Before opening walls, removing flooring or disturbing other older materials, ask about an asbestos survey. WorkSafeBC says homeowners, strata councils and property managers need testing before renovation, demolition or maintenance work that could disturb asbestos. Pre-1990 buildings are a particular concern, and asbestos cannot be identified reliably by sight. A qualified asbestos professional takes samples and provides a report on the materials in the planned work area.
Give the report to the renovation team before scheduling demolition. If asbestos-containing material must be disturbed, a licensed abatement contractor should contain or remove it and provide completion documentation before ordinary renovation resumes. Check the strata's alteration and access requirements as well. Then use the findings to define the work area and timing for an interior renovation.