Advice · updated November 2026
Do you need an asbestos survey before a refurbishment?
If the building was built before 2000 and the work will disturb its fabric, yes. A refurbishment and demolition survey must be done before work starts.
Why 2000?
Asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999. Any building from before then can contain it, commonly in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, insulation board, pipe lagging and textured coatings.
Management survey or refurbishment survey?
A management survey covers normal occupation and is not enough for building work. A refurbishment and demolition survey is intrusive. The surveyor opens up ceilings, walls and floors in the areas to be worked on to find anything hidden.
Who arranges it?
The client or building owner normally arranges the survey and passes it to the contractor before pricing. A good contractor will ask for it and will not start without it.
If asbestos is found
It is removed or made safe before the main work starts. Higher-risk materials must be removed by a contractor licensed by the HSE. Allow time and money for this when you plan the job.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Check your own situation with a qualified adviser.
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