Home/Asbestos Services/Guides/Artex Removal & Ceiling Refurbishment — UK Cost Guide

Remove your artex ceiling.

Asbestos-test, encapsulate or strip, then skim — full refurbishment quoted by room.

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Read the brief on licensed vs non-licensed work, air tests and management plans — then let Three local specialists quote.

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Licensed vs NNLW vs non-licensed, air clearance, HSG264 surveys, consignment notes. Know the rules.

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Licensed for high-risk asbestos only.

Sprayed coatings, lagging, AIB — these need HSE-licensed removal. Cement and floor tiles can be done by non-licensed firms. Don't pay licensed rates for non-licensed work.

Insist on the air-test.

After licensed removal, a UKAS-accredited air test confirms clearance. Without this certificate, you cannot re-occupy the area.

Survey before any demolition.

Refurbishment / demolition survey is legally required before any building work in pre-2000 properties. Skip it and you face HSE prosecution.

Don't disturb — manage in place.

Asbestos in good condition is safer left alone with a management plan than removed. Anyone pushing immediate removal of intact cement might be overselling.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Asbestos survey (management)
£200–£500
Refurbishment / demolition survey
£400–£1.5k
Garage roof (cement) removal
£500–£2k
Artex ceiling removal (per room)
£350–£900
AIB or lagging (licensed)
£1.5k–£8k
Disposal (per consignment)
£200–£600
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

At a glance

The Asbestos Services briefing.

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Artex Removal & Ceiling Refurbishment — UK Cost Guide infographic
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Asbestos Services explained

Artex textured coatings — commonly contained asbestos until 1999. Removal needs care. Expect to pay £500–£2,500 per ceiling for UK Artex removal or skim-over.

What Does the Work Involve?

Sample tested first (£30-£80). If asbestos-positive: licensed removal or skim-over. Skim-over: plaster directly over, encapsulates safely. Removal: wet stripping, enclosure. Plus new ceiling finish.

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
Asbestos sample testing3080Per sample
Skim-over (no asbestos)200600Per ceiling
Skim-over (encapsulate asbestos)300800Per ceiling
Licensed removal small room5001,500Per ceiling
Licensed removal large room1,0002,500Per ceiling
Whole house Artex removal3,00010,000+5+ ceilings
Plasterboard overboarding250700Per ceiling

UK Regulations

Pre-1985 Artex usually asbestos. CAR 2012 — non-licensed for textured coatings if low concentration. Test first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skim-over or remove?

Skim-over: cheapest, encapsulates safely. Remove: cleaner result, more expensive.

Test before working?

Yes — £30-£80 sample test. Determines approach.

DIY skim-over feasible?

If confirmed asbestos-free: yes. If asbestos: specialist for safety.

How long does ceiling job take?

Skim-over: 1 day per ceiling. Removal: 2-3 days per ceiling.

Overboard with plasterboard?

Yes — cheaper alternative. Encapsulates Artex below.

Cost of leaving asbestos in place?

Zero if undisturbed and good condition. Periodic inspection recommended.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

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