Introduction
In Flanders, since November 23, 2022, it has been mandatory to have an asbestos certificate prepared when you want to sell or buy a house built before 2001. This certificate is intended to inform the seller and buyer about the presence of asbestos in the house. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was used in thousands of products from the 1960s to the early 1990s until it was banned due to the health risks it poses. In this article, we will detail the costs of an asbestos certificate and the factors that influence these costs.
What is an asbestos certificate?
An asbestos certificate is a report that indicates whether asbestos is present in a house and how this material is applied. The certificate is drawn up by a certified asbestos expert and contains information about the location and application of asbestos in the house. This report is important to prevent asbestos in the house from being neglected or unnoticed, which can pose a health risk to the residents.
Costs of an asbestos certificate
The costs of an asbestos certificate vary greatly, depending on various factors such as the size of the house, the number of samples that need to be taken, and the complexity of the investigation. Below is an overview of the average costs for different types of houses:
- Studio: €450
- Apartment: €500
- Terraced house: €550
- Semi-detached house: €600
- Detached house: €650
- Non-residential: €3-5 per m²
Factors influencing the costs
There are several factors that influence the costs of an asbestos certificate. Below are some important factors:
- Size of the house: The size of the house plays an important role in determining the costs. The larger the house, the more material needs to be inspected, which increases the costs. This is especially relevant for non-residential buildings, where costs are calculated per square meter.
- Number of samples: The number of samples that need to be taken also affects the costs. Sometimes multiple samples need to be taken for laboratory analysis, which increases the costs. This is especially the case if it is suspected that asbestos is present in materials that are not directly visible.
- Complexity of the investigation: The complexity of the investigation can also influence the costs. For example, if asbestos is present in materials that are difficult to access or inspect, the costs may be higher. This is especially the case with buildings with complex architecture or buildings where asbestos is used in hard-to-reach parts.
How to request an asbestos certificate?
To request an asbestos certificate, follow this procedure:
- Fill in your details on Asbestattestoffertes, through our website you can receive up to 5 free non-binding quotes from asbestos experts. You choose which quote and expert you proceed with.
- Have your building inspected: The asbestos expert will visit for a non-destructive inventory. Risky materials will be identified without causing damage to walls or floors. Sometimes samples are needed for laboratory analysis, for which a small piece of suspicious material is removed.
- Receive the asbestos certificate: After entering the data, you will receive the asbestos certificate from OVAM through the asbestos expert. You can also view the certificate online via the Woningpas.
How long does it take to receive my asbestos certificate?
It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to receive the asbestos certificate. This can depend on the complexity of the investigation and the capacity of the asbestos expert.
Conclusion
Buying or selling a house built before 2001 without an asbestos certificate is no longer allowed in Flanders. The asbestos certificate is an essential part of the sales process to protect the health of the residents and to prevent asbestos from going unnoticed. The costs of an asbestos certificate vary greatly, depending on the size of the house and the complexity of the investigation. It is important to compare different quotes and follow the advice of an asbestos expert to keep the costs as low as possible.
