Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys
Before any refurbishment or demolition work that could disturb asbestos, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require the presence, type and condition of asbestos to be identified, or asbestos to be presumed present. This normally means a Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) survey, which locates, as far as reasonably practicable, all asbestos-containing materials in the areas where refurbishment work is planned, or throughout the whole building where it is to be demolished.
What Is an R&D Survey?
A Refurbishment and Demolition survey is a fully intrusive inspection designed to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, all asbestos-containing materials in the areas where refurbishment work is planned, or throughout the whole building where demolition 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. For refurbishment, the scope of an R&D survey must match the scope of planned works. R&D surveys should be carried out in unoccupied areas, and the surveyed area must be shown to be fit for reoccupation before people move back in.
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
- Material assessment scores for each ACM
- Clear recommendations for removal (licensed, notifiable non-licensed, or non-licensed depending on material type and condition)
- Photographic evidence of all sample locations
- Asbestos removal specifications and contractor tender documentation (available as additional services where required and agreed within the scope)
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 surveyors, holding BOHS P402 – Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings, conduct fully intrusive inspection, accessing voids, risers, and concealed areas within the defined scope.
Laboratory Analysis
Rapid laboratory analysis: all samples are analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratories.
Survey Report
You receive a detailed report with asbestos register and clear recommendations. Removal specifications and contractor tender documentation are available as additional services where required and agreed within the scope.
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?
Asbestos removal specifications and contractor tender documentation are not standard inclusions with every refurbishment survey. They are available as additional services where required and agreed within the scope, and can help you 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.
Related Projects
See how we've delivered similar services
Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys Across the UK
Ready to Discuss Your Requirements?
Contact our team for expert advice and a detailed quotation.