DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,
I've just received my surveyors report back for a house i'm looking at purchasing. It indicates that there may be asbestos in the ceiling which has an artex lining.

I don't like artex and was planing on boarding over and skimming anyway so not a problem.

My problem is i wanted to install downlights / spotlights in several rooms. My plan would have been to drill say a 80mm hole in the old ceiling then smaller 60mm in the new boards to support the spot light. Now knowing that there may be asbestos in the old ceiling and not wanting to aggravate how would you go about installing spot lights?

Hi skearsley87

Firstly, I assume that your surveyor has seen Artex, and automatically suggested that it 'may' contain asbestos. It may not, unless he has spotted something else.
Why overboard ? The normal course of action would would be to skim over the Artex, or to re-board and skim. Get some quotes from local plasterers.

Drilling will create loads of dust, but if the only hazard is the Artex, then just make sure you have the correct face mask etc. and get the dust cleared up as soon as possible, all should be OK.

Worth a mention - depending on the wiring, and in order to comply with electrical regulations you may have to employ an electrician to do this work anyway.