Asbestos checker
4 quick questionsThis checker gives a general indication based on HSE guidance. It can't tell you whether a material contains asbestos: only laboratory analysis of a sample can.
How the asbestos checker works
The checker uses the two things that matter most: when your home was built or refurbished, and which materials it has. Asbestos was used widely in UK buildings from the 1950s until the mid-1980s, and white asbestos could still be used until it was banned in November 1999. So a house built in the 1960s with textured ceilings and a cement garage roof is far more likely to contain asbestos than one built in 2005.
It then looks at what you plan to do. Asbestos in good condition that won't be disturbed is usually best left alone, so the advice changes a lot depending on whether you're hanging a picture or ripping out a kitchen.
What your result means
| Result | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | Built after 2000 with no older materials | No action needed unless you find older materials |
| Possible | Age unknown, 1985 to 1999, or older with later refurbishment | Test any suspect material before you disturb it |
| Likely | Built 1950 to 1985, or older materials ticked | Test before small jobs; survey before renovation |
| High-risk material | Lagging or loose-fill insulation ticked | Don't touch it. Use a surveyor and an HSE-licensed contractor |
Next steps
- One material to check: a home test kit analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
- Renovation or several materials: an asbestos survey of the area you're working on.
- Not sure what you're looking at: see what asbestos looks like and where it's found.
Add this checker to your website
Estate agents, landlords, builders and community sites are welcome to embed the checker for free. Copy this code into your page:
Planning building work on a pre-2000 property? A survey finds asbestos before your builder does. Get a free, no-obligation asbestos survey quote.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my house has asbestos?
Look at when it was built or refurbished and which materials it has. Homes built or refurbished before 2000 can contain asbestos, especially those from the 1950s to the 1980s. The only way to be certain is to have samples analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory or to get an asbestos survey.
Do all houses built before 2000 have asbestos?
No. Many don't, and plenty that do have only small amounts in lower-risk materials such as textured coatings or cement. Age tells you whether it's possible, not whether it's there.
Should I worry if my home might have asbestos?
HSE says the presence of asbestos alone shouldn't be a cause for concern. Materials in good condition that won't be disturbed are usually best left alone. The time to act is before you drill, sand, cut or remove anything.
Can I embed the asbestos checker on my website?
Yes. Copy the embed code on this page. It's free to use as long as the credit link stays in place.
Sources
This guide is written from the legislation and HSE guidance below. Last checked 23 October 2026.