When asking, ‘how much does an asbestos survey cost‘, it’s important to understand that there are no standard fees involved. This is because no two buildings are exactly the same, and therefore no two surveys are ever the same.
How much you pay for your asbestos survey will depend on how your asbestos surveyor calculates their costs and what’s included in the survey.
Once you know the variables (and how they apply to your particular property) you’ll be in a better position to decide if you’ve got a good value quote.
How is the cost of an asbestos survey calculated?
Various factors will determine how much you’ll be quoted for an asbestos survey, with the most obvious being the type of work required. There are two possible asbestos surveys that could be undertaken: the Asbestos Management Survey (AMS) and the Refurbishment and Demolition Survey (R&D Survey).
An Asbestos Management Survey will typically cost less than an R&D Survey being completed on buildings of similar sizes, due to the less intrusive nature of the work.
Asbestos Management Survey (AMS)
A thorough asbestos management survey is used to locate any asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that might be disturbed during normal building occupancy.
Where access is possible, areas will be inspected for suspected ACMs. In any areas where access cannot be gained, ACMs would be assumed to be present until a full inspection can take place.
Often, the building will remain occupied during this type of survey, so samples will be taken only from unoccupied areas of the property.
Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
This type of survey is also designed to determine the presence of ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) – but in buildings scheduled for large-scale maintenance, refurbishments or demolition.
The inspection and sampling methods are much more intrusive, with complete access to all areas of the site required by the surveyor.
As this thorough approach is more likely to disturb fixtures and fittings, it’s important that the property (or area of the property being refurbished or demolished) is completely vacant whilst our inspections are being carried out.
Other factors that affect asbestos survey cost
Aside from the type of survey itself, there are other variables that can have an impact on the cost of your asbestos survey.
- The size of the building: The number of rooms or installations can impact the time it takes to complete your asbestos survey. E.g. a 2-storey office building with multiple rooms, ceiling voids, etc. may impact the time taken to inspect the surveyed areas, more than a larger, single warehouse space.
- Out-of-hours surveying: If your asbestos survey must be undertaken outside of working hours (e.g. nights or weekends), this too can impact the final cost. Especially for asbestos management surveys which may remain occupied during inspection.
- Access equipment: If we require specialist equipment, the price may increase. Examples include scissor lifts to reach high ceilings or articulated booms to enable access to hard-to-reach areas.
Domestic asbestos survey cost vs commercial property asbestos survey cost
The cost of a survey undertaken on a domestic property, compared to a commercial property, will likely be lower due to the factors listed above.
A commercial property may be larger than a domestic property, and therefore it would take longer for a surveyor to thoroughly inspect all areas where ACMs may be present.
In warehouses, access equipment may be needed, adding to the costs of your survey. In a domestic property, for example a home or garage, occupants may still be living in the building and therefore your surveyor will opt for less intrusive techniques, likely lowering the overall cost.
Need a quote for an asbestos survey?
Now you know some of the things that might factor into any quote you receive for an asbestos survey, you’ve got a clearer idea of what you’re likely to spend.
And in order to get the most accurate estimate, it’s best to provide the relevant details of your project. Complete our quick quote form to receive yours, or if you’ve any questions, please get in touch today.
Asbestos Survey Cost: FAQs
Do asbestos survey costs vary by region?
Yes, asbestos survey costs can vary by region. This is because, if the location you require a survey in is far in relation to our offices, part of the costs will be used to cover travel.
Do asbestos survey costs include the laboratory analysis of samples?
Yes, asbestos survey costs usually include the laboratory analysis of samples – covering the home inspection, sample collection and the detailed final report.
But it’s important to note that the final price can vary depending on:
- The number of samples taken
- The size & type of the property
- The complexity of the project (e.g. accessibility to the area that requires surveying)
- The type of survey needed
- Whether the asbestos survey company uses an in-house laboratory or outsources the testing. At Pillars Environmental, we outsource all of our asbestos testing to a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
How can I get an accurate asbestos survey quote?
Contacting us with the exact measurements of the building/area you require surveying, as well as informing us of any accessibility issues will help you get the most accurate asbestos survey quote possible. Here is some other information you should also provide:
- The type of building: Commercial asbestos survey costs are usually higher as the buildings are generally bigger.
- When is best to survey: Out-of-hours (such as nights or weekends) surveys will increase the final cost.
For a better idea of how much your asbestos survey may cost, please contact us today.
Does home insurance cover the cost of an asbestos survey?
No, home insurance does not usually cover the cost of an asbestos survey. Unless the survey is required as a result of an insurance-covered claim event, e.g. fire or storm damage.
