What factors determine whether an asbestos survey is required before renovation?

The requirement for an asbestos survey before renovation primarily hinges on the age of the building and the presence of asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 1970s, so older buildings are more likely to have materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation, floor tiles, and roofing materials.

If a building was constructed or underwent significant renovations during the time when asbestos was commonly used, an assessment of its materials is crucial to identify any potential hazards that could be disturbed during renovation. Knowing whether asbestos is present in the building helps in developing safe work practices and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding asbestos handling.

While other factors like the type of renovation work could influence the execution of the project, they do not determine the necessity of an asbestos survey as strictly as the age of the building and the possibility of asbestos materials being present. The pressing concern is safety, which is why identifying the existence of asbestos prior to initiating any renovation is paramount.