A management survey checks asbestos in a building that is staying as-is and supports your legal duty to manage it — it is largely non-intrusive. A refurbishment & demolition survey is more thorough and intrusive, and is required by law before any building, refurbishment or demolition work disturbs the fabric. In short: management = occupy safely; refurbishment & demolition = before you start works.
Management survey
The standard survey for normal occupation. It locates asbestos that could be damaged or disturbed during everyday use, assesses its condition and risk, and feeds your asbestos register and management plan. Minimal disturbance, suitable for occupied homes and workplaces.
Refurbishment & demolition survey
A fully intrusive survey required before any refurbishment or demolition. The surveyor opens up the fabric — lifting floors, opening walls and ceilings — to find asbestos that would otherwise be disturbed by the works. It is a legal prerequisite for safe building work.
Which one do I need?
If nothing is being altered, a management survey satisfies your duty to manage. If any part of the building is being refurbished, stripped out or demolished, the law requires a refurbishment & demolition survey of the affected areas before work starts.
Cost difference
A management survey is quicker and cheaper; the intrusive refurbishment & demolition survey takes longer and costs more. See our asbestos survey cost guide for typical UK prices.