Location: Colchester, Essex
Property Type: Commercial Retail Unit
Survey Type: Asbestos Refurbishment Survey (CAR 2012 Compliance)
Survey Date: 07/06/2026
Project Overview
An asbestos refurbishment survey was carried out at a commercial retail unit in Colchester, Essex. The survey was commissioned ahead of planned refurbishment works to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during the proposed alterations.
The purpose of the survey was to ensure the refurbishment project could be planned safely, with any asbestos risks identified and managed before contractors began work on site.
Survey Scope
A targeted asbestos refurbishment survey was completed within the areas affected by the proposed works. The inspection included accessible parts of the retail premises, including:
- Shop floor and customer-facing areas
- Reception and entrance areas
- Internal walls, ceilings, and floor finishes
- Service routes and voids where accessible
- Back-of-house areas where included within the planned refurbishment scope
As the survey was refurbishment-based, intrusive inspection techniques were used where required to access hidden materials and building elements likely to be affected by the works. Any suspect materials were sampled and submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The survey was carried out in accordance with HSG264 guidance.
Findings
Internal Finishes: Areas of the shop unit were inspected to assess ceiling, wall, and floor finishes that may be affected during refurbishment works.
Service Areas: Accessible service routes, boxing, and voids were reviewed where possible to check for suspect asbestos-containing materials.
Condition: Any suspect materials identified during the survey were assessed for condition, accessibility, and likelihood of disturbance during the planned works.
Other Materials: No further suspect asbestos-containing materials were identified within the accessible areas inspected beyond those noted within the survey report.
Recommendations
Refurbishment Planning: The asbestos refurbishment survey report should be reviewed by the client, principal contractor, and all trades before works begin.
Avoid Uncontrolled Disturbance: No materials suspected of containing asbestos should be disturbed until laboratory results and survey recommendations have been reviewed.
Contractor Awareness: All contractors working on site should be provided with the asbestos report before starting refurbishment works.
Further Investigation: If additional hidden materials are uncovered during the project, works should stop in that area until further assessment has been completed.
Outcome
The client now has a clear asbestos refurbishment survey report for the retail unit in Colchester. The findings allow the planned refurbishment works to be carried out safely, with asbestos risks identified before disturbance and appropriate control measures put in place where required.