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Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys – Licensed Type 3 Surveys UK
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is a legal requirement before any work that disturbs the fabric of a building can begin. This applies to commercial, industrial and domestic properties built before 2000 where refurbishment, structural alterations or demolition are planned. AMG delivers UKAS-accredited refurbishment and demolition asbestos surveys across the UK, helping project managers, architects, principal contractors and facilities managers meet their legal obligations before work starts. With fully licensed surveyors, UK-wide coverage and same-week attendance available, we provide the technical information needed to keep projects compliant and on schedule. Call our survey team today or request a quotation online to arrange your refurbishment asbestos survey or demolition asbestos survey.
Get a Quote for Your Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
Whether you’re planning a refurbishment, structural alteration or complete demolition project, AMG provides the technical expertise and regulatory knowledge needed to help you proceed safely and compliantly. Request a free, no-obligation quotation through our online enquiry form.
What Is a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey?
A refurbishment and demolition (R&D) asbestos survey is the most comprehensive type of asbestos survey carried out before intrusive building work. Previously referred to as a Type 3 asbestos survey under MDHS100, it is now defined within HSG264 – Asbestos: The Survey Guide as the required survey for refurbishment and demolition projects. Its purpose is to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during planned works, allowing them to be managed safely before construction begins.
Unlike a management survey, an R&D survey is intentionally intrusive. Surveyors may need to lift floor coverings, open service risers, inspect ceiling voids, remove boxing, access wall cavities or expose concealed building elements where asbestos-containing materials may be present. Where necessary, destructive inspection techniques are used to ensure no hidden ACMs remain unidentified before work starts. This approach reduces the risk of accidental asbestos disturbance, protects workers on site and helps duty holders comply with current legislation.
It is important to distinguish a management asbestos survey from a refurbishment and demolition survey.A management survey is designed to support the safe occupation and routine maintenance of a building, identifying asbestos that could be disturbed during normal use. In contrast, a refurbishment and demolition survey is specifically required before any work that affects the building fabric, regardless of whether a management survey already exists. If refurbishment or demolition is planned, relying on a management survey alone is not sufficient to meet legal requirements.
Management Survey vs Refurbishment &
Demolition Survey
| Management Asbestos Survey | Refurbishment & Demolition Survey |
| Supports normal building occupation and routine maintenance | Required before refurbishment or demolition work |
| Generally non-intrusive with limited access | Intrusive and destructive where necessary |
| Commissioned by duty holders managing occupied premises | Commissioned by project managers, principal contractors, architects and building owners before intrusive works |
| Used during normal building use | Required before structural alterations, major refurbishment or demolition |
When Is a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey Required?
A refurbishment and demolition (R&D) asbestos survey is required before any work that will disturb the structure or fabric of a building constructed before 2000. The survey ensures asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified before work begins, allowing them to be managed safely and helping duty holders comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Proceeding without the appropriate survey can expose workers and occupants to asbestos fibres, create project delays and result in legal consequences.
An R&D survey is typically required in the following situations:
- Full demolition of commercial, industrial or domestic buildings.
- Structural alterations, including removing or altering walls, ceilings, floors, roofs or stairwells.
- Installation projects requiring access to the building fabric, such as HVAC systems, electrical rewiring, plumbing installations or fire protection upgrades.
- Major refurbishment works where existing asbestos records are unavailable, incomplete or no longer reflect the current condition of the building.
- Commercial property acquisitions or disposals where refurbishment is planned before occupation or redevelopment.
Even where a management asbestos survey has already been completed, it does not replace a refurbishment and demolition survey. Management surveys are intended for the ongoing occupation and routine maintenance of a building, whereas an R&D survey is specifically required before intrusive work begins. Before any refurbishment or demolition project proceeds, all asbestos-containing materials within the affected areas must be identified and appropriately managed.
AMG’s Refurbishment & Demolition Survey Process
At AMG, every refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey follows a structured process designed to provide accurate information, support regulatory compliance and minimise delays to your project.
Step 1
Project Instruction and Scope Review
Once instructed, we discuss your project requirements, building details, proposed works and access arrangements. This enables us to define the survey scope and ensure the inspection covers every area affected by the planned refurbishment or demolition.
Step 2
Site Survey by a BOHS P402-Qualified Surveyor
A BOHS P402-qualified surveyor carries out an intrusive inspection of the property. This may involve opening ceilings, wall voids, service risers, floor coverings and other concealed areas where asbestos-containing materials may be present.
