Domestic Asbestos Refurbishment Survey | Dartford, Kent

Location: Residential Property, Dartford, Kent
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (CAR 2012 Compliance)
Survey Date: 03/09/2025

Objective:

The property owner in Dartford was preparing for planned refurbishment works and required an asbestos survey to ensure any hidden asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were identified before contractors began. A refurbishment survey was carried out to safeguard both the tradespeople and residents by highlighting potential asbestos risks in all areas affected by the upcoming works.

The Plan of Attack:

Our surveyors carried out a detailed inspection of all relevant rooms and structures within the property, including loft spaces and behind service risers where works were due to take place. Unlike a management survey, a refurbishment survey is more intrusive, so controlled access techniques were used to open up walls, ceilings, and floor voids where needed. Any suspect materials were carefully sampled in accordance with HSG264 and forwarded to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.

What We Found:

Our investigation uncovered a few ACMs that had been quietly minding their own business for decades:

• Ceiling Materials: Sampling confirmed the presence of chrysotile (white asbestos) in textured coatings found in two first-floor bedrooms.
• Wall Panels: Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was identified behind the airing cupboard and was noted as being in poor condition, requiring immediate attention prior to refurbishment.
• Roofing Materials: Cement sheeting containing asbestos was recorded on the garage roof. While currently intact, removal was advised before roof works commenced.
• No asbestos was detected in vinyl flooring, kitchen splashbacks, or bathroom wall tiles, allowing refurbishment in these areas to proceed without concern.

Recommendations:

The findings provided the client with a clear plan of action before work began:

1. Licensed removal of the damaged AIB in the airing cupboard to eliminate risk to contractors.
2. Safe removal or replacement of the asbestos cement garage roof during the wider refurbishment schedule.
3. Encapsulation or careful management of textured coatings, unless these surfaces are to be disturbed during works.
4. Ensure all contractors are briefed on the asbestos register prior to starting any demolition or intrusive tasks.

By completing this refurbishment asbestos survey, the client now has the confidence that their project can move forward safely and in full compliance with HSE guidance, reducing both health risks and costly delays.