For landlords and property managers responsible for university lets, the summer months often provide a valuable window for maintenance and refurbishment. With one group of students moving out and the next preparing to arrive, properties may undergo anything from minor repairs and redecoration to more substantial renovations.
However, where student accommodation is located within older housing stock, refurbishment work can potentially disturb asbestos-containing materials. Before contractors begin drilling, cutting, removing or altering parts of a property, it is important to understand what may be hidden within the building.
At Danguard, we provide professional asbestos surveying and consultancy services to help property owners and managers plan work safely.
Why Student Properties Can Present Particular Challenges
Many university lets are located in older properties, including houses that have been converted into HMOs. Over the years, these buildings may have undergone numerous alterations, extensions and repairs.
If a property was built or refurbished before 2000, asbestos-containing materials may be present. These can potentially be found in areas such as textured coatings, insulation boards, pipe lagging, floor tiles, roofing products and other building materials.
The risk arises when these materials are disturbed. A planned summer refurbishment can involve removing walls, replacing ceilings, upgrading heating systems or carrying out other intrusive work that exposes previously concealed materials.
Arranging an asbestos survey can help identify potential asbestos risks before work begins.
The Pressure of the Summer Turnaround
Student changeover periods are often busy. Landlords and managing agents may have only a limited number of weeks to complete repairs, improvements and compliance work before new tenants move in.
This pressure can make careful planning even more important.
Discovering suspected asbestos once refurbishment work has already started can result in disruption, delays and additional costs. Contractors may need to stop work until the material has been assessed and an appropriate course of action determined.
Working with experienced asbestos surveyors before intrusive work begins can help landlords and property managers make informed decisions and plan projects more effectively.
The Right Survey for Refurbishment Work
Not all asbestos surveys serve the same purpose. Where significant refurbishment work is planned, the survey needs to be appropriate for the nature and extent of that work.
A refurbishment survey is more intrusive than a standard management survey because it is designed to identify asbestos-containing materials within areas that will be affected by the proposed project.
Danguard can advise on the appropriate survey requirements based on the property and planned works. Our professional asbestos surveyor services help property owners, landlords and managers understand potential risks before contractors begin disturbing the building fabric.
Managing Larger Student Property Portfolios
The challenge becomes even greater for landlords, universities and property managers responsible for multiple properties. Different buildings may vary significantly in age, construction and previous refurbishment history.
A structured approach to asbestos management can help ensure information is available when maintenance or improvement work is planned. This is particularly valuable during busy summer periods when several properties may require attention simultaneously.
Our asbestos survey services support clients responsible for individual buildings and larger property portfolios, providing professional advice tailored to their requirements.
Plan Ahead Before Summer Refurbishment Begins
The student changeover period is an ideal time to improve accommodation, but refurbishment work should always be properly planned.
If you manage university lets, HMOs or other older rental properties and are preparing for summer maintenance or renovation work, Danguard can provide the professional asbestos surveying support you need.
Contact our team to discuss your property, planned works and survey requirements before refurbishment begins.
