Asbestos Surveys for Listed Buildings & Heritage Properties

Listed buildings and heritage properties require a sensitive and carefully planned approach to asbestos management. At Core Surveys, we provide specialist asbestos surveys tailored to historic and protected buildings, helping owners, managers, and conservation teams remain compliant while preserving the integrity of the structure.
With over 18 years of experience, we understand the unique challenges of working within listed buildings, where both safety and conservation are equally important.
20,000+
Surveys Completed
Why Asbestos is a Risk in Listed Buildings
Many listed buildings have undergone renovations, repairs, or extensions during the 20th century—particularly between the 1950s and 1990s—when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used.
Even in historic properties, asbestos may be present in:
- Ceiling voids and service areas
- Pipe insulation and heating systems
- Floor coverings and adhesives
- Wall linings and partition systems
- Roofing materials and soffits
- Later additions or refurbishments
Because these materials are often concealed within the structure, they may go unnoticed until maintenance or restoration work begins.
Proper identification and management of asbestos is essential to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 while avoiding damage to historic features.

Working Within Listed & Heritage Environments
Grade I, II and II Listed Buildings*
We carry out asbestos surveys across all grades of listed buildings, including Historic houses and estates, converted heritage properties, Public heritage buildings and Protected commercial properties.
Each survey is carefully planned to minimise impact on original features and materials.
Heritage Sites & Conservation Projects
We regularly support restoration and conservation projects, working alongside: Conservation officers, Architects and heritage consultants and Contractors specialising in restoration.
We ensure asbestos risks are identified without compromising the building’s historical value.
Churches, Museums & Historic Public Buildings
Many heritage buildings open to the public require careful asbestos management.
We conduct surveys in Worship spaces and public areas, Exhibition and gallery spaces, Roof voids and structural elements and Plant rooms and service systems.
All work is carried out with respect for the building and its use.
Our Approach to Asbestos Surveys in Listed Buildings
We understand that intrusive work must often be limited or carefully controlled. Our approach includes:
- Detailed planning before any survey begins
- Non-intrusive or minimally invasive techniques where appropriate
- Close coordination with stakeholders and conservation teams
- Clear documentation to support compliance and approvals
We always aim to balance thorough asbestos identification with the need to protect the building’s fabric.

Our Asbestos Survey Services
Management Surveys
Designed to identify and monitor asbestos during normal occupation while minimising disruption to the building.
Refurbishment Surveys
Carefully planned surveys carried out prior to restoration or renovation work, ensuring asbestos risks are identified before works begin.
Targeted Sampling & Testing
Where access or intrusion is limited, we can carry out focused sampling to confirm the presence of asbestos in specific materials.
Balancing Compliance with Preservation
We recognise the importance of protecting historic buildings while ensuring safety and legal compliance. Our team:
- Works carefully around original features and finishes
- Minimises disruption wherever possible
- Provides clear, practical advice
- Supports decision-making for restoration projects

Our Asbestos Survey Services for Hospitality & Retail
Management Surveys
Designed to identify and manage ACMs during normal operations, helping ensure safe environments for staff and customers.
Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys
Essential before refurbishments, shop fit-outs, or structural alterations to identify asbestos risks before work begins.
Re-inspection Surveys
Regular checks ensure asbestos registers remain accurate and compliant, particularly across multi-site portfolios.
Get a Quote for Listed Building Asbestos Surveys
If you are responsible for a listed or heritage property, ensuring asbestos compliance is essential while protecting the building’s character and structure.
Contact Core Surveys today to discuss your requirements and arrange a tailored asbestos survey.
Minimising Disruption in Customer-Facing Environments
We understand the importance of maintaining operations and customer experience. Our approach includes:
- Out-of-hours and overnight working
- Phased surveys to avoid busy areas
- Careful planning around trading hours
- Close coordination with site managers and contractors
We ensure surveys are completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact on your business.
Proudly supporting the UK’s largest organisations and companies
What our Clients Say:
The Latest News from Core
Companies fined after 16-year-old worker exposed to asbestos
Avoiding Fines and Ensuring Safety: The Importance of Proper Asbestos Management Introduction Asbestos exposure remains a significant health hazard in the construction and refurbishment industry. Recent events underscore the critical importance of adhering to asbestos...
The Significant Role of Expert Asbestos Management: Learning from the Winchester Case
In a recent, alarming case at Winchester, the importance of professional asbestos management was starkly highlighted. Cavendish Winchester Ltd undertook a student accommodation refurbishment project, tragically neglecting the safe handling of asbestos. This oversight...
Asbestos Management in Hospitals: A Focus for Health and Safety
In the dynamic landscape of health and safety regulations, recent developments have placed a spotlight on the management of asbestos in UK hospitals. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) declared at its annual Health & Work Conference on 8th November 2023, an...
Companies fined after 16-year-old worker exposed to asbestos
Avoiding Fines and Ensuring Safety: The Importance of Proper Asbestos Management Introduction Asbestos exposure remains a significant health hazard in the construction and refurbishment industry. Recent events underscore the critical importance of adhering to asbestos...
The Significant Role of Expert Asbestos Management: Learning from the Winchester Case
In a recent, alarming case at Winchester, the importance of professional asbestos management was starkly highlighted. Cavendish Winchester Ltd undertook a student accommodation refurbishment project, tragically neglecting the safe handling of asbestos. This oversight...










