Asbestos removal explained
Asbestos removal: what actually happens
Most people only deal with asbestos once. Here's a plain-English guide to what removal involves, what the law requires and what it costs — written by the team who do it every day.
Do you actually need it removed?
Not always. Asbestos that's in good condition and won't be disturbed is often safest left where it is, managed and checked from time to time. Removal makes sense when the material is damaged, when it's in the way of building work, or when you're selling and want it dealt with. If we think something can stay, we'll tell you — even if that means there's no job for us.
If you're not sure what a material is, start with a sample test. We take the sample on site and send it to a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with results usually back in 24–48 hours.
Licensed and non-licensed work
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 splits asbestos work into three categories. The highest-risk materials — asbestos insulating board, pipe lagging and sprayed coatings — can only be removed by a contractor holding an HSE licence. That work has to be notified to the HSE at least 14 days before it starts, carried out inside a sealed enclosure under negative pressure, and signed off with an independent four-stage clearance.
Lower-risk materials such as asbestos cement, floor tiles and textured coatings are non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed work. They still need trained operatives, the right controls and legal disposal. We've held our HSE licence continuously since 2005, so we can handle every category.
What a removal day looks like
For a typical domestic job, the team arrive, set up the work area and protect the surroundings. Non-licensed materials are wetted and removed whole wherever possible, wrapped or double-bagged, and loaded straight into our vehicle. Licensed work takes longer: the enclosure is built and smoke-tested first, the material is removed under controlled conditions, then the area is cleaned and independently tested before it's handed back.
All waste leaves with us as hazardous waste, and you receive a consignment note as proof it was disposed of legally. More detail is in our guide to what professional asbestos removal involves.
Choosing a contractor
Check the HSE licence is current, ask who carries out the air testing (it should be an independent analyst, not the contractor), and make sure the quote includes disposal and paperwork. Our guide to choosing a licensed asbestos removal company covers the questions worth asking.
Typical costs
Our standard rate for straightforward non-licensed domestic work is £25 per m². These are typical prices including disposal and paperwork — every job is confirmed with a fixed written quote.
Prices vary with size, height and access. Full breakdown in our asbestos removal cost guide.
Common questions
How quickly can you start?
Non-licensed work can often be booked within days. Licensed work needs a 14-day HSE notification before it starts, which we file for you.
Do I need to move out?
Rarely. Work areas are sealed off and controlled, and the rest of the property is normally unaffected. We'll confirm the arrangements when we plan the job.
Is the price fixed?
Yes. Our written quotes include labour, disposal, consignment notes and — on licensed work — the HSE notification and independent clearance.
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