Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys: Your Questions Answered
Got questions about your asbestos demolition survey? We’ve answered the ones we hear most often below.
HSG Surveys carries out refurbishment and demolition surveys across the North of England, with fixed-fee pricing and reports in 5 working days.
Buildings Surveys & Assessment of ACMs
Management of Asbestos in Buildings
Surveying since the early 2000s
Up to 50% quicker than the industry norm
What Is an Asbestos Demolition Survey?
An asbestos demolition survey is a fully intrusive survey carried out before any demolition or major structural work on a building constructed before the year 2000. It goes further than a management survey, with destructive inspection used to locate all asbestos-containing materials in the areas due to be disturbed, including inside floors, walls, ceiling voids and roof spaces.
Common Questions About an Asbestos Demolition Survey
Do I need a demolition survey if the building is only partly coming down?
Yes, if any structural work will disturb the fabric of a pre-2000 building, the areas affected need a survey, whether that is a full demolition or a partial structural alteration.
How intrusive is the survey process?
Because the survey needs to find materials hidden within the building’s structure, it involves lifting floor coverings, opening up wall cavities and inspecting roof voids. The building usually needs to be vacant, or at least the areas being surveyed need to be accessible and unoccupied during the visit.
How long does an asbestos demolition survey take?
This depends on the size and complexity of the building. A single residential property might take a few hours, while a larger commercial or industrial site can take a full day or more. We will always give you a time estimate as part of your quote.
What happens if asbestos is found?
The report will detail the location, extent and condition of any materials found, along with a risk rating. This allows you or your contractor to arrange licensed removal of any asbestos-containing materials before demolition or structural work begins.
Still have questions about your project?
We are happy to talk through what survey you need at no charge, with no obligation to book.
Is an asbestos demolition survey a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is a legal requirement before any work that will disturb the fabric of a pre-2000 building, in line with the HSE’s HSG264 survey guide, whether that is refurbishment, renovation or full demolition.
Who can carry out the survey?
The survey must be carried out by a competent surveyor, in practice someone holding recognised qualifications such as BOHS P402, working in line with the HSE’s HSG264 guidance.
How is this different from a management survey?
A management survey is designed for occupied buildings and identifies materials likely to be disturbed during normal use. An asbestos demolition survey is far more intrusive and is required specifically before structural work or demolition, even where a management survey already exists.
Can the survey be arranged around a tight project schedule?
In most cases, yes. Our standard turnaround for a written report is 5 working days from the site visit, and we can often prioritise urgent bookings where a project timeline is tight.
What if the survey finds nothing?
A clean result is still valuable. It confirms in writing that the areas being disturbed are clear, giving you and your contractor confidence to proceed without further precautions in those specific areas.
Get in touch with HSG Surveys today
Free advice. No-obligation quotes. BOHS qualified surveyors. Fixed-fee pricing. Fast turnaround.