Quick answer: there are two main types of asbestos survey under HSE guidance HSG264: the management survey and the refurbishment and demolition survey. Alongside these, many properties also need a reinspection of known materials, or a simple sample test of one suspect material.
Ready to book? Get a fixed quote for an asbestos survey in London from £250, with a fixed written quote.
Choosing the right type matters. The wrong survey can mean paying for more than you need, or starting building work without the information your contractor needs.
The types of asbestos survey compared
| Survey type | When you need it | How intrusive? |
|---|---|---|
| Management survey | Normal occupation and day-to-day management of a building | Low: accessible areas, minor disturbance for sampling |
| Refurbishment survey | Before building work in the areas affected | High: may lift floors, open walls and ceilings |
| Demolition survey | Before full or part demolition | Full: whole structure, often when vacant |
| Reinspection | Monitoring known or presumed asbestos materials over time | Visual check, no new sampling usually |
| Asbestos testing (sampling) | One or a few suspect materials | Targeted samples only |
1. Asbestos management survey
A management survey finds asbestos-containing materials that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupation, including foreseeable maintenance. It records their location, extent and condition, and gives a risk-based recommendation for each. It is the standard survey for the duty to manage in non-domestic premises and communal areas, and it is useful for home buyers and landlords. Read about our asbestos management surveys.
2. Refurbishment asbestos survey
A refurbishment survey is needed before building work such as new kitchens, bathrooms, rewiring, extensions or strip-outs. It covers only the areas affected by the work, but it is intrusive, so the surveyor may need to look behind panels, under floors and inside ceiling voids. The areas should be vacant. Book a refurbishment asbestos survey in London.
3. Demolition asbestos survey
A demolition survey is needed before a building, or part of one, is demolished. It aims to find all asbestos-containing materials in the structure so they can be dealt with before demolition. See our demolition survey page.
4. Asbestos reinspection
If materials have been left in place, they should be checked regularly to see whether their condition has changed. A reinspection updates the asbestos register and management plan. Learn what a reinspection checks.
5. Asbestos testing and sampling
If you have one suspect material, such as an Artex ceiling, old floor tiles or a garage roof, a targeted sample may be enough. Samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Asbestos testing in London.
Which asbestos survey do I need?
- Buying, selling or letting a property: management survey
- Managing a block of flats, office, shop or school: management survey, then regular reinspections
- Planning building work: refurbishment survey of the areas affected
- Demolishing a building or structure: demolition survey
- Worried about one material: sample test
Still not sure? Read management vs refurbishment and demolition surveys, or tell us about the property and we will recommend the right survey.
How much does each type of survey cost?
Domestic management surveys start from £250, with a fixed written quote before you book. Intrusive and commercial surveys are priced on the scope. See our asbestos survey cost guide.
Get a fixed-price quote
Tell us the property address, type and what work is planned. Quote enquiries are answered within 10 minutes, 7 days a week.
Call 07707 999369 · WhatsApp · info@asbestoslondonsurvey.co.uk · Request a written quote
Our standards
- Independent asbestos surveying — we survey, sample and report; we do not remove asbestos
- BOHS P402-qualified surveyor
- Surveys carried out in accordance with HSE guidance HSG264
- Samples analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratory
- Digital reports typically issued within 24–48 hours of the site visit
FAQs
What are the two main types of asbestos survey?
Under HSE guidance HSG264, the two main types are the management survey and the refurbishment and demolition survey.
Is a Type 1, 2 or 3 survey still used?
Those are older names. Type 1 and Type 2 surveys were replaced by the management survey, and Type 3 by the refurbishment and demolition survey.
Can I have a management and refurbishment survey at the same time?
Yes. A combined survey is common when part of a building is being refurbished and the rest stays in use.
Related examples: management survey example · flat management survey example · all survey scope examples · warehouse refurbishment example · sampling vs survey.