Did you know that asbestos was widely used in UK homes until 1999? If your property was built before then, it likely has asbestos-containing materials.
You might find these in insulation, ceiling tiles, or flooring. Disrupting these during construction can release harmful airborne fibres. This can harm your health and may lead to serious legal consequences.
To ensure your extension is safe and legally compliant, an asbestos survey is often required before building work begins. But what type of survey do you need? How much does it cost? And what happens if asbestos is found?
This guide covers everything you need to know to protect your home, health, and construction project.
Key Highlights
- If your home was built before 2000, an asbestos survey may be legally required before an extension begins.
- A Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) asbestos survey is essential before any structural work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials.
- Failing to check for asbestos can lead to project delays, unexpected costs, health risks, and legal consequences.
What is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is a special inspection of a property. A qualified surveyor performs it to find, evaluate, and manage asbestos risks.
The process includes:
- Detailed on-site inspections to locate potential asbestos-containing materials.
- Laboratory testing of material samples to confirm whether asbestos is present.
- Risk assessment reports show where asbestos-containing materials are located, its condition, and advice for management or removal.
Why Is an Asbestos Survey Important Before an Extension?
Even if asbestos is present in your home, it doesn’t pose a risk unless disturbed. However, during construction, proceed with care. Drilling, sawing, cutting, or demolition can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air.
When inhaled, these fibres can lead to life-threatening illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer caused solely by asbestos exposure.
- Asbestosis: A progressive lung disease that leads to severe breathing difficulties.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos-related diseases cause around 5,000 deaths per year in the UK. Do you want to prevent exposure and comply with UK law? If so, you need an asbestos survey before renovating, extending, or demolishing buildings built before 2000.
The survey report will explain what to do if asbestos is found. This will allow you to continue safely and legally and avoid any delays.
Types of Asbestos Surveys
Two main types of asbestos surveys are designed for different purposes. Choosing the correct one is crucial to ensuring compliance and keeping your extension on track.
Management Asbestos Survey
A Management Survey represents the most fundamental level of asbestos assessment. It is intended for buildings in regular use and where no structural work is anticipated.
- Purpose: Identifies asbestos-containing materials that could degrade over time or pose a risk during normal occupancy.
- Who Needs It? Homeowners, landlords, and property managers are responsible for ongoing asbestos monitoring.
- Limitations: It is not suitable for renovations or extensions; it does not assess asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed by construction work.
If you’re planning an extension, a Management Survey is NOT enough—you’ll need a more detailed assessment.
Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Asbestos Survey
You need to carry out an R&D survey before any renovation, extension, or demolition that might disturb asbestos.
A far more detailed survey than a Management Survey that includes:
- A full inspection of the areas impacted by construction. This includes walls, ceilings, flooring, insulation, and pipework.
- Sampling & laboratory testing of suspected asbestos-containing materials to confirm asbestos presence.
A comprehensive risk report that outlines:
- Exact locations and conditions of asbestos-containing materials.
- Hazard levels and legal obligations.
- Recommendations for safe removal or containment.
Under UK law, you must conduct an R&D asbestos survey before major refurbishment or demolition of any buildings built before 2000.
For further details on asbestos compliance, visit the HSE website.
Do You Legally Need an Asbestos Survey Before an Extension?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require a risk assessment before building work might disturb asbestos. This applies to homeowners, landlords, and contractors undertaking renovations, extensions, or demolitions (GOV.UK).
Failing to comply with asbestos regulations can lead to:
Legal Penalties
HSE inspectors can issue enforcement notices or prosecute for non-compliance.
Serious Health Risks
Airborne asbestos fibres can cause irreversible lung diseases.
Project Delays & Unexpected Costs
If asbestos-containing materials are discovered mid-project, work must be halted until asbestos removal is completed.
The HSE says actions against asbestos violations have increased, which shows the importance of following the rules. (HSE Enforcement Statistics).
Who is Responsible for Arranging the Survey?
Homeowners
If you’re managing your extension project, you must arrange an asbestos survey before work begins.
Builders & Contractors
By law, contractors must request asbestos information before starting work. They are responsible for following all safety precautions and must comply with HSE regulations.
Landlords & Property Managers
When you extend a rental property or commercial building, you must carry out an asbestos risk assessment. You also need to put safety measures in place.
Even if you don’t need an asbestos survey by law, it’s a good idea. It can help avoid surprise costs, delays, and health risks.
For further guidance on landlord asbestos responsibilities, visit Shelter UK.
What Happens During an Asbestos Survey?
If you’ve never arranged an asbestos survey before, understanding the process can help you prepare. A qualified asbestos surveyor uses a precise inspection and testing process. This helps make sure your property is safe for renovation.
Step-by-Step Asbestos Survey Process
1. Initial Inspection
A licensed asbestos surveyor will check your property and inspect all the areas where construction is planned. This includes examining walls, ceilings, flooring, insulation, and pipework for potential asbestos-containing materials.
2. Sampling & Testing
If materials might have asbestos, the surveyor takes small samples. Then, they send these samples to a UKAS-accredited lab for testing.
3. Survey Report
Once test results are confirmed, the surveyor provides a detailed asbestos risk report, including:
- Exact locations & conditions of asbestos-containing materials.
- Risk assessment for disturbance or exposure.
- Recommendations for safe management or removal.
4. Next Steps
If you find asbestos, you must follow the legal rules for removal or containment before continuing with your extension.
Plan Your Extension with Confidence
Extending your home is exciting. However, ignoring asbestos risks can cause severe delays, unexpected costs, and legal problems.
Key Takeaways
- If your home was built before 2000, an asbestos survey is often legally required before an extension. Ignoring this step can lead to costly delays, legal penalties, or serious health risks.
- A professional asbestos survey ensures compliance with UK safety regulations. It identifies hidden asbestos-containing materials, allowing for safe removal or management before work begins.
- Even if asbestos is found, you have options. A licensed asbestos removal expert can effectively contain or remove asbestos-containing materials. This ensures your project runs smoothly and stays hazard-free.
Don’t take chances with hidden asbestos risks. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the process with ease. To protect your home, avoid legal risks, and keep your extension on track, schedule your asbestos survey today with Prokil.
Call 0800 048 9488 to book your asbestos survey or request a free consultation online with a UKATA-certified expert.
