At FRA London, we provide trusted, fully insured fire safety services for homes and businesses across London. Our qualified team offers independent, cost-effective solutions tailored to your property, ensuring full compliance and complete peace of mind.
Asbestos Survey London
Asbestos was not fully banned in the UK until 1999, so any London property built or refurbished before 2000 may contain it, and you will not know from looking. FRA London carries out management, refurbishment and demolition surveys across every London borough to the HSE’s HSG264 guidance, with every sample analysed at an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory.
Starts from£249plus VAT, fixed and quoted before we attend
- Report within 48 hours
- Every London borough
- Independent UKAS lab results
Get Instant Booking
Choose your property type and book online, or ask for a custom quote.
Prefer to talk? 020 4634 6089
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Is an asbestos survey a legal requirement?
An asbestos survey locates asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building, records their condition and shows how they should be managed. Knowing your legal duties helps property owners, landlords and businesses arrange the right survey before maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work.
Non-domestic properties: the duty to manage
The duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises is, in general terms, placed on the dutyholder by Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This means taking reasonable measures to locate asbestos, understand its condition, keep records and manage the risks.
Landlords and communal areas
Residential building managers and landlords may also have responsibilities for asbestos management. Depending on the situation, these can include communal corridors, stairwells, plant rooms and shared service areas.
Before refurbishment or demolition
A suitable refurbishment or demolition survey should identify asbestos-containing materials in the affected areas before the work begins. The right survey and your legal responsibilities vary with the property and the project. The HSE’s HSG264 survey guide sets out the standard we work to.
Which survey do I need: management, refurbishment or demolition?
Choosing the right asbestos survey depends on how a property is used and whether building work is planned. The different types of asbestos survey let owners, landlords and businesses identify possible risks and organise the right surveying before work begins.
Management asbestos survey in London
Suitable for buildings in normal use. It identifies asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during everyday activity, records their condition and supports your asbestos management.
Best for: occupied buildings with no work planned
Refurbishment asbestos survey in London
Required before refurbishment work that may affect the structure of the building. It is an intrusive investigation of the area where work is planned, including concealed areas the work will disturb.
Best for: extensions, conversions, kitchens, bathrooms and walls
Demolition asbestos survey in London
Required before demolition work in the relevant areas. It identifies asbestos-containing materials before demolition begins, so the right precautions can be arranged.
Best for: demolishing all or part of a building
Under HSG264, refurbishment and demolition surveys form one fully intrusive survey type. The scope always depends on the work you are planning.
Which asbestos survey do you need?
The right survey depends on the type of property, how it is used and what you plan to do next. Find your situation below.
| Your situation | Survey you need | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Managing a building, no work planned | Management survey | Locates asbestos that could be disturbed during normal occupancy and everyday maintenance, and assesses its condition. |
| Letting a property with communal areas | Management survey | The duty to manage under Regulation 4 applies to the common parts of residential buildings. |
| Buying or selling a pre-2000 property | Management survey | Establishes what is there before you commit. |
| Planning a refurbishment, extension or conversion | Refurbishment and demolition survey | Fully intrusive. Locates asbestos in areas a management survey does not reach: inside walls, under floors and above ceilings. |
| Removing a kitchen, bathroom or partition wall | Refurbishment and demolition survey | Any work breaking into the fabric needs this, however small it seems. |
| Demolishing all or part of a building | Refurbishment and demolition survey | Must cover the whole area to be demolished. |
| Re-checking asbestos you already know about | Re-inspection | Not a third survey type. A repeat condition assessment under your existing management plan. |
For occupied properties
A management survey is generally right for buildings in normal use. A commercial asbestos survey helps businesses and those responsible for non-domestic premises understand where asbestos-containing materials are and what condition they are in. A residential asbestos survey suits a house or flat that needs assessing before maintenance or improvement work.
