REFURBISHMENT
& DEMOLITION
SURVEYS IN ESSEX
A critical requirement for any demolition project in Essex, London, and Kent is understanding the potential risks of asbestos. We are here to ensure your demolition projects proceed safely and in compliance with all regulatory standards.
50+ Years Industry Experience
BOHS P402 Qualified Surveyors
UKAS Accredited Laboratory Testing
72-Hour Report Turnaround

Managing Asbestos Risks Before Refurbishment or Demolition
This survey is designed to locate and assess all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), as far as reasonably practicable, within the areas affected by planned works. For refurbishment projects, it focuses specifically on the parts of the building where work will take place, while for demolition, it covers the entire structure to ensure a complete assessment of asbestos risks.
A Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) survey is a highly intrusive process that involves destructive inspection methods to access hidden and hard-to-reach areas. This level of detail is essential for identifying asbestos prior to any work starting, helping to prevent exposure and ensure a safe working environment.
What You Can Expect
Each refurbishment & demolition survey is completed by experienced surveyors using intrusive inspection methods where necessary, with clear reporting and practical recommendations provided to support safe and compliant refurbishment or demolition projects.
- Surveys completed by BOHS P402 certified asbestos specialists
- Sample testing carried out by an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory
- Condition-based material risk assessments
- Digital asbestos register prepared in line with HSG264 guidance
- Clear recommendations for ongoing management or remedial action
- Floor plans highlighting identified ACM locations
- Rapid turnaround on all survey reports
- Fully insured professional surveying service

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) asbestos survey?
An R&D asbestos survey is a fully intrusive inspection carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work. Its purpose is to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) so they can be safely managed or removed prior to work starting.
Is an R&D survey a legal requirement?
Yes. If you are planning refurbishment or demolition work on a property built before 2000, an R&D asbestos survey is required to comply with asbestos regulations and ensure safety.
How is an R&D survey different from a management survey?
A management survey is non-intrusive and designed for buildings in normal use. An R&D survey is far more invasive and involves opening up walls, ceilings, and floors to find hidden asbestos before construction work begins.
Will the survey damage the property?
Yes, to some extent. R&D surveys are intentionally intrusive and may involve breaking into building materials to access concealed areas. For this reason, they are usually carried out in vacant properties or areas due for refurbishment.
Can the building be occupied during the survey?
In most cases, no. Because of the intrusive nature of the survey and potential exposure risks, the area being surveyed should be vacated beforehand.
How long does an R&D asbestos survey take?
The time required depends on the size and complexity of the building, but surveys can range from one day to several days for larger or more complex sites.
What happens if asbestos is found?
Any identified or presumed asbestos must be safely removed or managed before refurbishment or demolition work begins. The survey report will clearly outline what action is required.
Do I need an R&D survey for small renovation works?
If the work is likely to disturb the building fabric (e.g. removing walls, ceilings, or structural elements), then yes—an R&D survey is required regardless of project size.
When will I receive the report?
We provide a fast turnaround, with detailed reports typically delivered within 72 hours of survey completion.
