Find a UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyor near you. Any property in your area built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires a Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) asbestos survey before any renovation or demolition works on a pre-2000 property.
your area's period properties housing stock places many properties firmly within the period of peak asbestos use in UK construction (1950–1985). Common locations include artex ceilings and textured coatings, vinyl floor tiles and adhesive, pipe lagging and boiler cupboard insulation, insulation board around fireplaces and storage heaters, and cement roof sheets on outbuildings and garages.
Types of Asbestos Survey
A Management Survey (for occupied properties) identifies accessible ACMs and assesses their condition — no destructive investigation. Cost: £150–£350. A Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) Survey is required before any renovation works and is more intrusive — inspectors access wall cavities, floor voids and ceiling spaces. Cost: £350–£700. Always use a UKAS-accredited surveyor with P402-qualified inspectors.
Is Asbestos Always Dangerous?
No. Asbestos in good condition that is not being disturbed poses minimal risk in everyday living. The HSE's recommended approach for undamaged ACMs is to manage them in place — record their location, monitor condition, and inform contractors. Removal is only necessary where materials are damaged, deteriorating, or will be disturbed by planned works.
20 surveyors — Asbestos Survey Near Me
Asbestos Survey Near Me — Frequently Asked Questions
Management surveys for residential properties typically cost £150–£350. Refurbishment and Demolition surveys cost £350–£700. Commercial surveys are priced based on floor area. Always confirm that laboratory analysis by an accredited lab is included.
Properties built or significantly refurbished between 1950 and 1985 carry the highest risk. In , many period properties contain artex ceilings, vinyl floor tiles, pipe lagging and insulation board — all potential sources of asbestos-containing materials.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, an R&D asbestos survey is required before any renovation or demolition works on a pre-2000 building. This includes kitchen and bathroom renovations, loft conversions, extensions and any works disturbing the building fabric.
A management survey for a typical residential property takes 1–3 hours on site. Laboratory analysis takes 2–5 working days. The final written report is typically delivered within 5–7 working days.
Yes — if asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and not being disturbed, managing them in place is usually safer than removal. Your surveyor will record their location, assess condition, and recommend a re-inspection schedule.
Your surveyor will classify each ACM by risk level and recommend one of three actions: manage in place (low risk, good condition); repair or encapsulate; or remove. Removal is only required where materials are damaged, deteriorating, or will be disturbed by planned works.
Only UKAS-accredited companies with P402-qualified inspectors can carry out legally compliant asbestos surveys. Always verify UKAS accreditation before instructing — non-accredited surveys may not be accepted by contractors or planning authorities.
There is no legal requirement to commission an asbestos survey before selling a residential property. However, if you are aware of ACMs, you should disclose them. If you are selling a commercial property, a management survey and asbestos register are typically required by buyers' solicitors.