For renovation and building work
A refurbishment survey should cover the area to be refurbished or altered, including walls, ceilings, floors and other building components the work affects. This finds possible asbestos hazards before a contractor starts.
For demolition projects
A demolition survey is needed before demolition and should cover the areas in question. It involves an intrusive inspection to find asbestos-containing materials before the work starts.
Already have a report? Check that it covers your planned work. For refurbishment or demolition, an existing management survey may not be enough.
Not sure which survey you need?
Describe your property and the work you are planning, and we will tell you.
Asbestos survey cost in London
Fixed prices, quoted before we attend. All prices are plus VAT and may vary with property location, congestion and parking charges.
Residential asbestos surveys
Homes, flats and communal areas
From£249+ VAT
Commercial asbestos surveys
Shops and commercial premises
From£379+ VAT
Refurbishment and demolition surveys
Before building work starts
PricedPer property
Quoted per property, because the scope depends on the work you are planning.
- Fixed price quoted before we attend
- Fully intrusive survey of the work area
- Scope agreed with you before booking
What changes the price
Property sizeNumber of samplesLocationCentral London congestion and parking
Residential and commercial prices above are for management surveys. Choose your property size to start your booking.
Every survey includes
The same standard on every job, whatever the size of the property.
- Fixed price, quoted before we attend
- Surveyor working to HSG264 guidance
- Samples analysed at a UKAS-accredited lab
- Report within 48 hours of lab results
- Register, floor plans and photographs
- Clear advice on your next steps
Rated 4.9 on GoogleFrom 105 customer reviews
How the asbestos survey works
We make arranging an asbestos survey as simple as possible, from the first conversation about your building’s potential asbestos risks to the final report and recommendations.
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1
Initial consultation
Tell us about your property, how it is used and why you need the survey. We confirm whether a management survey or a refurbishment or demolition survey is the right one.
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2
Scope and quotation
We agree the areas to inspect, any access needs and what asbestos information already exists, then send a fixed quote based on that scope.
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3
Inspection and sampling
The surveyor checks the agreed areas, reviews relevant documents and assesses conditions. Samples go to a UKAS-accredited laboratory where appropriate. Inaccessible areas are recorded.
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4
Report and recommendations
You receive a report with findings, photographs, location details, laboratory results where applicable and recommendations for managing the risks identified.
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5
Guidance on next steps
The report shows whether materials can be managed in place, monitored, investigated further or removed. We also advise on management plans and re-inspections.
What is included in an asbestos survey report?
A professional report gives property owners, landlords and contractors the essential information on any known or suspected asbestos-containing materials, and the measures needed to deal with the risks.
Asbestos register and room-by-room findings
Where asbestos was found or is presumed, its condition and the information relevant to each material.
Floor plans, diagrams and photographs
Visual records that show where materials are and support future maintenance, inspections and building work.
Sample log and laboratory data
Where samples are taken, the report documents them and includes the relevant laboratory findings.
Risk assessment and recommendations
Whether materials can be managed in place, need monitoring, or require further investigation or removal.
Survey limitations
Inaccessible areas and other limits are identified. Further investigation may be needed before work in areas that could not be inspected.
What happens if asbestos is found?
Finding asbestos does not necessarily mean removing it. The right response depends on its condition, its location and how likely it is to be disturbed.
1
Record the findings
The surveyor documents where identified or presumed asbestos-containing materials are, with their condition and relevant details. Laboratory results are included where samples were taken.
2
Choose the right response
Materials in good condition can be managed in place if they are unlikely to be disturbed. Damaged materials, or those likely to be affected by planned work, may need extra controls, further investigation or removal.
3
Put safety measures in place
You may need to restrict access, inform contractors, monitor the material or arrange specialist removal. Removal must be done by competent contractors, and by licensed contractors where the law requires.
4
Update the asbestos records
If asbestos management duties apply, update the register and management plan with the findings and decisions, and give contractors and maintenance staff the information before work starts.
