Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Survey

Request a survey today by calling us on 01623 272 611 and our team of asbestos specialists will help you out.

Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Asbestos Surveys in and around Nottinghamshire

This is a survey carried out prior to any refurbishment or demolition works. It is designed to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during such activities. The primary objective is to ensure these materials are managed safely and in full compliance with current asbestos regulations.

Our fully qualified Asbestos Surveyors operate within Nottinghamshire and a number of other areas, with a range of services including: Derby, Sheffield, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Leicester and more.

Call us today on 01623 272 611 and request an asbestos survey from your local experts.

Comprehensive Identification of Asbestos Before Works Begin

Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Asbestos Surveys are an essential requirement before any construction, renovation, or demolition work can commence. Unlike Management Surveys, which focus on day-to-day occupancy, R&D surveys are fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection techniques to access all areas of a building—whether visible or hidden. This allows for the accurate detection of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be disturbed during works, significantly reducing the risk to contractors and the public.

Legal Compliance and Health & Safety Assurance

Carrying out an R&D survey is not just best practice, it is a legal obligation under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Duty holders, project managers, and contractors must ensure a thorough survey is conducted before any invasive work begins. This helps prevent accidental asbestos exposure, which can lead to serious health consequences and legal penalties. A proper survey forms part of a robust health and safety plan, protecting workers and ensuring that asbestos removal or management is conducted in accordance with the law.

Detailed Survey Process for Accurate Asbestos Detection

R&D asbestos surveys involve a thorough and intrusive inspection of all areas where refurbishment or demolition is planned. This includes investigating behind walls, beneath floors, within ceilings, and other concealed spaces where asbestos may be present. Samples of suspected materials are safely taken and analysed in UKAS-accredited laboratories to confirm the presence and type of asbestos. The findings are then compiled into a comprehensive report, including photographs, material assessments, and clear recommendations for safe removal or management prior to any works commencing. This ensures that all potential asbestos risks are identified and controlled from the outset.

Where can asbestos be found in a property in the UK?

Cement sheets and boarding
Water tanks and flu pipes
Textured Coating (Artex)
Floor Tiles and Adhesive
Loft Insulation
Guttering , Waste Pipes and Soffits

There are a few examples of where Asbestos can be found in UK homes , for more thorough guidance read our article on where asbestos can be found in the home.

Asbestos Management Survey FAQs

A Management Survey is designed for buildings in normal use and focuses on locating surface-level ACMs. In contrast, an R&D Survey is more invasive and is specifically intended to find hidden asbestos within walls, floors, ceilings, and other inaccessible areas that may be affected by construction or demolition.

Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is a legal requirement to carry out an R&D Asbestos Survey before any refurbishment or demolition work. Failing to do so can result in legal penalties, health risks, and project delays.

The duration of the survey depends on the size and complexity of the property. A small residential property might take half a day, while larger commercial buildings could require several days. We’ll provide a clear time estimate during the booking process.

If asbestos is identified, we will clearly mark its location in the report and provide recommendations for safe removal or management. You must ensure that any asbestos is properly dealt with before refurbishment or demolition begins. We can also assist with arranging licensed asbestos removal where needed.

No. R&D Asbestos Surveys must be carried out by qualified professionals with the proper training, equipment, and insurance. Our surveyors are fully accredited and follow strict HSE guidelines and industry standards.

You should book the survey well in advance of any planned works. This ensures enough time for sampling, laboratory analysis, reporting, and—if needed—any asbestos removal before your project starts.