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We can't do the proper invasive survey (presumably more expensive) until we own the place because it involves holes in walls etc.
With this more expensive one it still specifies certain areas (which came up from our building survey).
But there are two main areas: Artex walls and ceilings (almost certainly asbestos) and polystyrene ceiling tiles (hopefully not).
We want that survey ASAP really because I want to rip the ceiling tiles off as soon as we get the keys.
tbc-
I got the full survery done and paid for by the seller. Our house was built in 1969 so had a high probability of its use in construction, which was raised by the survery. I asked them to prove it wasnt used, they said they couldnt, I said pay the £275 for the survery then.
They didnt poke any holes but they did lift carpets to find the old tiles under it (the house was unoccupied though.)
Once the survery came back positive I got a quote for safe removal and got them to take it off the agreed price.
We got the keys tuesday and all the material was removed by wednesday. -
Cost for a pro to do the survey is peanuts compared to cost of house purchase, conveyancing etc.
Time taken for survey is -- I would imagine -- very little compared to time taken to find house, move etc.
I'd suggest you're overthinking this and should get a pro to do a survey, having explained to them exactly what you eventually intend to cut/drill/modify/remove. Not sure there is any benefit to trying to rush through this but there is clearly potential for risk as you've identified. I'd trust an independent expert over a bunch of people on the internet who haven't and won't see the situation in person.
Edit: @spotter 's approach seems sensible
spotter
Cupcakes
We went for a full survey bvecasue we didnt know where it could be through-out the house. If you know where it specifically is in the house get the test at home kit, i.e. textured celing.
For context our artex was only 8% white asbestos so not really harmful in the tiny amount ou need to test