How Much Does an Asbestos Survey Cost in Northern Ireland?
It is the first question most people ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on the building. A company that gives you a flat figure without knowing anything about the property is guessing, and a guess that is too low usually gets corrected later.
Below we explain what actually drives the price of an asbestos survey in Northern Ireland, so you can read a quote properly and compare like with like.
What you are paying for
A survey is more than a visit. The price covers a trained surveyor’s time on site, the sampling of suspect materials, laboratory analysis of each sample, and a written report that you can rely on and show to contractors. Travel and the time it takes to prepare and check the report are part of it too.
What changes the price
The type of survey. A management survey looks at materials that could be disturbed during normal use of a building. A refurbishment and demolition survey is more intrusive, covers the whole area affected by the planned work and generally takes longer, with more sampling. If you are not sure which one you need, our guide to management and refurbishment surveys explains the difference.
The size and layout of the property. More floors, rooms, outbuildings and roof spaces mean more time on site. A small shop and a multi-storey office are different jobs.
Age and building history. A property that has been extended and altered over several decades tends to contain a wider mix of materials than one built in a single phase, and each different material needs to be assessed.
The number of samples. Every suspect material has to be sampled and analysed. Laboratory fees are usually charged per sample, so the number of samples has a direct effect on the total.
Access. Locked rooms, cluttered storage, roof voids, ceiling spaces and plant rooms all take longer to deal with, and some need ladders or other access equipment. Telling us about access problems before the visit avoids wasted time on the day.
Location and turnaround. Northern Ireland is small, but travel to a remote site still takes time. If you need an urgent report, please let us know when you ask for a quote.
How to compare quotes fairly
Two quotes can look very different and still cover different things. Before you decide, ask each company:
- Which type of survey is being quoted, and does it match the reason you need it? A management survey is no use if you are about to strip out a building.
- Are laboratory fees and sample numbers included, or charged on top?
- Is the analysis carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory? HSENI publishes a list of UKAS-accredited organisations working in Northern Ireland.
- Is the surveyor properly qualified, for example with the BOHS P402 certificate for building surveys and bulk sampling?
- What does the report include? Look for a clear list of materials, locations, photographs, condition assessments and a recommended action for each.
- Are travel or access charges extra?
- What happens if part of the building cannot be reached on the day?
Why the cheapest quote can cost more
An inadequate survey is worse than none, because it gives people false confidence. HSENI has prosecuted an asbestos surveying company after the employees of two contractors were put at risk while refurbishing a shop in Antrim, because asbestos had not been identified beforehand. The knock-on costs of a missed survey, such as stopped work, contaminated areas, specialist cleaning and delays to a project, are far larger than the survey fee.
The survey is a small part of the overall budget for most building projects. Getting it done properly, and early, protects the rest of it.
What to have ready when you ask for a quote
- The address and the type of property
- Roughly when it was built and any extensions or refurbishments you know about
- The reason for the survey, such as management, planned works or a purchase
- Any previous asbestos reports or registers
- Any access issues and your deadline
With that information we can usually tell you what is involved and give you a clear quote without a lot of back and forth.
Frequently asked questions
Does the survey price include removal? No. A survey identifies and records asbestos. Any removal work is priced separately and must be carried out by a suitably qualified contractor.
I already have an old survey. Do I need a new one? Possibly not. An existing report can still be useful if it was the right type, covered the right areas and the building has not changed since. If the property has been altered, or you are planning major work, a new or updated survey is the safer choice.
Do you quote before visiting? Send us the details above and we will tell you which survey we recommend and give you a quote.
Talk to us
Asbestos Solutions NI provides asbestos surveys across Northern Ireland for homeowners, landlords and businesses, with all samples analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Call 07702 332 333 and we will talk you through the options and give you a straightforward quote.