How Much Does Artex Removal Cost?

Protecting Your Health: The Importance of Safe Artex Removal

Artex has long been a staple in the world of interior design, known for its ability to add texture and character to ceilings and walls. However, many homeowners may not realise that this seemingly innocuous finish has a complicated history, particularly regarding its association with asbestos. Artex was once commonly used in buildings and can pose serious health risks if not removed correctly. It’s important for anyone thinking about renovating older homes to understand this material.

In this price guide, we will cover the following

1. Why Is Removing Artex Yourself Risky
2. Breakdown of Artex Removal Costs
3. Additional Artex Removal Costs
4. Cost of Removing Artex Ceilings and Walls
5. Asbestos in Artex Removal: Risks, Costs, and Legal Requirements
6. Hidden Artex Removal Costs
7. Alternatives to Artex Removal
8. Local Artex Removal Professionals
9. Frequently Asked Questions About Artex Removal

Why Is Removing Artex Yourself So Risky?

Artex, a textured decorative surface coating, was widely used in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s to create swirled and stippled finishes on ceilings and walls. Known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, Artex became a popular choice in residential and commercial properties. However, a significant risk associated with Artex is its potential to contain asbestos, a hazardous material linked to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Historical Use of Artex and Asbestos

Artex was widely used in new constructions and renovations because it offered an easy solution for concealing imperfections on ceilings and walls. To enhance its strength and fire resistance, asbestos was included in Artex formulations until the material was banned in the late 1990s due to health concerns. Unfortunately, the presence of asbestos in Artex poses severe health risks, particularly if fibres are released into the air during removal or if the material is damaged. The cost of Artex removal can vary significantly based on several factors, including whether asbestos is present, the size of the area to be removed, and the complexity of the job. Here’s what you can expect:

The cost of Artex removal can vary significantly based on several factors, including whether or not asbestos is present, the size of the area to be removed, and the complexity involved. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

Artex Removal Costs: What You Need to Know

Artex removal costs vary based on several factors, from the presence of asbestos to the type of labour and safety measures involved. Here's an overview of what contributes to the overall cost:

Cost Factor	Price Range
Non-Asbestos Artex Removal (per m²)	£8 - £15
Asbestos Artex Removal (per m²)	£20 - £50
General Tradespeople (per day)	£150 - £250
General Tradespeople (per hour)	£20 - £50
Specialised Asbestos Removal Teams (per day)	£250 - £450
Specialised Asbestos Removal Teams (per hour)	£40 - £70
Safety Gear	£50 - £150
Sealing Products (per litre)	£10 - £25
Hazardous Waste Disposal (per tonne)	£200 - £400
Asbestos Testing (per sample)	£50 - £100
Pre-treatment and Clean-up (per room)	£50 - £150
Transport Costs (per mile)	£0.50 - £1

By understanding these costs, you can budget more effectively and ensure you're choosing the right professionals for your Artex removal project, while adhering to UK safety regulations.

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Breakdown of Artex Removal Costs

Below, we cover in more detail the factors contributing to the total cost of Artex removal, covering aspects such as labour, equipment, disposal, and any specialised services required.

Artex Removal Cost Factors

Cost Factor	Price Range
Artex Removal Cost (per m²)	£8 - £15
Asbestos Artex Removal Cost (per m²)	£20 - £50
General Tradespeople (per day)	£150 - £250
Specialised Asbestos Removal Team (per day)	£250 - £450
General Tradespeople (per hour)	£20 - £50
Specialised Asbestos Remediation (per hour)	£40 - £70
Protective Equipment & Gear	£50 - £150
Sealing Products (per litre)	£10 - £25
Disposal Costs for Hazardous Waste (per tonne)	£200 - £400
Asbestos Testing (per sample)	£50 - £100
Pre-treatment and Clean-up Services (per room)	£50 - £150
Transport Costs (per mile)	£0.50 - £1

By breaking down these cost factors, homeowners can better understand and prepare for the expenses involved in Artex removal, ensuring they choose the right professionals for their specific needs while maintaining safety and compliance with UK regulations.