Step 3
Bulk Sampling
Where suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified, representative bulk samples are carefully collected using controlled procedures. Samples are securely labelled and transferred to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Step 4
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are analysed using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) to determine whether asbestos fibres are present and, where applicable, identify the asbestos type. This provides accurate laboratory confirmation to support project planning and regulatory compliance.
Step 5
Comprehensive Survey Report
Following analysis, you’ll receive a detailed written report showing where asbestos is present, its condition and the recommended action before work begins. Reports are typically issued within 3–5 working days.
Step 6
Ongoing Project Support
Where asbestos is identified, AMG can continue supporting your project through asbestos removal, asbestos disposal, air monitoring and clearance testing, providing a seamless service from initial survey through to project completion.
What’s Included in Your Refurbishment & Demolition Survey Report
Your report gives your project team the information needed to plan works safely and compliantly. It includes:
- The location of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
- Laboratory sample results
- Material condition and accessibility
- Risk assessment findings
- Annotated plans and photographs where applicable
- Recommendations for management, removal or encapsulation before work begins
24-hour emergency attendance is available where project timescales require urgent survey work.
Coverage Across the UK and Sectors We Support
AMG delivers refurbishment asbestos surveys and demolition asbestos surveys for organisations across the UK. Our survey teams support projects of all sizes, from individual commercial premises to large multi-site portfolios, providing consistent service, regulatory compliance and responsive attendance wherever work is planned. We offer nationwide coverage with same-week appointments available in many locations, helping clients keep refurbishment and demolition programmes on schedule.
We regularly carry out refurbishment and demolition surveys for:
- Commercial offices
- Retail premises
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- NHS and healthcare buildings
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Housing associations
- Local authorities
- Private homeowners undertaking major refurbishment or demolition
Trusted Standards and
Accreditations
AMG works to recognised industry standards, giving clients confidence that every survey is completed accurately and in accordance with current legislation.
Accreditations
- UKAS Accredited
- CHAS Accredited
- SafeContractor Approved
- Constructionline Registered
Get in touch with Asbestos Management Group
Ensure your site is free of asbestos before risking disturbing it. For advice on how to proceed and a free quote for your survey, call 01689 452 003 or send an email to sales@amg.org.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a refurbishment and demolition survey take?
The time required depends on the size, complexity and accessibility of the building. A small property may take half a day to survey, while a large commercial or industrial site may require several days to complete.
Can I carry out work while waiting for the survey report?
No. Refurbishment or demolition work must not proceed until the survey has been completed, the report issued and any asbestos-containing materials identified and appropriately accounted for before intrusive work begins.
What happens if asbestos is found?
If asbestos-containing materials are identified, AMG will provide recommendations for their safe management, encapsulation or removal. We can also manage the asbestos removal process, disposal and any required clearance testing to support your project through to completion.
How much does a refurbishment and demolition survey cost?
The cost of a refurbishment and demolition survey depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the building and the scope of the proposed works. Contact our survey team for a same-day, no-obligation quotation tailored to your project.
Do I need a new survey if one has already been completed?
If the previous survey was a management asbestos survey, then yes. A refurbishment and demolition survey is still required before any intrusive refurbishment or demolition work takes place because it is specifically designed to identify asbestos-containing materials within the areas affected by the planned works.
When Is a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey Required?
A refurbishment and demolition (R&D) asbestos survey is required before any work that will disturb the structure or fabric of a building constructed before 2000. The survey ensures asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified before work begins, allowing them to be managed safely and helping duty holders comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Proceeding without the appropriate survey can expose workers and occupants to asbestos fibres, create project delays and result in legal consequences.
An R&D survey is typically required in the following situations:
- Full demolition of commercial, industrial or domestic buildings.
- Structural alterations, including removing or altering walls, ceilings, floors, roofs or stairwells.
- Installation projects requiring access to the building fabric, such as HVAC systems, electrical rewiring, plumbing installations or fire protection upgrades.
- Major refurbishment works where existing asbestos records are unavailable, incomplete or no longer reflect the current condition of the building.
- Commercial property acquisitions or disposals where refurbishment is planned before occupation or redevelopment.
Even where a management asbestos survey has already been completed, it does not replace a refurbishment and demolition survey. Management surveys are intended for the ongoing occupation and routine maintenance of a building, whereas an R&D survey is specifically required before intrusive work begins. Before any refurbishment or demolition project proceeds, all asbestos-containing materials within the affected areas must be identified and appropriately managed.