Do I have to remove asbestos if I find it?

Not always. Asbestos in good condition and left undisturbed often poses little risk. A survey will tell you whether it's safer to remove it or manage it in place. If the material is damaged, crumbling, or in the way of building work, removal is the safer route.

Do I need to move out during the work?

For most non-licensed jobs, no. We seal off the work area and keep the rest of your home or premises usable. We'll tell you upfront if a job needs you to keep clear of a particular space.

What asbestos work do you do, and what do you refer on?

We handle non-licensed asbestos work: cement roofs and cladding, floor tiles, textured coatings like Artex, soffits, gutters, and similar materials. Some higher-risk materials legally require a licensed contractor. We don't carry that work out ourselves, but we'll point you to someone who is licensed.

How much does asbestos removal cost?

It depends on the material, the amount, access, and whether replacement work is needed. The survey and quote are free and carry no call-out charge, so you'll have a clear written price before anything starts.

What happens to the asbestos after you remove it?

Every piece is double-bagged, labelled, and taken to a licensed disposal site through a registered waste carrier. You receive the paperwork confirming it was disposed of correctly.

Does every asbestos removal contractor need an HSE licence?

No. An HSE licence is only required for licensed asbestos work — which covers the highest-risk materials: sprayed coatings, asbestos insulating board (AIB), and lagging. Most domestic asbestos — cement sheets, Artex, floor tiles, soffits — is non-licensed work and can be carried out by a trained, insured contractor without an HSE licence. The contractor must still follow the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) and notify the HSE for notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW).

What is UKATA training and why does it matter?

UKATA (UK Asbestos Training Association) is the industry body that accredits asbestos awareness and removal training in the UK. UKATA-trained operatives have completed a recognised training programme and their certificates can be verified on the UKATA website. It is the minimum training standard you should require from any contractor carrying out asbestos removal on your property.

Should I get more than one quote for asbestos removal?

Yes — but compare like for like. A quote that does not include a site visit, a survey, associated reinstatement work, air clearance, or waste disposal will appear cheaper but will not be comparable to a comprehensive quote. Ask each contractor what is and is not included, and whether the quote is based on a site visit or a description alone.

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Contractor Selection Guide · O17

How to choose an asbestos removal contractor

Asbestos removal is a regulated activity. Choosing the wrong contractor — one who is uninsured, untrained, or who produces a quote without visiting your property — can leave you with an unsafe site, invalid documentation, and no legal recourse. This guide covers the six checks to make before accepting any quote.

First: does the job require an HSE licence?

The most common misconception about asbestos removal is that every contractor must hold an HSE licence. This is not correct. An HSE licence is required only for licensed asbestos work — which covers the highest-risk materials: sprayed asbestos coatings, asbestos insulating board (AIB), and pipe lagging. Most domestic asbestos — cement sheets, Artex, floor tiles, soffits, and gutters — is non-licensed work and does not require an HSE licence.

Non-licensed does not mean unregulated. Contractors carrying out non-licensed work must still comply with CAR 2012, employ UKATA-trained operatives, carry appropriate insurance, and — for notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) — notify the HSE before work begins. The distinction matters because a contractor who claims to hold an HSE licence for standard domestic work is either confused or misleading you; and a contractor who carries out licensed work without a licence is committing a criminal offence.

Licensed vs non-licensed work — full guide

Six checks before accepting a quote

1. UKATA-trained operatives

Certificates verifiable on the UKATA website

Verbal assurance only, no certificate number

2. Public liability insurance

£5m minimum; ask for the certificate

Unspecified or unverifiable

3. Site visit before quoting

Contractor visits, surveys, and then quotes

Quote produced from a photo or description alone

4. Waste carrier registration

Registered with the Environment Agency; can provide carrier number

No carrier registration; "we use a third party"

5. Air clearance included or arranged

Independent UKAS-accredited analyst arranged

No mention of clearance; "we do our own testing"

6. Written quote with scope of works

Itemised quote specifying ACMs, method, disposal, reinstatement

Verbal quote or single-line price only

From our work

The quote that did not include air clearance

A homeowner in Greenwich contacted us after a removal contractor had completed work on their garage roof and presented a bill. The homeowner had assumed that air clearance was included — the contractor had not mentioned it, and the quote did not specify it either way.

When the homeowner asked for the clearance certificate, the contractor said air testing was "optional" and would cost an additional £350. The homeowner refused, the contractor left, and the homeowner was left with a garage that had been cleared of asbestos cement but had no documentation confirming it was safe to reoccupy.

We were called in to carry out the air testing. The area passed — the original contractor had done the removal work adequately. But the homeowner had paid twice for the clearance stage, and the original quote had been misleading. The lesson: ask specifically whether air clearance and the clearance certificate are included in the quoted price before any work begins.

Ask before you accept: "Is air clearance and the clearance certificate included in this quote?" If the answer is no or unclear, get it in writing before work begins.

Frequently asked questions

Get a quote from Diamond Asbestos

UKATA-trained operatives. Site visit before every quote. Air clearance included. Full documentation.

Call 07344 860932

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How to Choose an Asbestos Contractor | Diamond