The asbestos surveyor’s visit: how to prepare and what happens

An asbestos surveyor visit usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the size of the property, and the report normally arrives within 1 working day of the visit. To prepare, all you need is to know the scope of your renovation, have the basic details of the building to hand and make sure the surveyor can reach every space to be examined. The visit is calm and tidy, and you normally do not need to leave your home while it takes place.

Which documents should you have ready?

The surveyor can target the samples better when they know the building’s history. Gather whatever is easy to find in advance:

• The year of construction and details of any extensions.
• The renovation history: what has been replaced and when, such as the bathroom, kitchen or floors.
• Previous asbestos surveys, if any have been done. They show what has already been examined.
• Floor plans, if available. They are not essential but make it easier to mark where samples were taken.
• The renovation plan or the contractor’s quote, showing what will be removed and where you will drill.

The most important thing is the scope of the renovation. The survey focuses on the materials the work will affect, so mention small jobs too, such as new electrical boxes or ventilation penetrations.

Which spaces does the surveyor need to access?

Make sure the surveyor can get into every space the renovation covers. Typically these are:

• The rooms being renovated, such as the bathroom, sauna, kitchen or the whole home.
• The attic and ceiling voids, if the work involves the roof, insulation or penetrations.
• The basement, where pipes, flues and old insulation often run.
• Technical rooms, such as the heat distribution room, ventilation plant room or main electrical room.

In a housing company, keys to shared spaces are usually available from the property manager or maintenance company, so arrange them in good time. In a detached house it is enough that the attic hatch and basement are freely accessible.

Practical preparations

• Empty any cupboards the surveyor needs to sample behind or beneath, such as the one under the sink.
• Move belongings away from the walls and floors in the areas to be renovated.
• Keep pets in another room during the visit.
• Let us know in advance if parking or access is tricky.

What happens during the visit?

The surveyor works through the rooms to be renovated systematically, identifies the materials and samples those that may contain asbestos. The location and material of each sample are recorded. You can stay and ask questions or let the surveyor work in peace. It is a good idea to be there at least at the start so you can go through the scope of the renovation together. The steps are described in more detail in how an asbestos survey works.

What happens to the sampling points?

Samples are small, typically pieces a few centimetres across. The material is dampened before it is removed so that no dust is created, and the sample goes straight into a sealed bag. The sampling point is sealed or covered so that the material is not left exposed and dusting. A small mark may remain, but since these are usually surfaces that will be removed in the renovation anyway, it makes no practical difference.

Is sampling dangerous for the people living there?

Normally not. The samples are small, the material is dampened and removed with hand tools without sanding or sawing, and the sample is packed immediately. If there are small children or people with respiratory conditions at home, they may prefer to be in another room while samples are taken. You can also air the room after the visit.

When will you receive the report?

The samples are analysed in the laboratory with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope. The survey report is sent by email, usually within 1 working day of the visit. It shows the materials examined, where the samples were taken, the laboratory results and recommendations for next steps. Read more about what the report contains.

If asbestos is found, the asbestos-containing materials are removed by an authorised asbestos removal contractor before the renovation. If no asbestos is found, the renovation can start as normal.

How much does the visit cost?

Depending on the city, an asbestos survey costs from 119 € incl. VAT. The price includes the survey, all samples, the laboratory analysis, travel and the report. Demolition projects cost an extra 100 €. See the price for your city in the price list.

Checklist before the visit

1. Write down the scope of the renovation: what will be removed and where you will drill.
2. Gather the year of construction, renovation history and any previous surveys.
3. Make sure the attic, basement and technical rooms are accessible.
4. Empty the necessary cupboards and clear the way.
5. Agree who will open the door and be there at least at the start of the visit.

Renovating a sauna or a cottage? Read about asbestos surveys for summer cottages too. When you are ready, order an asbestos survey.