Questions about damaged or disturbed asbestos? Read our asbestos FAQs or call 020 4634 6089.
How long is an asbestos survey report valid?
No fixed expiry date
Its suitability depends on the current state of the property, the scope of the survey and the work that is planned. A survey from several years ago on a building that has since been altered should not be relied on.
When should you arrange a further inspection?
Arrange another inspection if asbestos-containing materials appear to be in poor condition, if the building is changed, or if areas of the building were not covered by the original report.
How often should asbestos be re-inspected?
Review your asbestos records and management plan regularly. How often to re-inspect depends on the condition of the materials, how likely they are to be disturbed and your risk assessment. At least once a year is a common benchmark.
Why choose FRA London for your asbestos survey?
Independent, UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis
Every sample we collect is analysed at an independent UKAS-accredited testing laboratory working to ISO/IEC 17025. Surveys follow the HSE’s HSG264 guidance.
Transparent, tailored service
Clear communication and itemised quotes are our priorities. We quote a fixed price before we attend and tailor the survey to your property, your plans and your timescale, so you know where you stand from the start.
What to check before you hire an asbestos surveyor
Review the provider’s relevant experience, the survey scope and the report you will receive before booking. Ask how samples will be analysed and whether the laboratory is accredited for the testing needed. A clear scope avoids gaps in the information you need to manage asbestos risks.
Check accreditation and experience
Ask about qualifications, experience and quality assurance arrangements. Confirm who will carry out the inspection and who will write the report.
Confirm the survey scope and price
Make sure the quotation names the survey type, areas covered, sampling arrangements, report deliverables and any extra fees. The cheapest quote may leave out areas you need.
MU
Page reviewed by
M Umar Iqbal, Operations Manager at FRA London
Umar reviews this page to check that the process, pricing and booking details are accurate. He is a trained fire risk assessor who has spent more than two years working alongside our assessors on inspections across London, after seven years as a Gas Safe and electrical engineer in building compliance.
Fire risk assessor trainedGas Safe and electrical engineer
What our customers say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 105 Google reviews.
Our asbestos services
Asbestos surveys
Management, refurbishment and demolition surveys that identify asbestos-containing materials in your property, following HSG264 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for accurate identification and risk assessment.
Asbestos testing and sampling
Samples of suspect materials go to a UKAS-accredited laboratory to confirm whether asbestos is present and which type. Reports set out the type, location and condition of what we find, so you can decide whether to manage or remediate.
Asbestos removal advice
If asbestos needs to be removed, we explain what the work involves and what the law requires. Licensable work must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Asbestos management and consultancy
Management plans, regular re-inspections and professional guidance to help you stay compliant. We help create tailored plans and carry out risk assessments to manage asbestos on your property.
Who we survey for
Domestic
Homeowners, sellers and buyers who want peace of mind before work, a sale or a purchase.
Commercial and retail
Shops, warehouses and other commercial buildings that need safe premises and compliant records.
Construction
Pre-refurbishment and pre-demolition surveys so projects start legally and safely.
Education and healthcare
Schools, hospitals and care settings where careful, well-recorded surveys matter.
Utilities and industrial
Large industrial buildings and utility sites that need thorough surveys and management plans.
Need more than an asbestos survey? See our fire risk assessment service, the combined fire risk assessment and asbestos survey, or a legionella risk assessment.
Asbestos surveys across London
Our surveyors cover every London borough from our office on Upper Street, Islington.
Asbestos survey FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most from landlords, businesses and homeowners.
The survey and the law
What are the types of asbestos survey?
HSG264 describes two main types: a management survey and a refurbishment and demolition survey. We scope them as management, refurbishment or demolition surveys depending on how the building is used and what work is planned. A management survey locates asbestos that could be disturbed during normal use. A refurbishment or demolition survey is fully intrusive and is needed before work that breaks into the building fabric.
