensive labour and safety protocols.

Asbestos Soffit Board Removal: This is also priced per linear metre and typically costs between £60 - £100 per metre, depending on the height and accessibility.

Additional Costs to Consider

Remember to budget for potential extra costs. Air testing after removal work is often a separate charge, typically £150 - £300. Furthermore, the quote for removal does not usually include 'making good'—for example, you will need to budget separately for a new garage roof or for a plasterer to re-skim a ceiling after Artex has been removed.

How ServiceTasker Connects You with Local Asbestos Experts

Navigating the complexities of asbestos removal is much simpler when you have the right partner. ServiceTasker is designed to take the stress out of finding a reliable, local, and fully qualified professional. Our process is transparent and puts you in control.

Simple, Swift, and Secure

• 1. Post Your Job for Free: Clearly describe your project. Mention the type of material you suspect (e.g., garage roof, Artex ceiling), the approximate size or quantity, and your postcode. The more detail you provide, the more accurate your quotes will be.


• 2. Receive Competitive Quotes: We will notify qualified asbestos removal specialists in your vicinity. Interested tradespeople will then send you their no-obligation quotations directly through the platform.


• 3. Check Credentials and Choose: You can review the profiles of the companies that respond. We strongly advise you to check for their HSE license (if required for the work), their specialist insurance cover, and their waste carrier’s license. A professional company will provide these documents without hesitation.


• 4. Get the Job Done Safely: Once you've selected your preferred tradesperson, you can finalise the details and schedule the work. A written agreement is essential for protecting both you and the removal company.

Your Checklist for Hiring an Asbestos Removal Company

To ensure you hire a competent and compliant professional, use this checklist as a guide when evaluating the companies that provide you with quotes. This is about safeguarding the health of your family and the value of your property.

• Confirm they hold a license from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if you require removal of high-risk materials like AIB or pipe lagging.


• Ask to see a copy of their insurance certificate. It must specifically cover work with asbestos, as standard public liability insurance is not sufficient.


• Verify their waste carrier’s license number with the Environment Agency.


• Insist on a detailed, written quotation that itemises all costs and a comprehensive plan of work before any job begins.


• Ensure they will provide a Waste Consignment Note as proof of correct disposal after the job is complete.


• Be wary of any company that offers an unusually low price or suggests cutting corners, such as putting asbestos waste in a standard skip.

Dealing with asbestos requires caution and expertise. By using ServiceTasker to find a local specialist, you are ensuring the job is done right. Ready to find a trusted professional? Post your job on ServiceTasker today and receive quotes from vetted asbestos removal experts near you.