BC Green Demolition FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

When people contact BC Green Demolition, they usually have a lot of questions before they are ready to book. That makes complete sense. Asbestos removal, mold remediation, lead abatement, and demolition are not things most people deal with regularly, and the stakes are high enough that you want to understand what you are getting into before any work begins.

This page brings together the questions we hear most often from Vancouver and Metro Vancouver homeowners, landlords, strata managers, and contractors. If your question is not here, contact us directly and we will give you a straight answer.

Asbestos Removal Questions

How long does asbestos removal take?

It depends on the scope. A focused single-room project, like a stipple ceiling removal or floor tile abatement in one area, typically takes one to two days from containment setup through to post-removal air clearance testing. A whole-house pre-renovation abatement covering multiple materials and areas may take three to seven days. Pre-demolition abatement for a full structural demolition is scoped individually based on what the survey finds. BC Green Demolition provides a specific timeline during every free consultation so you can plan your renovation or build schedule around the work.

Do I need asbestos testing before starting a renovation in Vancouver?

Yes, and it is a legal requirement in BC, not just a recommendation. WorkSafeBC regulations require a formal hazardous materials survey before any renovation or demolition work in a building that may contain asbestos-containing materials. For virtually any home in Metro Vancouver built before 1990, this applies. The survey must be conducted by a qualified person, and BC Green Demolition provides compliant pre-renovation surveys across Metro Vancouver.

Can I remove asbestos myself in BC?

No. Asbestos removal in BC must be performed by a WorkSafeBC-licensed asbestos abatement contractor with certified workers. DIY asbestos removal is not just dangerous, it is illegal under BC's OHS Regulation. The consequences of getting it wrong include asbestos contamination of your home, significant fines from WorkSafeBC, and potential long-term health consequences for you and your family.

What is the difference between asbestos encapsulation and asbestos removal?

Encapsulation means sealing intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing material with a specialised coating or covering to prevent fibre release. It is appropriate when the material is in good condition and will not be disturbed. Removal, also called abatement, means physically extracting the material entirely. Removal is required before any renovation or demolition work that would disturb the material. BC Green Demolition assesses which approach is appropriate for your specific situation.

How do I verify that BC Green Demolition is a licensed asbestos contractor?

BC Green Demolition holds a valid WorkSafeBC Asbestos Abatement Licence. You can verify this by searching the WorkSafeBC AAL Registry at We will also provide our licence number directly on request. Since January 2024, all asbestos abatement contractors in BC are required to hold this licence, and BC Green Demolition was ahead of that requirement.

Does asbestos testing hurt the wall or ceiling?

The sample collection process involves taking a very small physical sample of the suspected material, typically around the size of a coin or smaller. It creates a minor mark in the surface. BC Green Demolition seals the sample site after collection to prevent any fibre release. If the material tests negative, the sealed patch is cosmetically minor. If it tests positive and removal is required, the surface will be fully removed and replaced as part of the abatement work anyway.

What does an asbestos survey report actually include?

A formal Hazardous Materials Survey report from BC Green Demolition includes: a description of all areas inspected, identification of all materials sampled, laboratory analysis results for each sample, the location and estimated quantity of any confirmed asbestos-containing materials, the condition of those materials, and recommended management actions. This report is required for renovation permits, demolition permit applications, WorkSafeBC Notices of Project, and real estate disclosure purposes.

Mold Removal Questions

Is mold removal covered by insurance in BC?

Often, yes, but it depends on what caused the mold. If mold resulted from a sudden and accidental insured event, such as a burst pipe, an appliance leak, or storm-related water intrusion, most home insurance policies in BC will cover the cost of professional mold remediation. Mold caused by long-term moisture problems, poor ventilation, or deferred maintenance is generally not covered. BC Green Demolition provides detailed inspection reports and documentation that support insurance claims when coverage applies.

How long does mold removal take in a Vancouver home?

