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.
This guide outlines what Hadfield asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Check the current state of each material.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
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
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Material Integrity Assessment
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
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 depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Standard Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After the Survey?
You'll get full documentation after the survey. Your report will show:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Conclusion
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Hadfield-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. 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.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Hadfield residents on the site here:
- What Hadfield Inspectors Look For With Their Building Survey
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Hadfield
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Hadfield Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: