Does my Lower Mainland home have asbestos?

If your home was built before 1990, there is a significant chance that some materials contain asbestos. The most common locations are popcorn ceilings, vinyl floor tiles, and pipe insulation. Budget Contracting recommends a pre-renovation asbestos assessment for any home built before 1990.

Who can remove asbestos in BC?

Asbestos abatement in BC must be done by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. WorkSafeBC regulates asbestos abatement and requires specific procedures for containment, removal, and disposal. Budget Contracting works with licensed abatement contractors.

How much does asbestos abatement cost in the Lower Mainland?

Asbestos abatement costs vary depending on the amount and type of asbestos present. Contact Budget Contracting for a referral to a licensed asbestos assessor who can provide a detailed estimate.

Can I renovate around asbestos without removing it?

In some cases, asbestos-containing materials can be encapsulated (sealed) rather than removed, which is less expensive. However, encapsulation is not always appropriate. Budget Contracting and the licensed abatement contractor will advise on the best approach for your specific situation.

Does Budget Contracting handle asbestos abatement?

Budget Contracting coordinates asbestos abatement as part of the overall renovation project, working with licensed abatement contractors. We do not perform abatement work ourselves, as this requires a separate license.

Budget Contracting

Asbestos is present in a significant percentage of Lower Mainland homes built before 1990. This guide covers where asbestos is found, what to do if you find it, and how it affects your renovation.

Asbestos in Lower Mainland Homes

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials in Canada until the late 1980s. A significant percentage of homes in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley built before 1990 contain asbestos in some form. Before starting any renovation that involves disturbing existing materials, it is important to understand where asbestos may be present and what to do if it is found.

Budget Contracting takes asbestos seriously. We follow all WorkSafeBC regulations for asbestos management and work with licensed asbestos abatement contractors when required.

Where Asbestos Is Found in Lower Mainland Homes

Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials. The most common locations in Lower Mainland homes include:

Popcorn (stipple) ceiling texture (very common in homes built 1960s to 1980s)
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive used to install them
Drywall joint compound (used until the late 1970s)
Pipe insulation (especially on older heating pipes)
Insulation around furnaces and boilers
Exterior stucco (some formulations)
Roof shingles (some asphalt shingles)
Vermiculite insulation in attics (often contaminated with asbestos)

What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos

If your home was built before 1990 and you are planning a renovation, Budget Contracting recommends having a pre-renovation asbestos assessment done before any work begins. A qualified asbestos assessor will take samples of suspect materials and have them tested by a certified laboratory.

Do not disturb materials that may contain asbestos. Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed and fibres become airborne. Intact asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition can often be left in place.

Asbestos Abatement Requirements in BC

WorkSafeBC regulations require that asbestos-containing materials be removed or encapsulated by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor before any renovation work that would disturb those materials. Budget Contracting works with licensed asbestos abatement contractors and coordinates the abatement work as part of the overall renovation project.

How Asbestos Affects Your Renovation Timeline and Cost

Asbestos abatement adds time and cost to a renovation project. The extent of the impact depends on the amount and type of asbestos present. Budget Contracting factors asbestos abatement into the project timeline and cost when it is identified during the pre-renovation assessment.

Contact Budget Contracting for a Pre-Renovation Assessment

If your home was built before 1990 and you are planning a renovation, contact Budget Contracting at 604-343-1985 or [email protected]. We can coordinate a pre-renovation asbestos assessment and advise on the impact on your renovation project.