The short answer
Yes — under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a demolition (refurbishment and demolition) asbestos survey must be carried out before any demolition of a building that might contain asbestos. The survey locates and identifies asbestos-containing materials so they can be removed and disposed of safely before the structure comes down, rather than being broken up and released into the air. A survey typically costs around £200–£500, and if asbestos is found, safe removal commonly runs £500–£3,000+ depending on the type and amount — licensed work for higher-risk materials. Older buildings, including many garages with asbestos-cement roofs, are the most likely to need it.
Asbestos is the step people most often forget when budgeting a demolition, and it is the one that cannot be skipped. Here is why the survey comes first, what it typically costs, and how it fits into the job. Figures are guidance ranges, not quotes.
The asbestos step
- Survey requiredbefore any demolition
- RegulationControl of Asbestos Regs 2012
- Survey cost~£200–£500
- Removal (if found)£500–£3,000+
- Most likelyolder buildings & garage roofs
Why the survey comes first
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require a demolition survey before a building that may contain asbestos is demolished. The point is simple: asbestos is dangerous when disturbed, so it has to be found and removed safely before the structure is broken up, not discovered in the rubble afterwards. The survey is intrusive — it looks into the fabric of the building — and produces a register of what is there. Anything identified is then removed and disposed of through the right route, with higher-risk materials handled by a licensed contractor.
| Item | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition asbestos survey | ~£200–£500 | size & complexity dependent |
| Asbestos removal (if found) | £500–£3,000+ | type, amount & licensing |
| Garage asbestos-cement roof | removed safely | common on older garages |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: HSE asbestos guidance and trade cost guides.
How it fits the demolition timeline
Order matters. The survey is booked early, before the teardown, so any removal can be scheduled and cleared first. On a house this sits alongside serving the Section 80 notice and disconnecting services; on a garage it is often just the roof sheets. Because removal can add days and cost, it is worth flagging the building's age and likely asbestos at the quoting stage so it is in the plan from the start — not a surprise that halts the job halfway through.
Demolishing an older building?
We'll match you with a vetted demolition contractor who arranges the asbestos survey, plans any safe removal, and sets the cost out clearly in the quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need an asbestos survey before demolition?
Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a demolition survey must be carried out before demolishing a building that might contain asbestos, so any asbestos can be found and removed safely before the structure comes down.
How much does an asbestos survey cost before demolition?
A demolition asbestos survey typically costs around £200–£500 depending on the building's size and complexity. If asbestos is found, safe removal commonly runs £500–£3,000+ depending on the type, amount and whether licensed work is needed.
Which buildings are most likely to contain asbestos?
Older buildings are the most likely, and asbestos-cement roof sheets are common on older garages and outbuildings. Any building that might contain asbestos needs a demolition survey before it is taken down.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific building. They are guidance, not a quotation.