A Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is a detailed, intrusive inspection specifically designed to locate all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a property before any structural alterations or demolition takes place. Unlike a standard management survey, which only looks at readily accessible areas, our R&D survey actively gains access to parts of the building that would normally be hidden. We'll lift floorboards, break into walls, and inspect ceiling voids – essentially, any area where refurbishment or demolition work might disturb old building materials. The survey aims to leave no stone unturned, finding all asbestos that could become an issue.

Yes, it most certainly is! Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), it’s a legal requirement for the duty holder – whether you're a homeowner undertaking a major extension, a developer, or a business owner – to ensure an R&D Survey is in place before any refurbishment or demolition work starts on a building. This applies to all non-domestic properties and can also apply to domestic premises if the work involves a professional contractor. You need to know exactly what asbestos materials are present, where they are, and their type, so they can be safely removed or managed before your project can proceed.

When you choose Southern Asbestos for your R&D Survey in Thame, you're getting a meticulously carried out inspection. Our expert team will gain intrusive access to all areas where refurbishment or demolition work is planned. We'll identify any suspect materials, including textured coatings, asbestos cement, floor tiles, and insulation boards. If we find something, we'll take samples safely and send them to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. This detailed testing tells us whether the material contains asbestos, and if so, what type and level of risk it poses. This crucial information allows you to plan your work safely and efficiently.