Quick answer
You need a Refurbishment Survey before any work that will disturb the fabric of a building constructed or refurbished before 2000. That includes kitchen and bathroom strip-outs, wall removal, ceiling replacement, floor tile removal, plant replacement and rewiring. It is required by CAR 2012 Regulation 5 and CDM 2015.
Common triggers
You almost always need a Refurbishment Survey before:
- Kitchen strip-out and refit
- Bathroom strip-out and refit
- Removal of ceilings, Artex or textured coatings
- Wall removal or repositioning (studwork or masonry)
- Removal of floor tiles or lino
- Boiler or plant replacement in service rooms
- Rewiring where cables run through voids or above ceilings
- Loft insulation upgrade in pre-2000 lofts
When it is not required
Cosmetic works that do not disturb fabric — decoration over sound surfaces, appliance replacement without pipework disturbance, carpet-over-carpet — do not require a Refurbishment Survey.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Who is legally responsible?+
The client and principal contractor under CDM 2015 must ensure a suitable survey exists before works begin.
Can the contractor arrange it?+
They can, but the ultimate duty sits with the client.
How long is a Refurbishment Survey valid?+
It is scope-specific. If works change, a supplementary survey is normally needed.