Quick answer
Yes — if the kitchen sits in a property built or refurbished before 2000, a Refurbishment Survey is required before removing units, tiles, floor coverings or walls. Common finds include vinyl floor tiles with bitumen adhesive, textured coatings on ceilings, and cement-board splashbacks.
What typically contains asbestos in kitchens
Materials commonly identified in pre-2000 UK kitchens:
- Vinyl floor tiles (thermoplastic) with bitumen adhesive
- Artex or textured ceiling coatings
- Cement-board splashbacks behind cookers
- AIB in airing cupboards and boiler housings
- Cement flue liners behind gas hobs and boilers
What the survey covers
A scoped Refurbishment Survey for a kitchen normally covers ceilings, walls behind splashbacks, floor coverings and screed, cupboards, boiler housings and any accessible service voids. Sampling is intrusive.
Cost and timing
Typical fixed-fee: £280–£420 plus VAT. Site time 1–2 hours. Report 48 hours. Book at least a week before the installer starts.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Can the installer just avoid disturbing anything?+
Rarely realistic — tile removal, worktop cut-outs and unit fixings all disturb walls and floors.
What if I only replace the cabinets?+
Even swapping cabinets normally disturbs walls behind and floors below. A survey is still recommended.