ASBESTOS SURVEYS
The appropriate asbestos survey depends on why the information is needed: routine management or planned refurbishment or demolition.
Management survey
A management survey is intended to help a dutyholder locate and assess asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during normal occupation, maintenance and routine activities. It supports an asbestos register and management plan where the duty to manage applies.
HSE states that the duty to manage covers non-domestic premises and the common parts of multi-occupancy domestic premises. Responsibility depends on who has control of maintenance or repair.
Refurbishment or demolition survey
Where refurbishment or demolition work may disturb the building fabric, a more intrusive refurbishment or demolition survey may be required before structural work begins. Its purpose is to locate asbestos-containing materials that could be hidden within the work area.
HSE guidance states that if a building was built or refurbished before 2000, asbestos should be assumed to be present unless there is evidence to the contrary. Survey scope and access limitations are therefore important.
What to provide with your enquiry
Property and purpose
Postcode, building type, approximate age and whether the enquiry is for routine management, refurbishment, demolition or another purpose.
Planned works
For refurbishment or demolition enquiries, describe the proposed work areas and provide plans or specifications where available so the survey scope can be defined.
Regulatory context
This page summarises key requirements for Great Britain. Requirements can vary by property type, tenure and location, so the exact duty should be checked for the property concerned.
Related guide: asbestos survey types explained
Read how management surveys differ from refurbishment and demolition surveys. Read the guide →
Agreeing access and survey scope
Explain whether the information is needed for day-to-day management or planned works. Supply plans or a description of the exact work areas for refurbishment enquiries. Ask which rooms, voids and external areas are included and how any inaccessible areas will be recorded.
Will the survey disturb the property?
A refurbishment or demolition survey involves intrusive inspection. HSE says the survey area must be vacated and the surveyor must confirm it is fit for reoccupation afterwards. Agree the access, occupation and making-good arrangements before the survey; do not disturb suspect materials yourself.
What to check in the quotation and report
Ask whether sampling and laboratory analysis are included, how additional samples are charged and when the report is expected. Check that the report identifies its scope, findings and access limitations. A survey is not an asbestos-removal service. For shared residential areas, read our guide to the duty to manage in common parts.
Common questions before booking
Which asbestos survey should I request before refurbishment?
Describe the proposed work and exact areas to be disturbed. A survey for routine management should not be assumed to cover intrusive refurbishment work. Agree the required survey scope with the surveyor before work starts.
Are sample analysis and removal included in the price?
Ask whether sampling and laboratory analysis are included and how additional samples are charged. Asbestos removal is a separate activity and should not be assumed to be part of the survey quotation.
What if some rooms cannot be accessed?
Tell the surveyor before the visit. Restricted access can limit the usefulness of the report. Review the recorded limitations and agree how inaccessible areas will be addressed before relying on the survey for planned work.
Request an asbestos survey quote
Share the property postcode, property type and any relevant deadlines or planned works. Scope, availability and price are confirmed before booking.