Asbestos R&D Survey
What is an asbestos R&D survey?
Refurbishment and demolition asbestos surveys (often called R&D surveys) are fully intrusive inspections that are legally required before major refurbishment or demolition works are carried out. The survey aims to locate, as far as is reasonably practicable, all asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within the areas that will be disturbed by the planned works.
Whether the project involves a small residential extension or the demolition of a multi-storey commercial site, the requirement is the same: an R&D survey must be completed so that any asbestos can be safely identified and removed by a licensed contractor before work begins.
When do you need an asbestos R&D survey?
You will typically need an R&D survey if you are:
- Carrying out major refurbishment or structural alterations
- Extending or reconfiguring part of a building
- Stripping out internal finishes back to the structure
- Demolishing all or part of a property
The survey covers all elements that will be impacted by the works, so the scope is tailored to your project. For partial refurbishments this may be limited to one area; for full demolition it will usually include the entire building.
Domestic properties
For houses, care homes and other residential buildings, an asbestos R&D survey provides a complete inspection of all areas within the planned scope of works. This includes sampling and laboratory analysis of any suspect materials, with findings presented in a clear, practical report.
In some cases the survey will be localised, for example if only a kitchen, cellar or single floor is being refurbished. Where a property is being demolished, the survey is usually fully intrusive across the whole building and should be carried out once the property is empty and cleared of valuable items.
Commercial & industrial buildings
R&D surveys for commercial and industrial premises follow the same principles as for domestic properties but often on a larger, more complex scale. As defined in HSG264, these are fully intrusive surveys and may involve accessing areas that are not normally opened during a standard management survey, such as floor, wall and ceiling voids.
Depending on the project, intrusive inspection techniques may be required – for example opening up voids, drilling trial holes or using inspection cameras – so works are best planned when the building is unoccupied. In some cases evening or weekend surveys can be arranged to minimise disruption.
Who is responsible?
Duty holders including architects, project managers, surveyors, contractors, landlords and business owners must ensure that a suitable R&D survey has been carried out before refurbishment or demolition begins. Any ACMs identified within the project scope must then be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor or managed safely if they are to remain in place.
Recent asbestos R&D projects
Ranson Surveying has completed R&D surveys on a wide range of properties across Halifax, Bradford and Yorkshire, including:
Areas we cover
We provide asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys in Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Keighley, Leeds and across Yorkshire, as well as for clients in the wider North West.
Book your asbestos R&D survey
If you are unsure what type of asbestos survey you need, we are happy to advise. Call us on 01422 410454 or contact us online to discuss your project.
Client Reviews
Rated 5.0 out of 5 on Google by clients across Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Keighley, Leeds and the wider Yorkshire area.
Rodney Knox
Have had a great experience. Had an urgent need to get an asbestos survey done for a mortgage application. Fast, helpful response and very competitive pricing. I’d happily recommend Ranson Surveying to others.
Laura Robotham
Dom fit us in at short notice and carried out our asbestos survey professionally from start to finish. The report was clear and thorough and the whole process was handled really well. Cheers!
Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Surveys – FAQs
What is the difference between an asbestos management survey and an R&D survey?
An asbestos management survey is designed for the normal occupation and use of a building and is mainly non-intrusive. An R&D survey is fully intrusive and is required before refurbishment or demolition, so that all asbestos likely to be disturbed by the works can be identified and dealt with safely.
Do I legally need an R&D survey before refurbishment or demolition?
Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders must identify asbestos containing materials before work is carried out that could disturb them. For major refurbishment or demolition, this will normally mean a full R&D survey within the areas affected by the project.
Can an R&D survey be carried out while the building is occupied?
In most cases, no. Because R&D surveys are fully intrusive, they can create dust, debris and temporary damage as areas are opened up. Surveys are usually carried out when the building is vacant, or outside normal hours, so that works can be completed safely without putting staff, residents or visitors at risk.
How much does an asbestos R&D survey cost?
Costs depend on the size and complexity of the building and the scope of the planned works. A small domestic refurbishment will typically be less expensive than a large multi-building commercial project. Contact us with a few details about your plans and we will provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
Which areas do you cover for R&D surveys?
We provide asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys in Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Keighley, Leeds and across Yorkshire, as well as for clients in the wider North West who need independent asbestos consultancy.
Our Projects
Ranson Surveying has over 20 years experience and have
worked on a huge variety of projects.
For more projects click on the link below.
Need an asbestos survey in your area?
Get a clear, no-obligation quote from a local BOHS-qualified asbestos surveyor.
Call 01422 410454 or send us your details and we’ll get back to you promptly.