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Additional Artex Removal Costs

When removing Artex, additional costs may arise due to certain requirements and precautions. It's essential to budget for these to avoid unexpected expenses. Factors: The potential presence of asbestos, safety protocols, and waste management requirements can significantly impact costs.

MyBuilder Tip: Allow some flexibility in your budget to accommodate these unexpected expenses, which can typically add a further 10% to 20% to the total project cost.

Below is a list of common additional costs and their average prices:

• Protective safety gear: £50 – £150
  Ensure workers are adequately protected during the removal process.

• Sealing products: £10 – £25 per litre
  Used to safely encapsulate areas before removal begins.

• Hazardous waste disposal: £200 – £400 per tonne
  Required for the safe disposal of any asbestos-contaminated materials.

• Asbestos testing: £50 – £100 per sample
  Necessary if there is uncertainty about the presence of asbestos in the Artex.

• Pre-treatment and clean-up: £50 – £150 per room
  Helps to prepare and restore your space post-removal.

Cost of Removing Artex Ceilings and Walls

Removing Artex, especially if it contains asbestos, is essential to maintain a safe home environment. The removal costs vary widely based on the area size, labour required, and whether asbestos is present.

Removing an Artex Ceiling: Costs for Safe Removal

The cost of removing Artex from ceilings typically ranges based on several factors. The average removal cost can be influenced by whether the work includes simple scraping or more complex processes due to asbestos presence.

• Average Cost per Square Metre: £8 - £15
• Labour Costs: £150 - £250 per day for general tradespeople
• Material Costs: Safety equipment, sealants, and disposal
• Additional Costs: Asbestos testing, if required

Safe Removal of Artex Walls: Cost for Professional Clearance

Removing Artex from walls follows a similar cost structure to ceilings, yet the overall expense can differ depending on the wall area and complexity.

Cost Component	Price Range
Labour	£150 - £250
Materials	£50 - £150
Disposal	£200 - £400
Additional Services	£50 - £100

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Asbestos in Artex Removal: Risks, Costs, and Legal Requirements

When it comes to Artex removal, the presence of asbestos significantly affects both cost and complexity. Asbestos, a hazardous material, was commonly used in Artex until its ban in the UK in 1999. Before starting any removal project, you should always test for asbestos.

Dangers of Asbestos:

• Asbestos fibres are highly dangerous when inhaled.
• It can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
• Professional removal is required by law to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Discover if you have asbestos with a survey. Read about asbestos survey costs.

Cost to Remove Artex Containing Asbestos

Removing Artex which contains asbestos involves additional precautions and costs. Engaging a specialised [asbestos removal team] ensures the material is handled safely; expenses are expected to be higher.

• Asbestos Artex Removal Cost: £20 - £50 per square metre
• Specialised Asbestos Removal Team: £250 - £450 per day
• Protective Equipment & Gear: £50 - £150
• Disposal Costs for Hazardous Waste: £200 - £400 per tonne
• Asbestos Testing: £50 - £100 per sample
• Transport Costs: £0.50 - £1 per mile

For further information, please see our asbestos removal cost guide.

Asbestos can be dangerous if mishandled or left untreated. Let a professional handle your Artex removal by getting in touch with local, professional plasterers on MyBuilder. No matter the scale of the job, our tradespeople work to ensure a project that balances quality and budget. Post your job today!

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Hidden Artex Removal Costs

Hidden costs can arise during the Artex removal process, often unexpectedly, impacting your overall budget. These costs might result from necessary tasks like replastering and redecoration or delays caused by asbestos testing. It is wise to allocate an additional budget of 5% to 15% of the primary removal cost to cover these unforeseen expenses.

