Booking an asbestos survey for a domestic or rental property often raises the question: what will the surveyor check? Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
In this article, we'll explain what your Middle Handley asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
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.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Check the current state of each material.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Condition of Materials
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. 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.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
In most cases, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. This helps confirm:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Different Survey Types Explained
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Standard Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After the Survey?
You'll get full documentation after the survey. It contains:
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.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Key Takeaway
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Whether you're renovating a 1950s home or managing a rental flat, an asbestos survey is a practical and often essential step in keeping people safe.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Middle Handley residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Middle Handley Inspect?
- Where to Locate Reputable Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Middle Handley
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Middle Handley Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: