What Type of Asbestos Survey Do I Need? A Complete Guide for Homeowners & Homebuyers
Whether you’re buying an older property or planning on revamping your current one, it’s natural to have questions about what’s hiding behind the walls.
For many people, the first time that they hear the word ‘asbestos’ is when it appears on a homebuyer’s survey or mid-way through renovations. Whilst it can sound alarming, asbestos doesn’t always need to be removed and many cases, it can actually be safely managed. The important thing is understanding which asbestos survey you need, as it can be confusing to know which one is the right option is for your circumstance or plans. In this guide we’ll explain the different survey types and when each one is required, as well as how they can help you to make long-term decisions about your property.
As always though, at AsMATT, we believe in giving honest, straightforward advice. If you’re still unsure which survey is right for your property, Kim and the team are always happy to talk you through your options before scheduling a visit to investigate further.
When Should You Arrange an Asbestos Survey?
The main reason to invest in a professional survey is because it removes the guesswork. Rather than relying on AI-generated advice or making assumptions based on the age of your property, you’ll receive expert guidance on exactly what you’re dealing with.
There are several reasons why homeowners arrange an asbestos survey, including:
- You’re buying an older property
- A HomeBuyer’s Survey has identified possible asbestos
- You’re planning refurbishment work
- You’re demolishing part of a property
- You’ve discovered a suspicious material
- Your property has suffered water damage that may have disturbed asbestos.
What Are the Different Types of Asbestos Survey?
Not every property requires the same type of survey and at AsMATT we offer three main options for our domestic customers:
Individual Sample Testing
If you’re only concerned about one or two specific materials, individual sample testing is often the most practical solution. Perhaps you’ve found a textured coating on the ceiling and simply want to know whether it contains asbestos or have discovered something unusual when replacing your fascias. Our surveyor will safely take samples and have them analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory; giving you a clear answer without surveying the entire property.
This is often the most cost-effective option when you only have one or two areas of concern.
Asbestos Management Survey
A Management Survey is our most common asbestos survey for homeowners; particularly when buying an older property. Its purpose is to identify any asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during normal day-to-day occupation or routine maintenance. Many people contact us after their mortgage valuation or homebuyer’s report mentions ‘possible asbestos’. Rather than leaving you wondering what that means, a Management Survey can give you a complete picture of what’s present and whether any action is needed. In many cases, homeowners are pleasantly surprised to discover that the asbestos doesn’t require immediate removal.
An AsMATT Management Survey covers:
- The entire property
- Garages and outbuildings
- Unlimited material samples where required
- A clear report explaining whether asbestos should be monitored or removed
- An indication of potential removal costs where appropriate
Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
If you’re planning building work that will disturb the structure of your property, you’ll usually need an Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Survey. Unlike a surface-level Management Survey, this is a more extensive inspection as surveyors may need to inspect behind walls, beneath floors, above ceilings or inside boxed-in areas to locate any hidden asbestos-containing materials before work begins.
This type of survey is suitable for both domestic and commercial properties and is essential before demolition work takes place.
It’s worth noting that for homeowners, the type of survey will depend on the work that you’re carrying out. For example, if you’re converting your loft but leaving the rest of your home untouched, AsMATT can carry out a combined survey, completing a Refurbishment Survey in the loft whilst carrying out a Management Survey throughout the rest of the property.
Which Asbestos Survey Do I Need?
The right survey depends on your situation but the below is a good starting point:
- Buying an older home? Management Survey
- Concerned about one or two materials? Individual Sample Testing
- Renovating your kitchen or bathroom? Refurbishment Survey
- Planning a loft conversion? Refurbishment Survey
- Demolishing a property? Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
If you’re still unsure, don’t worry! Every property is different and we’re always happy to advise before arranging a survey.
Where Could Asbestos Be Hiding in a House?
Although asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999, many properties built before 2000 may still contain asbestos-containing materials. Many people assume that asbestos is only found in roofs or garages but it was used in thousands of building products throughout the twentieth century.
Even in buildings constructed shortly afterwards, materials created in old asbestos factories may occasionally have been used, so it’s always best to have any suspect materials professionally assessed.
Depending on the age of your property, asbestos could be present in:
- Garage roofs and wall panels
- Outbuildings and sheds
- Textured coatings such as Artex
- Soffits and fascias
- Pipe boxing
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Ceiling tiles
- Asbestos insulation board (AIB)
- Airing cupboards
- Flues and chimney linings
Does Asbestos Always Need Removing?
No, and this is one of the biggest misconceptions about asbestos. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they can often be safely left in place and monitored. Removal is generally recommended when materials have become damaged or will be disturbed during refurbishment work. For example, if you’ve had a water leak that has damaged asbestos-containing materials, they may need removing because their condition has changed. The only way to know for certain is to have the material professionally surveyed.
Is Asbestos Removal Expensive?
Whilst licensed asbestos removal involves specialist equipment and strict safety procedures, the removal itself isn’t always the most expensive part of the project. In many domestic properties it’s the reinstatement work afterwards, such as re-plastering, redecorating or replacing ceilings that can cost more than the asbestos removal itself. That’s why it’s important not to assume the worst!
Why Choose AsMATT?
AsMATT is a family-run business with years of experience helping homeowners to understand and safely manage asbestos. We know that discovering possible asbestos can be worrying, which is why we take the time to explain everything clearly and answer your questions before recommending the most appropriate survey for your individual circumstances.
We also offer free local domestic visits within a 10-mile radius and will always give you honest advice before any work begins. Our aim isn’t to frighten you into unnecessary work, it’s to help you make informed decisions based on expert knowledge.
Speak to AsMATT today
If you’ve received a house buyer’s report mentioning possible asbestos or you’ve simply found a material you’re unsure about, don’t rely on guesswork. Give Kim and the friendly team at AsMATT a call and they’ll happily talk through your concerns; explain the different types of asbestos survey and help you to arrange an inspection. With the right advice, asbestos doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and we’re here to help every step of the way.