Type of material
Work that needs an HSE-licensed contractor, such as lagging, sprayed coatings or most insulating board, involves enclosures, air monitoring and a clearance certificate, so it costs more than lower-risk work on asbestos cement.
Typical price ranges, last reviewed September 2026
Asbestos Removal and Survey Costs
What people typically pay for asbestos surveys and removal in the UK, what pushes the price up, and how to compare quotes.
Typical ranges
What people typically pay
Ballpark figures published by Checkatrade, not quotes. Your price depends on the job.
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Management survey, 2 to 3 bedroom home | £150 to £350 | Average £250. Checkatrade, May 2026 |
| Refurbishment or demolition survey, same size of home | £300 to £400 | Average £350. Checkatrade, May 2026 |
| Most asbestos removal jobs | £950 to £3,750 | Depends on material, location and access. Checkatrade, April 2026 |
| Asbestos cement garage roof removal | £950 to £3,750 | Average £2,100. A replacement roof costs extra. Checkatrade, April 2026 |
| Removing an Artex ceiling containing asbestos (20m² room) | £2,750 to £6,000 | Artex ceilings and asbestos tiles: £175 to £350 per m². Checkatrade, April 2026 |
| Encapsulation (sealing asbestos in place) | About £33 per m² | Only suitable for material in reasonable condition. Checkatrade, April 2026 |
Published ranges disagree: the same source gives £200 to £1,000 for a pre-removal survey depending on the size of the property. Treat every figure here as a rough guide.
We haven't found a reliable published price for testing a single sample, so ask a UKAS-accredited laboratory or surveyor for a quote. About testing.
Disposing of a small amount yourself? Some council tips accept bonded asbestos from householders for a fee. For example, Devon County Council accepts bonded asbestos at some centres for £21.30 per sheet or bag, up to 10 sheets or bags, double wrapped and sealed (checked September 2026). Rules differ, so check with your council.
What affects the price
Why quotes vary
Amount and condition
More material, or material that is damaged and needs careful cleaning up, takes longer.
Access
Roofs and high ceilings may need scaffolding or access equipment. Tight spaces slow the job down.
Waste
Asbestos is hazardous waste and has to be wrapped, labelled and taken to a site that accepts it.
Making good
Replacing a roof, ceiling or floor afterwards is often priced separately. Check what the quote includes.
Where you live
Labour and disposal costs vary around the country.
Comparing quotes
- Get more than one written quote for the same scope of work.
- Check whether surveys, sampling, scaffolding, waste disposal, air testing and making good are included.
- For licensed work, check the contractor's licence. How to check.
- Don't choose on price alone: a much cheaper quote may leave out steps the law requires.
- Asbestos in good condition that won't be disturbed may not need removing at all.
Sources: Checkatrade asbestos survey costs (May 2026), Checkatrade asbestos removal costs (April 2026), Devon County Council chargeable waste, HSE asbestos FAQs. Last reviewed September 2026.
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More asbestos guidance
What is asbestos?Types of asbestos and where it was used in UK buildingsIdentifying asbestos and staying safeWhy you can't tell by looking, and what to do if something is damagedAsbestos health risksThe diseases asbestos can cause and when to speak to a doctorAsbestos surveysManagement and refurbishment and demolition surveys explainedTesting and samplingHow samples are taken and analysedProfessional removalLicensed and non-licensed work, and what to expect