Frequently asked questions.

An apartment inspection usually takes about two hours. For a house, allow around three hours on average. Older homes often take longer because they typically contain more different materials and alterations.

No. However, some suspect materials can only be ruled out as asbestos-free through a valid laboratory analysis. The OVAM inspection protocol requires sampling for certain materials. If another suspect material is not sampled, it may be recorded as asbestos-containing in the certificate.

Not necessarily. The inspector must have access to all relevant rooms, outbuildings and parts of the property. Please arrange access in advance.

A standard inspection is non-destructive. Walls and floors are not opened to look for enclosed materials. Small local marks needed to take a sample safely are not considered destructive inspection.

Make sure all rooms are safely accessible, unlock closed rooms and cupboards, clear obstructing storage and gather any available plans, invoices, technical sheets and previous laboratory analyses.

For materials that must be sampled under the inspection protocol, refusal is incompatible with a standard compliant inspection. Other suspect materials may have to be recorded as asbestos-containing when the absence of asbestos cannot be demonstrated by laboratory analysis.

The certificate is normally issued within a few working days after the site visit. The exact timing depends partly on how quickly the laboratory analyses any samples.

No. A standard asbestos certificate describes visible and accessible materials under normal use. Additional destructive investigation may be required before renovation or demolition work.

Accessible outbuildings and other structures may be part of the inspection area. Include all structures on the plot in your request, such as a garage, garden shed, storage room or workshop.