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 Dove Holes 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. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Assess their condition.
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
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Pipe insulation and lagging
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
Each material's condition is documented. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Are Samples Taken?
Typically, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. Testing reveals:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Understanding the Survey Categories
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
What Happens After the Survey?
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Photographs and locations.
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. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Key Takeaway
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. 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 Dove Holes residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Dove Holes Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- How To Find A Responsible Dove Holes Asbestos Disposal Company
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Dove Holes Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too:
