What Is an Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Survey?
An asbestos refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey is a fully intrusive inspection carried out before major refurbishment work or the demolition of a building.
Unlike a management survey, it involves destructive inspection to access hidden areas, ensuring all asbestos‑containing materials (ACMs) are identified. The findings are provided in a detailed asbestos survey report, which must be in place before any work begins.
When Is an R&D Survey Required?
An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 whenever:
- A building (domestic, commercial or industrial) is due to be demolished.
- Major refurbishment, renovation or structural work is planned.
If your property was built before 2000, you must arrange an R&D survey before work begins. This ensures all asbestos‑containing materials are identified and safely removed, protecting contractors, occupants and the public.
What Does the Survey Include?
An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is a fully intrusive inspection designed to uncover all asbestos‑containing materials in a building. When you book with Malrod, our asbestos surveyors will:
- Carry out a detailed inspection, accessing hidden areas behind walls, floors and ceilings.
- Take samples of any suspect materials for laboratory analysis.
- Record the type, location and condition of asbestos found.
- Provide a clear asbestos survey report with recommendations for safe removal before work begins.
This process ensures no asbestos is missed and that your project can proceed safely and in full compliance with UK regulations.
Who Needs an R&D Survey?
An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is required for anyone planning major works on a building built before 2000. This includes:
- Homeowners before extensions, knock‑throughs or major renovations.
- Landlords before upgrading or refurbishing rental properties.
- Commercial property owners before shop fits, office refurbs or warehouse conversions.
- Developers and contractors before demolishing or redeveloping a site.
- Industrial sites before large‑scale refurbishments or demolition projects.
If you’re unsure whether your project needs an R&D survey, our asbestos surveyors can advise you on the right type of inspection for your property.
Speak to our team
Our R&D Survey Process
When you book an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey with Malrod, we make the process straightforward:
Consultation
We discuss your project and confirm the type of asbestos survey you need.
Intrusive inspection
Our asbestos surveyors carry out a full inspection, accessing all areas of the building.
Sampling & analysis
Suspect materials are sampled and tested in a UKAS‑accredited laboratory.
Survey report
You receive a detailed asbestos survey report showing the type, location and condition of asbestos.
Next steps
We advise on safe removal and compliance before your refurbishment or demolition work begins.
Why Choose Malrod for Your R&D Survey?
50 years’ experience
We’ve been carrying out asbestos surveys and asbestos inspections since 1975.
Qualified asbestos surveyors
Our team is fully trained and accredited to deliver refurbishment & demolition surveys.
Comprehensive asbestos survey reports
Every survey includes a detailed asbestos report with practical recommendations.
Local and national coverage
We’re based in Bolton and provide asbestos surveys across the UK for domestic, commercial and industrial clients.
Trusted family‑run business
We combine professional expertise with personal service and strong family values.
With Malrod, you’ll have complete confidence that your R&D asbestos survey is carried out safely, professionally and in full compliance with UK regulations.
Learn more about Malrod
Areas We Serve
Based in Bolton, we provide R&D surveys throughout the North West and across the UK. Our qualified asbestos surveyors work with homeowners, landlords and businesses to deliver clear, reliable asbestos survey reports wherever you are based.
- Cheshire asbestos survey
- Leeds asbestos survey
- Liverpool asbestos survey
- Manchester asbestos survey
- North Wales asbestos survey
- Preston asbestos survey
Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Survey FAQs
What is an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey?
An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey (often called an R&D survey) is a fully intrusive inspection carried out before major refurbishment or demolition work. It identifies all asbestos‑containing materials (ACMs) so they can be safely removed before work begins.
Do I need an R&D survey for my project?
Yes, iif your property was built before 2000 and you’re planning refurbishment or demolition, an R&D survey is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
What’s the difference between a management survey and an R&D survey?
A management survey is non‑intrusive and designed for buildings in normal use. An R&D survey is intrusive, often involving destructive inspection, and is required before refurbishment or demolition.
Can an R&D survey be carried out in an occupied building?
No. Because it involves destructive inspection, an R&D survey should only be carried out in unoccupied areas or buildings.
What is included in an asbestos survey report?
An asbestos survey report includes details of the location, type and condition of asbestos‑containing materials, along with recommendations for management, removal or remediation to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Who can carry out an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey?
Only qualified asbestos surveyors should undertake R&D surveys. Malrod’s experienced team is fully trained and accredited to deliver asbestos surveys across Bolton and the UK.
Book Your R&D Survey Today
If you need an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey for your property, our qualified asbestos surveyors are here to help.
Call us on 01942 811591 or fill in our quick contact form and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.
Book Your Survey Today