Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about asbestos removal, surveys, and testing.
Do you cover my area?
Yes. We provide asbestos removal, asbestos surveys, and asbestos testing services across the North East and surrounding regions, including Tyne & Wear, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, and Northumberland. We are also part of a national group with depot's across the UK covering the entire UK.
If you are unsure whether we cover your location, contact us with your postcode and we will confirm availability and response times.
Do I need an asbestos survey before refurbishment?
In most cases, yes. If your property was built before the year 2000 and you are planning refurbishment or demolition works, an asbestos survey is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
A Refurbishment & Demolition asbestos survey identifies asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during works. Carrying out a survey before starting prevents delays, protects workers, and ensures compliance with health and safety legislation.
What’s the difference between licensed and non-licensed asbestos work?
The difference depends on the type of asbestos material, its condition, and the risk of fibre release.
Non-licensed asbestos work typically includes lower-risk materials such as asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, textured coatings, and certain bitumen products.
Licensed asbestos work involves higher-risk materials such as asbestos insulation board (AIB), pipe lagging, and loose insulation, which must be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor under strict controls.
We assess each situation and provide clear guidance on whether work is licensed, non-licensed, or notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW).
What paperwork do I receive?
Following asbestos removal or related works, you will receive clear and compliant documentation, which may include:
- Waste consignment notes
- Clearance or completion documentation (where applicable)
- Method statements and risk assessments
- Survey reports or laboratory test results (if undertaken)
This paperwork is important for property records, compliance audits, landlords, and future works.
How quickly can you attend?
We aim to respond as quickly as possible and can often attend urgent asbestos issues within short timescales, subject to location and workload. Emergency asbestos situations, such as disturbed materials during building works, are prioritised wherever possible.
Contact us directly to discuss your situation and we will advise on the earliest available attendance.
What should I do if I’ve found asbestos during works?
Stop work immediately and avoid disturbing the material further. Do not attempt to remove or handle suspected asbestos yourself.
Once works have stopped:
- Restrict access to the affected area
- Avoid sweeping, drilling, or breaking the material
- Contact a professional asbestos contractor for advice
We can arrange asbestos sampling, testing, or safe removal and guide you on the correct next steps to remain compliant and minimise risk.
Costs & Process
How much does asbestos removal cost?
The cost of asbestos removal depends on several factors, including the type of asbestos material, its condition, the amount present, and whether the work is licensed or non-licensed. Access, location, and waste disposal requirements can also affect pricing.
We provide clear, itemised asbestos removal quotations following an assessment, ensuring you understand the scope of works and associated costs before proceeding.
Is it illegal to remove asbestos yourself?
In many cases, yes. Certain types of asbestos removal must legally be carried out by licensed asbestos contractors. Even for non-licensed asbestos work, strict control measures, training, and waste disposal requirements apply.
Attempting DIY asbestos removal can expose occupants to serious health risks and may result in non-compliance with asbestos regulations. Professional asbestos removal is always the safest option.
Can asbestos be left in place instead of removed?
Asbestos does not always need to be removed. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they may be managed or encapsulated rather than removed.
An asbestos survey or professional assessment will determine whether removal, encapsulation, or ongoing management is the most appropriate solution for your property.
How long does asbestos removal take?
The duration of asbestos removal work depends on the size of the area, the type of material, and the level of control required. Small non-licensed asbestos removals may be completed within a single visit, while licensed asbestos work can take longer due to notification periods and clearance procedures.
We provide realistic timeframes as part of our planning process so you can schedule works confidently.
Do you carry out asbestos testing before removal?
Yes. Where asbestos has not already been confirmed, we can arrange asbestos sampling and testing using UKAS-accredited laboratories. Testing allows us to accurately identify asbestos-containing materials and determine the correct method of removal or management.
Test results are explained clearly, along with advice on the next steps.
What types of asbestos do you remove?
We remove a wide range of asbestos-containing materials, including asbestos cement products, textured coatings, floor tiles, insulation board, pipe lagging, and contaminated materials associated with refurbishment works.
Each material is assessed individually to ensure the correct asbestos removal method is used.
Specific Enquiries
Do landlords have legal responsibilities for asbestos?
Yes. Landlords and duty holders have legal responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to identify and manage asbestos risks in their properties, particularly in communal or commercial areas.
We support landlords with asbestos surveys, registers, removal works, and compliance documentation.
Is asbestos removal disruptive?
Asbestos removal is carefully planned to minimise disruption. Control measures are used to protect occupants and surrounding areas, and where possible, work can be scheduled to reduce impact on daily operations.
We always discuss access, timing, and working arrangements in advance.
What happens to asbestos waste after removal?
All asbestos waste is treated as hazardous waste and disposed of at licensed facilities. Materials are double-bagged, labelled, and transported by authorised carriers in accordance with regulations.
Waste consignment notes are provided as part of the completion documentation.
Can you work alongside builders and contractors?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with builders, refurbishment contractors, and project managers to ensure asbestos risks are addressed safely before or during works. This helps prevent delays and ensures projects remain compliant.
How do I arrange asbestos removal or a survey?
You can contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements. We will assess your situation, advise on whether a survey, testing, or removal is needed, and arrange the appropriate next steps.
Can you remove asbestos from residential properties?
Yes. We carry out asbestos removal in residential properties, including houses, flats, garages, and outbuildings. Common domestic asbestos materials include asbestos cement roof sheets, garage roofs, soffits, floor tiles, and textured coatings such as asbestos Artex.
All residential asbestos removal work is assessed individually to determine the safest and most appropriate method, ensuring compliance with current regulations and minimal disruption to occupants.