Asbestos Domestic Management Survey – Ongar, Essex

Location: Ongar, Essex
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey
Survey Date: 4/12/2025

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Project Overview

We were instructed to complete an asbestos management survey at a large detached bungalow in Ongar, Essex. The property is of traditional construction with a combination of brickwork, rendered elevations, and distinctive bay windows, typical of mid-20th-century homes. The owner is preparing for refurbishment works, including internal modernisation and potential layout changes, and required an up-to-date asbestos register to guide safe decision-making.

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Survey Process

A qualified surveyor carried out a full non-intrusive inspection throughout the property. Areas assessed included:

• Entrance hallway

• Lounge and dining space

• Kitchen

• Bedrooms

• Bathroom

• Loft void

• Attached garage

• External soffits and fascia boards

All suspect materials were sampled in accordance with HSG264, with analysis conducted by a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

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Key Findings

The inspection identified several asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) consistent with properties of this era:

• Garage Roof Panels: The attached garage had asbestos cement sheeting to the inner roof lining. The sheets were weathered but stable.

• Textured Coatings: Asbestos was detected within ceiling textures in the hallway and one rear bedroom.

• Bitumen Adhesive: The bitumen beneath historic floor tiles in a utility cupboard tested positive for chrysotile asbestos.

• Loft Flue Section: A redundant asbestos cement flue pipe remained in place within the loft void.

• Soffit Boards: Asbestos cement soffits were identified around parts of the roof perimeter.

No asbestos was detected in the internal plaster, window boards, insulation, or recent kitchen/bathroom upgrades.

A full photographic asbestos register and material risk ratings were provided within the final report.

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Recommendations

• Safe Ongoing Management: All ACMs identified can remain in place under normal conditions, provided they are left undisturbed and monitored.

• Encapsulation: Sealing or over-boarding the garage roof lining and textured coatings is recommended to reduce the chance of disturbance.

• Before Renovation: Any future refurbishment or structural work must refer to the asbestos register before starting.

• Annual Reinspection: A yearly review is advised to ensure ACMs remain in good condition.

• Contractor Notification: All tradespeople must be informed of ACM locations and follow appropriate controls.

 

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Outcome

The survey has given the homeowner a clear, reliable overview of asbestos presence within the property, enabling safe planning for upcoming refurbishment projects. With the asbestos register now complete and compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the property can be maintained and improved with confidence.