Quick answer
A Management Survey checks materials in normal occupancy and is right for ownership, letting, sale and routine compliance. A Refurbishment Survey is fully intrusive and required before any works that will disturb the building fabric. If in doubt, and works are planned, always upgrade to Refurbishment.
Side-by-side
The essential differences:
| Management Survey | Refurbishment Survey | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Manage in place | Before works |
| Intrusion | Light / non-destructive | Fully intrusive |
| Access | Normal occupancy | Void, ceilings lifted, tiles up |
| Property must be | Occupied OK | Vacated for works area |
| Legal driver | CAR 2012 Reg 4 | CAR 2012 Reg 5 & CDM 2015 |
When to use each
Use a Management Survey for ownership, letting, routine compliance and property sale where no works are planned. Use a Refurbishment Survey before any strip-out, kitchen or bathroom replacement, wall or ceiling removal, or plant replacement. Anything that will disturb the building fabric requires a Refurbishment Survey.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Can I 'upgrade' a Management Survey later?+
Yes — but it is usually cheaper to specify Refurbishment up front if works are planned.
Is a Refurbishment Survey required for a kitchen strip?+
Yes. Any removal of tiles, wall boards, floor tiles or units disturbs fabric.
What if works are only in one room?+
The Refurbishment Survey can be scoped to that room only, keeping cost proportionate.