Is an asbestos survey a legal requirement?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the dutyholder for a non-domestic building must take reasonable steps to find out whether asbestos is present, assess its condition, keep a record and manage the risk. A survey is the usual way to do this. Landlords may also have duties for the communal areas of residential buildings, and a suitable refurbishment or demolition survey is needed before work that could disturb asbestos.
Which type of asbestos survey do I need?
You need a management survey if you occupy or manage a building and no work is planned. You need a refurbishment and demolition survey if you are about to do work that breaks into the building fabric, including small jobs such as removing a kitchen or a stud wall. If you are unsure, describe the property and the work and we will tell you.
What happens during an asbestos survey?
The surveyor inspects the agreed areas, records what they find and takes samples of suspect materials for laboratory analysis. Any inaccessible areas or limitations are noted. You then receive a report with the findings, photographs, laboratory results and recommendations.
Can I stay in the property during the survey?
For a management survey, generally yes. Sampling is brief and controlled, and we will ask you to keep clear of the specific area while it is done. For a refurbishment and demolition survey the area must normally be empty, because it involves opening up the structure. Your surveyor will explain any access limits and precautions before work starts.
What safety precautions are taken?
Surveyors wear protective equipment, handle samples carefully and follow strict decontamination procedures, so everyone on site stays safe.
Cost, booking and your report
How much does an asbestos survey cost in London?
Management surveys start at £249 plus VAT for a 1-2 storey communal area, £299 plus VAT for up to two bedrooms and £399 plus VAT for up to five bedrooms. Commercial premises start at £379 plus VAT for a shop up to 200 square metres. Refurbishment and demolition surveys are quoted per property. The price varies with size, sample count and location, and central London congestion and parking are a real cost. We quote a fixed price before we attend.
How quickly will I get the report?
Within 48 hours of the survey, once laboratory results are back. Laboratory analysis is typically 24 to 48 hours. If you need it faster, tell us when you book.
How long is an asbestos report valid for?
There is no fixed expiry date. The register should be kept current and conditions re-inspected periodically, and at least annually is a common benchmark. Review it whenever the building changes, work is done or a material is damaged. A survey from several years ago on a building that has since been altered should not be relied on.
What should I check before hiring an asbestos surveyor?
Check the surveyor’s relevant experience and qualifications, who will carry out the inspection and who will write the report. Ask how samples will be analysed and whether the laboratory is accredited for the testing needed. Make sure the quote names the survey type, the areas covered, any access requirements and any extra fees.
Which areas of London do you cover?
We carry out asbestos surveys in every London borough from our office on Upper Street, Islington. See our North, South, East, West and Central London pages for local details.
If asbestos is found
What happens if you find asbestos?
Usually less than people expect. Asbestos in good condition, where it is unlikely to be disturbed, is generally safer managed in place than removed, because removal is the moment fibres are released. Your report sets out, material by material, whether to leave and monitor, protect, repair or remove.
Can asbestos be left in place?
Yes, where materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed. Their location and condition should be recorded, with suitable controls and periodic checks.
When does asbestos need to be removed?
Removal may be needed where materials are damaged, present an unacceptable risk or will be disturbed by planned work. A competent professional should assess first. Work covered by the HSE licensing rules must be done by a licensed contractor.
What should you do if asbestos is damaged?
Stop work and, if it is safe, keep people out of the affected area. Do not touch or clean up the material. Wait until you have spoken to a competent asbestos professional before work resumes.
What if asbestos is accidentally disturbed?
Stop work immediately, keep people away from the area where possible and do not try to clean up. If you suspect asbestos, speak to a qualified asbestos professional who can assess the situation and advise on what to do.
Still have a question?
Describe your property and the work you are planning. We will tell you which survey you need and send a fixed price before we attend.
Rated 4.9 on GoogleFrom 105 customer reviews
Or email info@fralondon.co.uk
Last updated 6 November 2026. This page is general guidance. For advice on your property and your duties, call 020 4634 6089.