Asbestos Domestic Management Survey – Braintree, Essex

Location: Braintree, Essex
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (CAR 2012 Compliance)
Survey Date: 3/12/2025

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Project Overview

We recently carried out an asbestos management survey at a detached family home in Braintree, Essex. The survey was requested ahead of planned redecoration and minor refurbishment works. Although the property has been modernised and well maintained, its original age made a full asbestos assessment essential to ensure safe future improvements and ongoing compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

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Survey Approach

A qualified asbestos surveyor carried out a comprehensive non-intrusive inspection of all accessible areas, including:

• Entrance hallway

• Living room and dining area

• Kitchen

• Bedrooms

• Bathroom

• Loft void

• External elevations and soffits

Sampling followed HSG264 methodology, with laboratory analysis completed by a UKAS-accredited facility. The inspection was completed quickly and without disruption to normal household use.

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Key Findings

The survey identified a number of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) commonly found in domestic properties of this era:

• Textured Coatings: Chrysotile asbestos was detected in textured ceiling coatings within the hallway and one upstairs bedroom.

• Bitumen Adhesive: The bitumen adhesive beneath older vinyl tiles in a ground-floor cupboard tested positive for asbestos.

• Warm-Air Vent Panel: A small asbestos insulating board (AIB) panel was identified behind a former warm-air vent opening, now sealed and unused.

• Loft Pipe Chase: Asbestos cement was found around a redundant flue section located in the loft void.

• Roofline Soffits: Asbestos cement soffit boards were present along part of the roof perimeter.

No asbestos was detected in the wall plaster, window boards, internal joinery, or insulation materials.

A full asbestos register with photos and condition assessments has been included in the final report.

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Recommendations

• Manage Safely in Place: All identified ACMs are suitable for continued management in situ, provided they remain undisturbed.

• Before Refurbishment: Any planned renovation work should be carried out with reference to the asbestos register to prevent accidental disturbance.

• Encapsulation: Minor AIB and cement components should be sealed or overboarded, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

• Reinspection: An annual review of ACM condition is recommended.

• Contractor Awareness: Tradespeople must be informed of ACM locations before starting work.

 

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Outcome

The homeowner now has a complete asbestos register and clear management advice, enabling safe maintenance and refurbishment. With all ACMs identified and risk evaluated, the property is fully compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and can be improved confidently and safely.