If you own, manage or maintain a building, asbestos can feel worrying. But the first step is simple: find out what you are dealing with. That is exactly what an asbestos survey does.
An asbestos survey is a professional inspection to locate, identify and assess materials that contain asbestos. It is not a guess or a quick visual check. It is a methodical process carried out by trained specialists who know exactly what to look for.
Whether you are a homeowner, landlord or facility manager, a survey gives you certainty. It tells you what is present, where it is, what condition it is in, and what to do next. No guesswork. Just clear, actionable information.
If you are responsible for a property and unsure about asbestos, call All About Asbestos on 01843 600765 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
An asbestos survey is your legal and practical roadmap to keeping people safe and staying compliant. It protects both health and reputation.
What Exactly Is an Asbestos Survey?
A survey is a systematic inspection to find asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It provides accurate information on the location, amount and condition of any ACMs. It also assesses damage and identifies if action is required. The findings are used to create an asbestos register and management plan.
Crucially, the type of survey you need depends on what you are planning. Are you simply occupying the building? Or are you starting refurbishment or demolition work? The answer determines which survey is right for you.
The Two Types of Asbestos Survey
Under HSE guidance, there are two recognised types of asbestos survey. They serve very different purposes.
Management Survey
A management survey is the most common type. It helps you produce an asbestos register and management plan for normal building occupation. It identifies ACMs that could be damaged during day-to-day use and covers all accessible areas including rooms, corridors, lofts, ceiling voids and external areas like roofs and gutters. If you simply want to understand what asbestos is present, a management survey is your starting point.
Refurbishment or Demolition Survey
A refurbishment or demolition survey is required before any major refurbishment or demolition work begins. It is more intrusive and involves destructive inspection. The surveyor may need to make holes in walls, ceilings or floors to check for hidden asbestos. The area must be vacated during the survey. All ACMs must be removed before major work starts. A refurbishment or demolition survey ensures that happens safely.
The Legal Duty to Manage Asbestos
Understanding the legal duty to manage asbestos is essential for anyone responsible for a building.
The duty to manage asbestos applies to non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings with shared areas. The dutyholder is anyone who has control over the maintenance and repair of the premises, either through a tenancy agreement or ownership.
Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the dutyholder must:
- Take reasonable steps to find out if ACMs are present
- Presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence otherwise
- Make and maintain a written record of ACMs
- Assess the risk from the materials
- Prepare and implement a plan to manage those risks
- Provide information on the location and condition of ACMs to anyone who might disturb them
If you are unsure whether the duty applies to you, seek professional advice. The consequences of getting it wrong can be severe, both for health and for legal compliance.
Who Needs an Asbestos Survey?
Homeowners
If your home was built before 2000 and you are planning renovation or demolition, a survey is essential. You cannot safely start work without knowing what is in the areas you intend to disturb. Even without planned work, a survey offers peace of mind, especially before buying or selling.
Landlords
If you rent out a property, you have responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This duty applies to common parts of flats and houses in multiple occupation. A management survey helps you find out what is present and demonstrate you have taken reasonable steps to protect tenants.
Businesses
For non-domestic premises, the legal duty to manage asbestos is clear. If you own, occupy or manage a commercial building, you must assess whether asbestos is present and manage any risks. This applies to offices, shops, factories, warehouses, schools and hospitals. Failure to comply can result in fines and prosecution.
Facility Managers
If you manage a portfolio of properties, you have a duty to ensure each building is properly surveyed. An asbestos survey provides the evidence you need to demonstrate compliance and protect everyone who uses or works in your buildings.
When Is an Asbestos Survey Required?
There are several situations where an asbestos survey is either required or strongly recommended.
- Before purchasing a property: If you are buying an older building, a survey can reveal hidden asbestos and help you negotiate or plan for removal.
- Before renovation or demolition: This is a legal requirement. You cannot start major work without knowing whether asbestos is present in the areas to be disturbed.
- As part of routine property management: Regular management surveys help you maintain an up-to-date asbestos register and management plan.
- When a compliance notice is issued: If the HSE or your local authority has issued a notice requiring an asbestos assessment, you must act quickly.
- For peace of mind: Even without a specific trigger, many property owners choose to commission a survey simply to know what is in their building.
What Does an Asbestos Survey Involve?
Step 1: Planning and access. You agree the scope with the surveyor and provide access to all relevant areas.
Step 2: Inspection and sampling. The surveyor inspects every accessible area and takes small samples of suspect materials. These are sealed and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
Step 3: Laboratory analysis. Samples are analysed to confirm whether asbestos is present and what type. Only lab analysis provides a definitive answer.
Step 4: Report. You receive a detailed report showing the location, type, amount and condition of any ACMs, plus clear recommendations on next steps.
The report forms the basis of your asbestos register and management plan, which you are legally required to maintain.
For a professional asbestos survey in Kent, contact All About Asbestos for expert guidance.
Your Survey Starts with a Single Call
If you are responsible for a building and unsure about asbestos, the first step is simple. Pick up the phone and speak to a professional.
All About Asbestos has over 30 years of specialist asbestos industry experience. Their BOHS-qualified surveyors provide comprehensive asbestos surveys across Kent and South East London, from management surveys for occupied buildings to refurbishment and demolition surveys for major projects. They are fully licensed, Environment Agency recognised, and compliant with all current HSE regulations.
Call All About Asbestos on 01843 600765 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. No pressure. No commitment. Just clear, professional advice from people who have been doing this for over three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an asbestos survey take?
It depends on the size and type of property. A typical domestic survey takes 2 to 4 hours. Larger commercial buildings may take a full day or more. Your surveyor will advise on timing before the visit.
Do I need an asbestos survey to sell my house?
It is not a legal requirement, but many buyers and mortgage lenders ask for one. Having a survey can speed up the sale process and give buyers confidence.
What happens if asbestos is found?
Your survey report will include clear recommendations. If the material is in good condition and undisturbed, it can usually be left in place and managed. If it is damaged or will be disturbed by planned work, professional removal is required.
Can I live in my home during a refurbishment survey?
No. A refurbishment or demolition survey is intrusive and may disturb asbestos. The area must be vacated during the survey for safety. Your surveyor will advise on the arrangements.
Is an asbestos survey a legal requirement?
For non-domestic premises and the common parts of flats, yes. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires dutyholders to assess whether asbestos is present. For private homes, it is not a legal requirement but is strongly recommended before any renovation work.
