Management or refurbishment survey
A management survey covers normal use of a building and routine maintenance. A refurbishment and demolition survey is more thorough and must be carried out before major work, covering every area that will be disturbed.
When to arrange one
- Before an extension, loft or garage conversion
- Before a kitchen or bathroom refit that involves ceilings or floors
- Before replacing a roof, soffits or fascias
- Before demolishing a building or outbuilding
- When buying an older property you plan to renovate
What to expect
A surveyor inspects the relevant areas, takes samples of suspect materials and sends them to a laboratory. You receive a written report listing what was found, where and in what condition, with advice. Plan for it to take a few days from visit to report.
Using the report
Give a copy to every contractor. Ask them to confirm in writing that they have read it. If asbestos is found, removal should happen before building starts.
A survey is not a guarantee that a building is free of asbestos, but it greatly reduces the chance of an unpleasant surprise.
