Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys

These asbestos surveys are fully intrusive and may involve:

• Accessing ceiling and floor voids
• Opening boxed-in services
• Removing finishes
• Breaking into building elements

This allows the surveyor to locate all asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during the planned works.

Why Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys Are Essential

Refurbishment or demolition work can disturb hidden asbestos materials within the building fabric. An R&D survey ensures that:

• Asbestos is identified before work begins
• Contractors are protected from accidental exposure
• Removal or management works can be planned in advance
• Unexpected asbestos discoveries do not delay projects

This allows asbestos risks to be properly assessed and controlled before construction work begins.

Legal Requirements

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos risks must be identified and managed before work takes place. For non-domestic buildings, dutyholders must ensure that suitable asbestos surveys are carried out before refurbishment or demolition.

Domestic homeowners themselves do not normally have legal duties under asbestos regulations. However, where contractors carry out refurbishment or demolition work in domestic properties, they must still ensure asbestos risks are properly assessed and managed. In practice, this usually means arranging a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey before work begins.

Carrying Out the Correct Survey Helps

• Prevent unexpected project delays
• Protect contractors from asbestos exposure
• Ensure compliance with asbestos and construction regulations
• Allow removal works to be planned and budgeted properly
• Avoid costly emergency remediation during construction