Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys
Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) surveys are legally required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 before any work that will disturb the building fabric. These intrusive surveys locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials in the areas where work is planned.
What Is an R&D Survey?
A Refurbishment and Demolition survey (formerly Type 3 survey) is a fully intrusive inspection designed to identify all asbestos-containing materials in areas where refurbishment or demolition work is planned. Unlike management surveys, R&D surveys involve destructive inspection — accessing behind walls, above ceilings, below floors, and within building fabric. The survey must be completed before contractors begin any intrusive work, enabling appropriate removal or control measures to be implemented. The scope of an R&D survey must match the scope of planned works.
When Is an R&D Survey Required?
- Before any refurbishment work that disturbs the building fabric
- Prior to full or partial demolition of any building
- Before stripping out fixtures, fittings, or services
- When extending, altering, or reconfiguring building spaces
- Before removal of suspended ceilings, partition walls, or floor coverings
- Prior to work on heating, plumbing, or electrical systems in older buildings
Who Needs an R&D Survey?
- Property developers and investors planning refurbishment
- Main contractors preparing for site works
- Building owners commissioning alteration projects
- Demolition contractors requiring pre-demolition assessments
- Fit-out contractors before interior works
- Facilities managers planning major maintenance programmes
What You Receive
- Full R&D asbestos survey report aligned with HSG264
- Comprehensive asbestos register for surveyed areas
- CAD drawings or detailed location plans showing all ACMs
- Risk assessment with material and priority scores
- Clear recommendations for licensed/non-licensed removal
- Contractor tender documentation and removal specifications
- Photographic evidence of all sample locations
Our Survey Process
Scope Agreement
We review your project scope, access arrangements, and programme to ensure the survey covers all areas affected by planned works.
Intrusive Survey
Our BOHS P402 qualified surveyors conduct fully intrusive inspection, accessing voids, risers, and concealed areas within the defined scope.
Laboratory Analysis
All samples are analysed by UKAS ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Results typically available within 24-48 hours.
Report & Specification
You receive a detailed report with asbestos register, removal specification, and clear guidance for contractor procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a refurbishment survey and a demolition survey?
Both are R&D surveys but differ in scope. A refurbishment survey covers only areas affected by planned works. A demolition survey must cover the entire building or structure being demolished. We scope each survey to match your project requirements.
Can work start before the R&D survey is complete?
No. The law requires that asbestos surveys are completed before work begins. Starting work without an R&D survey is a breach of CAR 2012 and CDM 2015 regulations, with potential enforcement action and prosecution.
How long does an R&D survey take?
Timescales depend on building size and access complexity. A typical commercial unit takes 2-5 days. We provide estimated timescales during quotation and work with your programme.
What happens if asbestos is found?
If asbestos is identified, we provide clear guidance on removal requirements. Licensed asbestos removal contractors must be used for high-risk ACMs. We can coordinate the entire removal process if required.
Do you provide removal specifications?
Yes. Our R&D survey reports include removal specifications suitable for contractor tendering. This enables you to obtain competitive quotes from licensed removal contractors.
Can you coordinate the removal works?
Yes. We provide full project management for asbestos removal works, including contractor procurement, site supervision, and clearance certification.
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Ready to Discuss Your Requirements?
Contact our team for expert advice and a detailed quotation.