Be prepared for the following hidden costs that may arise during your job:

• Replastering and redecoration: Once Artex is removed, ceilings and walls often require fresh plastering, typically costing £150 – £250 per room.
• Delays due to asbestos testing: Suspected asbestos presence means work halts until test results return, potentially incurring extra call-out fees.
• Scaffolding or access equipment: High ceilings or complex spaces may necessitate scaffolding or tower hire, starting around £250.
• Waste disposal surcharges: Large volumes of Artex waste can surpass standard disposal costs, which typically range from £200 – £400 per tonne.
• Insurance or permit fees: Some local councils may mandate permits for asbestos handling, potentially increasing the contractor's insurance premiums and overall charges.

Alternatives to Artex Removal

Artex removal can be costly and time-consuming, particularly when asbestos is involved. For some homeowners, exploring alternatives to outright removal might be more appealing. Below are some common options you might consider:

• Encapsulation: This method involves applying a new material layer over the existing Artex. It effectively seals the potentially hazardous material, preventing asbestos fibres from becoming airborne. Encapsulation is typically cheaper and quicker than removal. The cost can range from £8 to £15 per square metre, similar to normal Artex removal but without the added cost of asbestos disposal.

• Skimming Over: Plastering over the existing Artex can create a smooth surface, making your ceilings and walls look new without removing the underlying material. This method costs about £10 to £25 per square metre. Note that this should be done by plasterers to avoid disturbing asbestos fibres. Read More: Skimming A Room Cost

• Covering with Plasterboard: Another practical option is to cover the Artex with plasterboard. This option is generally less intrusive and has the added benefit of improved insulation and soundproofing. The cost for this ranges from £30 to £50 per square metre, which includes the cost of materials and labour for installation.

Always consult professionals trained to work with asbestos-containing materials for those considering these alternatives. This ensures that your chosen method complies with safety standards and local regulations.

In summary, while removing Artex is the most thorough option, alternatives like encapsulation, skimming, and covering with plasterboard offer viable shortcuts. They are generally more cost-effective and less disruptive, making them worthy of consideration. To find out more, contact a local plasterer to discuss your options.

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Get In Touch With Local Artex Removal Professionals

Are you looking for someone to remove outdated Artex from your home? Whether it’s Artex ceiling removal or tackling Artex walls, finding a professional who can handle it safely and efficiently is vital. Post your job on MyBuilder to connect with plasterers.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Artex Removal

How do I know if my Artex contains asbestos?

The only way to confirm if Artex contains asbestos is by having it tested by a qualified asbestos surveyor. If your home was built or renovated before the 1990s, testing Artex surfaces before removal is recommended.

What are the risks of removing asbestos Artex myself?

Attempting to remove asbestos-containing Artex on your own is dangerous. Asbestos fibres can become airborne when disturbed, increasing the risk of inhalation, which can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Professional removal is essential to ensure safety.

How long does Artex removal take?

The time it takes to remove Artex depends on the size of the area, the complexity of the job, and whether asbestos is present. Typically, it takes 1-2 days for a small room, while larger or more complex jobs may take several days.

Is it cheaper to remove or cover Artex?

Covering Artex can be cheaper than removal in some cases. Options like skimming or applying plasterboard over Artex are viable alternatives, but they require professional assessment to ensure the Artex, especially if it contains asbestos, is safely encapsulated.

Do I need to test for asbestos if I'm encapsulating Artex?

Yes, it's advisable to test for asbestos even if you plan to encapsulate the Artex. Encapsulation can safely seal the asbestos, but knowing whether it’s present ensures the right safety precautions are taken.

Are there any regulations I need to follow for asbestos Artex removal?

Yes, in the UK, asbestos removal must comply with strict regulations such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Only licensed professionals can legally remove asbestos-containing materials, and they must follow specific procedures to ensure safety.

How do I dispose of asbestos-containing Artex?

Asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of at licensed hazardous waste facilities. The disposal is usually included in the cost when you hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor, but it’s important to check.

Can Artex removal increase the value of my home?

Yes, removing outdated Artex, especially if it contains asbestos, can increase your property’s value. Many buyers view asbestos as a health hazard and may be deterred by its presence.

Is professional Artex removal covered by home insurance?

Home insurance policies vary, but most do not cover the cost of asbestos testing or removal. It's best to check with your insurance provider to understand your policy's specific coverage.