Planning a renovation in an older home?
Before you remove walls, scrape ceilings, or pull up flooring, you need to consider asbestos. In Alberta, homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos in multiple building materials.
This pre renovation asbestos checklist for Alberta homeowners helps you take the right steps before any demolition or remodeling begins.
Step 1: Confirm the Age of Your Home
☐ Was your home built before 1990?
☐ Was it renovated before 1990 using original materials?
☐ Are you unsure about the construction year?
If yes to any of these, assume asbestos may be present until testing confirms otherwise.
Step 2: Identify Materials You Plan to Disturb
☐ Are you removing popcorn ceilings?
☐ Are you opening walls or cutting drywall?
☐ Are you replacing vinyl floor tiles?
☐ Are you disturbing attic insulation?
☐ Are you removing old pipe insulation?
☐ Are you demolishing exterior siding or stucco?
If any of these apply, asbestos testing should be arranged before work begins.
Step 3: Inspect for Common Asbestos Containing Materials
☐ Loose fill attic insulation that looks like small granules
☐ Textured ceilings installed before the 1990s
☐ Nine inch by nine inch vinyl floor tiles
☐ Drywall joint compound in older walls
☐ White or grey fibrous pipe wrap
If you see any of these materials, do not disturb them until testing is complete.
Step 4: Arrange Professional Asbestos Testing
☐ Hire a qualified asbestos testing professional
☐ Ensure samples are sent to an accredited laboratory
☐ Obtain written results
☐ Confirm percentage and type of asbestos
Testing is far less expensive than contamination cleanup.
Step 5: Determine Risk Classification
If asbestos is found, confirm:
☐ Is the material low, moderate, or high risk?
☐ Will your renovation disturb it?
☐ Does removal need to occur before other trades begin?
Risk classification affects containment, timeline, and cost.
Step 6: Plan for Proper Removal if Required
☐ Obtain quotes from qualified asbestos abatement contractors
☐ Confirm containment procedures
☐ Confirm waste disposal methods
☐ Ask about air clearance testing if applicable
Never allow unqualified individuals to remove asbestos materials.
Step 7: Coordinate Renovation Timeline
☐ Schedule asbestos removal before demolition
☐ Allow time for clearance and inspection
☐ Inform other contractors once the area is cleared
Skipping this step can delay your renovation significantly.
What Happens If You Skip This Checklist?
Failing to test before renovation can lead to:
- Airborne contamination
- Project shutdowns
- Increased cleanup costs
- Health risks to workers and occupants
In Alberta, contractors are required to identify asbestos before performing renovation or demolition work.
Final Thoughts
This pre renovation asbestos checklist for Alberta homeowners is designed to protect your health, your renovation budget, and your timeline.
If your home was built before 1990, assume asbestos may be present until proven otherwise.
Testing first prevents costly mistakes later.
