Domestic Asbestos Management Survey | Colchester, Essex

Location: Colchester, Essex
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (CAR 2012 Compliance)
Survey Date: 17/07/2025

1. Objective:

A management survey was undertaken at this residential property in Colchester to provide the homeowner with a clear understanding of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present within their home. The goal was to identify the location of these legacy materials, assess their current condition, and provide straightforward advice to ensure the family’s long-term safety and peace of mind.

2. Survey Methodology

Our surveyor performed a comprehensive walk-through assessment of the property, covering all rooms, outbuildings, and accessible spaces. The process was non-destructive, focusing on visual identification of materials known to contain asbestos from the era in which the home was built. Targeted, discreet samples were taken from materials requiring laboratory confirmation, while others were presumed to contain asbestos based on their type and appearance.

3. Key Findings

The assessment confirmed the presence of several asbestos materials common in homes of this age:

• Garage Roof: The detached garage is roofed with corrugated panels of asbestos cement. These are in a stable condition but showing signs of weathering.
• Fireplace Panel: A decorative panel surrounding the fireplace in the main living area was identified as Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB). The panel is painted and intact.
• Underlay Paper: A black paper-like material was discovered beneath the carpet in the hallway, which was confirmed to be an asbestos-containing paper underlay.
• Thermoplastic Floor Tiles: The flooring in the pantry consists of thermoplastic tiles which are presumed to contain asbestos.

Note: The full survey report contains a detailed register with photographs, locations, and specific risk information for each of these materials.

4. Conclusion & Recommendations

The presence of these materials does not pose an immediate danger, provided they are managed correctly. We recommend the following course of action for the homeowner:

1. Create a Home Safety File: Keep the asbestos survey report in a safe, accessible place. This file should be shown to any contractor or tradesperson before they begin any work in your home to prevent accidental disturbance.
2. Exercise Caution with DIY: The identified materials, especially the AIB fireplace panel and the paper underlay, can be easily damaged. Avoid drilling, sanding, or cutting into these materials. Future removal of the carpet and underlay in the hallway should be undertaken by a professional.
3. Monitor External Materials: The garage roof should be visually checked annually for any signs of breakage or significant deterioration. Professional advice should be sought if the panels become damaged.
4. Plan for Future Renovations: If you plan to renovate the living room or remove the pantry flooring, these asbestos materials will need to be safely removed by a competent contractor before work begins. A more detailed, intrusive survey may be required for those specific areas ahead of the project.

By following this guidance, you can safely co-exist with these materials and make informed decisions about future maintenance and improvements to your home.