If you're arranging an asbestos survey for your home or rental property, you might be wondering what exactly the surveyor will be looking for. Knowing what the survey entails will help you stay informed and take the right action afterwards.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Hartshorne looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Pipe insulation and lagging
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Potential for Disruption
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
In most cases, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. The lab determines:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Different Survey Types Explained
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
You'll get full documentation after the survey. It contains:
A list of all ACMs found.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Final Thoughts
An asbestos survey doesn't just look for the presence of asbestos-it evaluates the risk it poses and helps you plan how to deal with it responsibly. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Hartshorne residents on the site here:
- What Hartshorne Experts Check For With An Site Report
- Searching For Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Hartshorne
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Hartshorne Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: