Refurbishment & demolition survey
Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Surveys in London
A targeted, intrusive survey for areas where planned refurbishment or demolition could disturb hidden asbestos-containing materials within the building fabric.
When this survey is needed
HSE distinguishes refurbishment and demolition surveys from management surveys because planned structural work can reach concealed materials that are not accessed during normal occupation. The survey scope should match the exact area and depth of the proposed works.
For major refurbishment or demolition, HSE states that asbestos-containing materials should be identified and, where required, removed as far as reasonably practicable before the work starts.
More intrusive by design
An R&D survey may require destructive inspection to look behind finishes, within voids and inside the building fabric. Because that work can disturb suspect asbestos, the survey area should be appropriately controlled and, where required by the survey plan, vacated while intrusive inspection is carried out.
This is why a clear refurbishment scope, drawings and access arrangements are important before the surveyor attends.
What good pre-construction information looks like
Defined work area
The rooms, floors, elevations, services or structural elements affected by the planned works should be clearly identified.
Intrusive access
The surveyor needs sufficient access to inspect hidden locations that the works may disturb, not only visible surfaces.
Actionable report
The report should identify confirmed or presumed ACMs, survey limitations and information needed by designers, contractors and the client before work proceeds.
Do not commission a broader survey than the works require — or a narrower one than they need
The premium approach is scope accuracy. A limited refurbishment project may justify a tightly defined survey area, while a full strip-out or demolition requires correspondingly comprehensive intrusive access. The planned works should drive the survey scope.
Planning refurbishment or demolition in London?
Send the planned work scope, drawings where available, property details and target programme so the survey can be scoped correctly.