Asbestos Surveys
Asbestos surveys: From £175 + VAT. Guide price. Get a free quote for your project. Any building built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos. This page explains which survey you need and when you need it.
In this guide
Which asbestos survey do I need?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes two types of survey. Both are likely to involve taking samples.
| Survey | When you need it |
|---|---|
| Management survey | To manage asbestos while a building is in normal use |
| Refurbishment or demolition survey | Before major refurbishment or demolition |
We carry out both management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys, using accredited surveyors.
Management survey
This survey gives the person responsible for a building what they need to produce an asbestos register and a management plan. It should cover all rooms and corridors, plus ceiling voids, lofts, service ducts, outside areas and anywhere maintenance could disturb asbestos.
Any area that cannot be reached has to be presumed to contain asbestos, and managed that way until it can be inspected. So give the surveyor access to as much of the building as you can.
Refurbishment or demolition survey
This survey must find asbestos before any structural work begins, including asbestos hidden in the building fabric. Asbestos has to be removed before major refurbishment or demolition, as far as is reasonably practicable, so the survey needs to come first.
It is destructive, because the surveyor has to open up the building. The area must be empty during the survey, so plan for this if the building is in use. Tell us exactly what work is planned, so the survey covers the right areas.
Do I legally need an asbestos survey?
Commercial buildings
The duty to manage asbestos applies to the owners and occupiers of commercial premises who are responsible for maintenance or repairs. If asbestos could be present, you must either arrange a survey or presume the worst case and manage it.
Blocks of flats
The duty also applies to the shared parts of some domestic premises. Get advice for your building.
Your own home
The duty to manage does not apply to homeowners living in their own home, but you should tell your builder about any asbestos you know of before work starts.
Any building
A risk assessment must be carried out before any work on asbestos begins.
Where is asbestos found?
HSE advises treating any building built or refurbished before 2000 as containing asbestos until it is shown otherwise. Old equipment such as ovens and switchgear can contain it too.
If you find something you suspect is asbestos, do not drill, cut or break it. If it is in good condition, it is often best left where it is until it has been checked.
How to choose a surveyor
The law does not require surveyors to be accredited, but HSE strongly recommends using surveyors accredited to BS EN ISO/IEC 17020. The only accreditation HSE recognises in Great Britain comes from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The work should follow HSE’s guide HSG264, Asbestos: The Survey Guide.
Whoever you use, ask for evidence of training and competence, and check that the report will cover every area you need.
What happens after the survey?
In a building in use
The findings go into your asbestos register. Keep the register up to date and share it with anyone who might disturb asbestos, such as contractors.
Before building work
Give the report to your contractor, so that any asbestos can be dealt with before work starts.
Planning building work on an older property? We can arrange your survey alongside the rest of your project. See all our services.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an asbestos survey cost?
Asbestos surveys are From £175 + VAT. Guide price. Get a free quote for your project.
What is the difference between a management survey and a refurbishment survey?
A management survey helps you manage asbestos while a building is in normal use. A refurbishment or demolition survey is destructive and must find asbestos hidden in the fabric before structural work begins.
Do I need an asbestos survey before refurbishment?
A survey is needed before major refurbishment or demolition. For a smaller job on an older building, tell your builder what you know and ask us if you are unsure.
Does my building need a survey if it was built after 2000?
HSE’s advice to presume asbestos applies to buildings built or refurbished before 2000. Tell us the age of your building when you enquire and we can talk it through.
Can the building stay in use during a survey?
During a refurbishment or demolition survey the area must be empty, because the inspection is destructive. Tell us how the building is used and we can talk through access before booking.
Who is responsible for asbestos in a commercial building?
The owners and occupiers who are responsible for maintenance or repairs. Your lease or contract should show who that is.
Get a Free Quote for Your Project
Send us the address, the type of building, its rough age and the work you are planning.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Based on Health and Safety Executive guidance on the duty to manage asbestos. General guidance for Great Britain only. Get project-specific advice before relying on it.