Another factor you may have to consider before we can proceed with any work is checking the roof or any other parts of the property for asbestos. We will need to carry out a Refurbishment & Demolition survey which could cost approximately between £400 - £500.

Due to the age of your property and the work and money you are spending on your project I would strongly advise you to have one carried out. Since the new regulations have come in it is a requirement of Health and Safety.

The importation, supply and use of all forms of asbestos are banned. However, many buildings, and some plant and equipment, still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

The duty to manage asbestos is directed at those who manage non-domestic premises: the people with responsibility for protecting others who work in such premises, or use them in other ways, from the risks to ill health that exposure to asbestos causes.

Before you start any work in a building that might contain asbestos (e.g. built or refurbished before the year 2000), you need to do the following:

Identify whether asbestos is present and determine its type and condition

•People responsible for maintenance of non-domestic premises, have a 'duty to manage' the asbestos in them, and should provide you with information on where any asbestos is in the building and what condition it is in.

•If no information is available or it is limited and you suspect asbestos may be present you should have the area surveyed and representative samples of the material you are going to work on analysed.

•Alternatively, you can assume that any material you need to disturb does contain asbestos and take the appropriate precautions for the highest risk situation.

Carry out a risk assessment

•Decide if it is possible to carry out the building or maintenance work avoiding the risk of asbestos exposure all together.

•If that's not possible, identify who might be at risk and the level of possible asbestos exposure from any work.

•On this basis, decide what work methods are necessary to provide effective control of the risks.

Decide if the work needs to be carried out by a licensed contractor

•Most asbestos removal work will require a contractor holding a licence from HSE.

•All work with sprayed asbestos coatings and asbestos lagging and most work with asbestos insulation and asbestos insulating board (AIB) require a licence.

•Identify if your work needs a licensed contractor;