Hazardous material survey before demolition and renovation
A hazardous material survey investigates a building for asbestos and other substances dangerous to health before demolition or renovation: PAH compounds, PCBs, lead and other heavy metals. The price depends on the size of the property and the number of samples, so request a quote. If asbestos is your only concern, an asbestos survey from 119 € incl. VAT is enough.
What is surveyed
What does a hazardous material survey include?
A hazardous material survey is broader than an asbestos survey. In buildings completed before 1994, the law requires asbestos to be investigated before demolition or renovation. A hazardous material survey also covers the other dangerous substances that affect how the demolition is planned, how workers are protected and how the demolition waste is handled.
Asbestos
The most common hazardous substance in buildings completed before 1994. Found in boards, fillers, adhesives, insulation and vinyl flooring, among others.
PAH compounds (creosote)
Coal tar pitch and tar in waterproofing, foundation coatings and old damp-proofing layers. Often recognisable by its pungent smell.
PCBs and lead
Joint sealants in prefabricated concrete buildings and old paints, especially in properties from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Heavy metals
Paints and coatings containing lead, cadmium and zinc in industrial and residential buildings.
When you need one
When do you need a hazardous material survey, and when is an asbestos survey enough?
Demolishing a building
When a building or part of it is demolished, a hazardous material survey provides the information the demolition plan and waste handling need. In a building completed before 1994, investigating asbestos is always mandatory.
A major housing company project
Plumbing renewal, facade repairs or a full riser renovation: the hazardous material report goes into the contract documents so contractors can price the work and protective measures correctly.
Suspect bitumen and joint sealants
A pungent-smelling black coating or sealant in element joints can point to PAH compounds or PCBs. In that case an asbestos survey alone does not tell the whole story, and a broader survey is worth it.
Bathroom or kitchen renovation
When the renovation is limited to one room and no other hazardous substances are suspected, an asbestos survey is usually enough. It is a legal requirement in buildings built before 1994.
A single material
If you want to know whether a single tile, piece of flooring or board contains asbestos, an asbestos sample is enough. Samples can be posted from anywhere in Finland.
Buying or selling a property
A hazardous material report lowers the risk for buyer and seller alike and gives a realistic picture of the repair costs ahead.
How it works
How is a hazardous material survey carried out?
1
Quote and price
Tell us the construction year, the scope of the renovation or demolition and your schedule. The price depends on the size of the property and the number of samples, and you will have a quote quickly.
2
Survey visit
The surveyor works through the property, documents the structures and takes material samples from anything suspect. Survey visits are carried out in Southern Finland.
3
Laboratory analyses
The samples are analysed in the laboratory. Asbestos samples are analysed with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope.
4
The report
You receive a written hazardous material survey report showing where hazardous substances are found. It serves as a document for the demolition contract and for the authorities.
If asbestos is the only suspicion, the more affordable asbestos survey from 119 € incl. VAT is enough. A single material can also be checked with an asbestos sample for 39,90 € + VAT.
Request a quote for a hazardous material survey
Tell us about the property, its construction year and the scope of the renovation, and you will have a quote quickly. If asbestos is your only concern, you can order an asbestos survey directly.