Asbestos Survey Checklist, do I Need an Asbestos Survey?

Last Updated on 6th June 2025 by Phil Collins

Making changes or buying an older property can be full of excitement, but with old buildings can be hidden health hazards, like our specialist subject asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in construction until 1999 and still poses risks in many homes today. So, the big question is how do you know if your home needs checking? We have put together this straightforward guide to help you decide.

When Was Your Property Built?

The first and most obvious question to ask yourself is, when your property was built? Homes constructed before 2000 have a high likelihood of containing asbestos somewhere in the structure.

• Pre-1985 properties have the highest risk as asbestos was used extensively in everything from insulation to decorative coatings
• 1985-1999 properties still frequently contain asbestos, though usage declined during this period
• Post-2000 properties are generally considered asbestos-free due to the complete ban implemented in 1999

If your home falls into either of the first two categories, you should seriously consider an asbestos survey before any renovation work.

Planning Renovations?

Asbestos is perfectly safe when left undisturbed. The danger comes when these materials are damaged, drilled into, or removed improperly. If you’re planning any of these activities, you almost certainly need a survey:

• Knocking through walls
• Replacing old boilers or pipework
• Removing Artex ceilings
• Replacing floor tiles
• Upgrading loft insulation
• Converting garages or outbuildings

These everyday tasks could potentially release deadly asbestos fibres if the right precautions aren’t taken.

Spotted Any Suspicious Materials?

Keep an eye out for materials that commonly contained asbestos:

• Textured coatings on ceilings and walls
• Old floor tiles (particularly 9×9 inch sizes)
• Pipe lagging and insulation
• Cement roof sheets or water tanks
• Panels behind fires or boilers

If you’ve spotted any of these and they date from before 2000, it’s worth getting them checked rather than taking any chances.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Many homeowners don’t realise they have legal responsibilities regarding asbestos. While regulations mainly target landlords and businesses, homeowners still have a duty of care toward anyone working on their property. If you’re having builders, plumbers or other tradespeople in, you should identify asbestos risks to protect them and yourself from potential liability.

Getting the Right Survey

At Armco, we recommend a Management Survey for most homeowners, which identifies asbestos-containing materials using visual inspection and minor sampling. If you are planning extensive renovations, you’ll need a more comprehensive Refurbishment Survey.

Contact Armco today for honest advice about your property’s asbestos risks and the most appropriate survey for your needs.

Published May 23, 2025