Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding the purpose and scope of the survey can help you feel more prepared-and ensure you know what steps to take once the results come in.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Creswell looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
During the survey, professionals will:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Condition of Materials
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
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
In most cases, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
Different Survey Types Explained
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Next Steps Following the Survey
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Conclusion
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. 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. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Creswell residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Creswell Aim To Find?
- How To Find A Responsible Creswell ACM Disposal Site
- Where To Look For ACMs In Creswell Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: