An asbestos surveyor and removal specialist surveys buildings for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and manages their safe removal and disposal in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Asbestos was used widely in UK construction until it was fully banned in 1999. Any building constructed or refurbished before 2000 should be assumed to potentially contain asbestos. Licensed asbestos removal is regulated by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and asbestos surveyors should be accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service). Under CAR 2012, there is a legal duty to manage asbestos in commercial premises.
What they do
- Carry out management surveys to identify and assess ACMs in occupied buildings
- Carry out refurbishment and demolition surveys before major building work
- Take samples and arrange laboratory analysis to confirm presence of asbestos
- Produce asbestos registers and management plans for commercial properties
- Carry out licensed removal of high-risk ACMs in controlled enclosures
- Dispose of asbestos waste safely at licensed disposal sites
- Carry out air monitoring and clearance certificates after removal
- Provide re-inspection surveys for asbestos in ongoing management
- Advise on the duty to manage under CAR 2012 for commercial property owners
When you need one
An asbestos survey is legally required before most refurbishment or demolition work on buildings built or refurbished before 2000.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Management survey (domestic) | £200 - £400 |
| Refurbishment and demolition survey (domestic) | £300 - £600 |
| Commercial asbestos survey | £500 - £2,000+ |
| Licensed asbestos removal (per sq m) | £50 - £150 / sq m |
| Air monitoring after removal | £300 - £600 |
| Asbestos management plan | £500 - £1,000 |
Costs depend heavily on the type and quantity of asbestos, access and the survey type. Licensed removal of lagging and insulation board is significantly more expensive than cement sheet removal. Always use an HSE-licensed contractor for licensable work and a UKAS-accredited surveyor.
Qualifications to look for
The HSE licenses contractors to carry out licensable asbestos removal work. A licence is legally required for the removal of most types of asbestos insulation, insulation board and coatings. Check that any contractor you instruct holds a current HSE asbestos licence. Verify at hse.gov.uk.
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation confirms that an asbestos surveying organisation meets the requirements of ISO 17020. A UKAS-accredited surveyor provides the highest level of assurance for survey quality and independence. Particularly important for pre-purchase and management surveys.
The British Occupational Hygiene Society qualifications - P402 (surveying and sampling) and P405 (management of asbestos in buildings) - are the standard professional qualifications for asbestos surveyors. Ensure any surveyor holds relevant BOHS qualifications.
How to find a reputable asbestos specialist
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Extension Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Where is asbestos commonly found in buildings?
In buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000, asbestos may be found in: textured coatings (Artex), insulation boards, pipe lagging, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, gutters and soffit boards, cement roof sheets, duct insulation and fire doors. An asbestos management survey will identify and assess the condition of all suspected asbestos-containing materials.
What is the difference between licensed and non-licensed asbestos work?
Most asbestos removal requires an HSE licence. Licensed work covers high-risk materials such as sprayed coatings, lagging, insulation board and any work that disturbs significant quantities of asbestos. Some lower-risk work with non-friable materials such as asbestos cement sheets can be done by a non-licensed but trained contractor, but must still comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. A specialist surveyor will advise on the category of work required.
Is asbestos always dangerous?
Asbestos is only dangerous when fibres are released into the air and inhaled. Intact and undamaged asbestos that is not going to be disturbed may be best left in place and managed rather than removed. A management survey will assess the condition and risk of each material found, and a management plan will determine the appropriate action - which may be monitoring, encapsulation or removal.