What a asbestos survey covers
An asbestos survey identifies the location, type, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. UK regulations distinguish between Management Surveys (for properties remaining in use) and Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys (where intrusive work will disturb the fabric). All properties built before 2000 are at potential risk.
- Visual inspection by a trained surveyor
- Sampling of suspected materials (P402 surveyor competency)
- Laboratory analysis of samples (UKAS-accredited lab)
- Risk-rated register of identified ACMs
- Management plan recommendations
- Photographic record and floor-plan annotations
Typical findings
- Asbestos cement roofing or guttering on outbuildings
- Asbestos textured coatings (artex) on ceilings (pre-2000)
- Asbestos floor tiles and bitumen-bonded products
- Asbestos insulating boards in service ducts and partition walls
- Asbestos lagging on older heating pipework
Typical cost: £250-£450 management survey on typical residential property, £450-£900 refurbishment survey, £80-£180 individual sample analysis
When to book: Before any intrusive work in a pre-2000 property (renovation, retrofit, demolition), as part of a pre-purchase due-diligence review, or when material disturbance is suspected.
Required qualifications for assessor: P402 (BOHS) Building Surveys & Bulk Sampling for Asbestos certification, employed by a UKATA-trained organisation, with UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis