Survey types / RDAS
Refurbishment & Demolition
Asbestos Survey
Planning building work on a pre-2004 property? Irish law requires a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey before any structural work begins.
What is an RDAS?
A Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey — commonly referred to as an RDAS — is a thorough, intrusive inspection carried out before any refurbishment, renovation, or demolition work takes place on a building.
Unlike a Management Survey, which covers accessible areas during normal building use, an RDAS goes deeper. Structural elements are accessed, materials are tested, and every area relevant to the planned works is fully assessed — including spaces that need to be opened up to reach.
The survey must be completed before work starts. It is a legal requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006–2025.
Other Available Surveys
Management Survey
Non-intrusive. Covers accessible areas during normal building occupation. Identifies and monitors known or suspected ACMs.
More information
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Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
Intrusive. Required before building work begins. Accesses structural elements to locate all ACMs in the scope of works.
When do you need one?
You need an RDAS if you are:
Refurbishing or renovating a building built before 2004
Demolishing a building or part of a building
Applying for a local authority grant that requires asbestos clearance — including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Carrying out any work that will disturb the fabric of the building, including roof replacement, flooring removal, or structural alterations
If your architect or local authority has asked you to arrange an asbestos survey as part of a grant application, an RDAS is most likely what they require.
Important
An RDAS is an intrusive survey. To gain access to structural elements we may need to open walls, lift floors, or break through certain surfaces. We do not carry out making-good works afterwards — this should be factored into your project planning. We will always advise you clearly before any intrusive access takes place.
What to expect
Initial enquiry & quotation
Contact us with details of the property and the planned works. We'll provide a clear written quote.
01
02
Site survey
We carry out a full site inspection, accessing all relevant areas. Samples of suspected materials are collected and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.
03
Laboratory analysis
All samples are independently analysed at an accredited laboratory. Results are typically returned within a few working days.
04
Detailed report
You receive a comprehensive, colour-coded floor plan report showing the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials found — along with clear recommendations for management or removal before works proceed.
What happens after the survey?
Your report is your essential document for the project ahead. It tells your contractor, architect, and local authority exactly what is present and what needs to be dealt with before work begins.
If asbestos is found, we can advise on next steps — including connecting you with trusted, vetted removal contractors. We do not carry out removal ourselves, which means our advice is entirely impartial.
Ready to Get Started?
Get in touch to discuss your project and arrange a survey at a time that suits you.