Asbestos Demolition Surveys
Demolition surveys are a specific type of R&D survey covering the entire building or structure scheduled for demolition. They aim to identify asbestos-containing materials as far as reasonably practicable within the survey scope, with access restrictions and limitations recorded to inform removal planning before demolition begins.
What Is a Demolition Survey?
A demolition survey is a fully intrusive asbestos survey covering the entire building scheduled for demolition. Intrusive inspection and representative sampling of suspect materials are used to identify asbestos-containing materials as far as reasonably practicable within the survey scope. Access restrictions, areas not inspected, and survey limitations are recorded in the report to inform safe planning before demolition contractors begin work. This is both a legal requirement under CAR 2012 and a practical necessity — unidentified asbestos discovered during demolition creates immediate health risks, enforcement action, and costly project delays.
When Is a Demolition Survey Required?
- Before full building demolition
- Before partial demolition of structures or building sections
- Prior to structural strip-out ahead of major redevelopment
- When demolishing temporary or prefabricated buildings
- Before removing structures containing industrial equipment
- Prior to soft-strip programmes ahead of demolition
Who Needs a Demolition Survey?
- Demolition contractors requiring pre-demolition assessments
- Property developers planning site clearance
- Local authorities disposing of redundant buildings
- Industrial operators decommissioning plant and facilities
- Construction companies managing site enabling works
- Housing associations demolishing end-of-life housing stock
What You Receive
- Full demolition asbestos survey report (HSG264 aligned)
- Comprehensive asbestos register for entire building
- Detailed location drawings and photographic evidence
- Material assessment scores for each ACM
- Removal sequence recommendations
- Guidance for regulatory notifications (HSE)
- Asbestos removal specifications and contractor tender documentation (available as additional services where required and agreed within the scope)
Our Survey Process
Pre-Survey Planning
We review building plans, historical information, and access arrangements. A pre-survey site visit may be conducted for complex buildings.
Comprehensive Survey
Our surveyors, holding BOHS P402 – Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings, conduct fully intrusive inspection within the survey scope, including voids, service risers, plant rooms, and concealed areas as far as reasonably practicable, with access restrictions and limitations recorded.
Laboratory Analysis
Rapid laboratory analysis: all samples are analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratories.
Survey Report
Full survey report with asbestos register delivered. Removal specifications and contractor tender documentation are available as additional services where required and agreed within the scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a demolition survey differ from a refurbishment survey?
A demolition survey must cover the entire building being demolished, whereas a refurbishment survey covers only areas affected by planned refurbishment works. Demolition surveys are typically more extensive and time-consuming.
What buildings require a demolition survey?
Any building or structure constructed before 2000 that is being demolished requires a pre-demolition asbestos survey. This includes all building types: residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure.
Can demolition proceed if asbestos is found?
Before demolition, asbestos must be removed so far as is reasonably practicable, unless removal would create a greater risk than leaving it in place. Removal specifications and contractor tender documentation, to help you procure licensed removal contractors, are available as additional services where required and agreed within the scope. Demolition can proceed once removal is complete and clearance certificates are issued.
Do you notify the HSE?
Licensed asbestos removal works require HSE notification. We provide guidance and documentation to support this process. The licensed removal contractor is responsible for submitting notifications.
How long does a demolition survey take?
Survey duration depends on building size and complexity. Small buildings may take 2-3 days; large industrial premises may require several weeks. We provide programme estimates during quotation.
Can you manage the entire removal process?
Yes. We provide project management services covering contractor procurement, site supervision, air monitoring, and clearance certification.
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Asbestos Demolition Surveys Across the UK
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