Short answer: as a guide, laboratory analysis of a bulk sample typically costs about £30 to £50 per sample. The total you pay also depends on whether a surveyor attends to take the samples, how many materials are tested and how quickly you need the result. Your written quote confirms the total price before you book.
Typical asbestos testing prices
| Item | Typical guide |
|---|---|
| Laboratory analysis, per bulk sample | About £30 – £50 |
| Surveyor visit to take samples | Quoted for the property and the number of samples |
| Management survey including sampling | From £250 |
These are guide figures, not a quotation. Some providers list prices excluding VAT, and every property is priced on its own scope. For survey prices, see our asbestos survey cost guide.
What is included in the cost of asbestos testing?
- Sample collection by a surveyor, where a visit is needed
- Laboratory analysis to confirm whether asbestos is present and identify the fibre type
- Samples analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratory
- A digital certificate of analysis for each sample
See how the service works on our asbestos testing in London page.
What affects the price of asbestos testing?
- Number of samples: each suspect material is normally sampled and analysed separately, so more materials means more samples.
- Site visit: a surveyor attending to take the samples adds time on site, but the samples are taken with controlled techniques and their locations are recorded.
- Access: materials in roof spaces, at height or behind fixed panels take longer to reach.
- Turnaround: results needed faster than standard laboratory timescales can affect the quotation.
- Location: central London sites can involve Congestion Charge, ULEZ and parking costs. Ask whether these are included in the quoted total.
Testing kit or professional testing: which costs less?
A home testing kit usually costs less up front. Its result covers only the piece you sampled, and taking the sample yourself can disturb the material. Professional testing costs more, but a trained surveyor takes the samples, records where each one came from and can sample several materials in one visit. See asbestos testing kit vs professional asbestos testing.
When is a survey better value than testing?
- One suspect material, no building work planned: testing a sample is often enough.
- Several suspect materials: a management survey covers the accessible areas in one visit and gives you a full report.
- Building work planned: a refurbishment survey of the work area is normally needed before the fabric of the building is disturbed.
Properties constructed or refurbished before 2000 may require investigation before materials are disturbed. For a fuller comparison, see asbestos sampling vs survey: which do you need?
How to keep the cost of asbestos testing down
- Send photographs and a short description first, so the scope is clear before a visit.
- Have all suspect materials sampled in one visit, not several.
- Say why you need the result, such as a sale, a repair or planned building work, so the right service is quoted.
- Share any previous asbestos report or register for the property.
Want a price for your property? Send us a photo and the property address. Quote enquiries are answered within 10 minutes, 7 days a week. Call 07707 999369 · WhatsApp a photo · info@asbestoslondonsurvey.co.uk · Request a written quote
How we can help
- 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 issued within 24–48 hours of the site visit
FAQs
How much does asbestos testing cost?
As a guide, laboratory analysis of a bulk sample is typically about £30 to £50 per sample. The total depends on the number of samples and whether a surveyor attends to take them. Your written quote confirms the total price.
Is it cheaper to test one material than to have a survey?
Often, yes, where there is one suspect material. If several materials are involved or building work is planned, a survey is usually the more suitable option.
Does a faster result cost more?
It can. If results are needed faster than standard laboratory timescales, this can affect the quotation.
Can I take the sample myself to save money?
We do not recommend it. Taking a sample can disturb the material and release fibres. A surveyor uses controlled techniques and records where each sample was taken.