Most residential mold remediation projects BC Green Demolition handles in Metro Vancouver take one to five days from containment setup through to post-remediation air clearance testing. A small, isolated bathroom mold situation caught early may resolve in a single day. A larger infestation that has spread through wall cavities or an entire basement may take several days including material removal, drying, and clearance testing. Every project gets a specific timeline at the quoting stage.

Can I just clean mold with bleach?

For a very small amount of mold on a completely non-porous surface like tile or glass, a bleach solution applied carefully may be effective. For anything growing on drywall, wood, insulation, carpet, or any other porous or semi-porous material, bleach is not an effective solution. It removes surface colour but does not penetrate to kill mold growing below the surface. The mold continues growing underneath and typically reappears within weeks. More importantly, scrubbing mold without proper containment and HEPA filtration spreads spores throughout your home. BC Green Demolition recommends professional assessment for any mold growth that is more than a very minor surface occurrence.

Will the mold come back after BC Green Demolition removes it?

Not if the moisture source is properly addressed. Mold cannot establish without moisture. BC Green Demolition always identifies and resolves the underlying moisture source as part of every remediation project, whether that means improving bathroom ventilation, recommending plumbing repairs, or installing a crawl space vapour barrier. Simply removing visible mold without fixing what caused it guarantees the problem returns. That is a standard BC Green Demolition will not accept on any project.

What is a post-remediation clearance test and do I need one?

A post-remediation clearance test is an independent air quality assessment conducted after mold removal is complete. It measures airborne mold spore concentrations in the remediated area and confirms they have returned to normal levels. BC Green Demolition includes clearance testing on every mold remediation project. You receive a formal clearance certificate confirming the work was successful. This document is important for insurance claims, real estate transactions, and strata records.

What does mold look like in a wall cavity?

Mold inside wall cavities is not visible from the outside. BC Green Demolition uses moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras during inspections to detect elevated moisture and temperature anomalies inside walls without opening them. When mold is suspected inside a wall, a small investigation opening may be required to confirm. Exterior signs that suggest mold inside walls include peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, warped drywall surfaces, and persistent musty smells in a room even when visible mold is not present.

Lead Removal Questions

How do I know if my Vancouver home has lead paint?

If your home was built before 1990, there is a meaningful chance it contains lead-based paint, particularly on window frames, doors, trim, exterior surfaces, and original walls. The only reliable way to confirm is professional testing. BC Green Demolition uses XRF testing, which scans through all paint layers without damaging the surface, and laboratory sample analysis. Visual inspection and DIY test kits are not reliable methods, particularly for lead buried under subsequent layers of newer paint.

Is lead paint dangerous if it is not peeling?

Lead paint that is in good condition, well-adhered, and not being disturbed poses a lower immediate risk to occupants. The danger increases significantly when lead paint is deteriorating and shedding dust through normal friction on windows and doors, or when any renovation disturbs the surface through sanding, scraping, or cutting. If you have young children in a pre-1990 home, BC Green Demolition recommends a proactive lead assessment regardless of whether renovation is planned.

Do I need a lead test before selling my Vancouver home?

BC does not currently require a lead paint test as a legal condition of sale. However, BC's real estate disclosure requirements mean sellers should disclose known material defects, and undisclosed lead paint discovered after a sale can create significant legal liability. BC Green Demolition increasingly sees buyers in Metro Vancouver requesting lead assessments as a subject condition, particularly in older neighbourhoods. A proactive assessment from BC Green Demolition before listing gives you documented facts to work with.

Can BC Green Demolition handle lead removal and asbestos removal on the same project?

Yes. Many pre-1990 Metro Vancouver homes contain both lead paint and asbestos-containing materials. BC Green Demolition manages both hazards under a single coordinated project with one work plan, one Notice of Project process, and one clearance certificate. This is more efficient and cost-effective than managing two separate contractors and two separate schedules.

Demolition Questions

What is the process for demolishing a house in BC?

A full single-family demolition in BC involves these stages in order: a hazardous materials survey, professional abatement of any asbestos or lead found, a demolition permit application to the municipality, utility disconnections by BC Hydro, FortisBC, and the municipal water and sewer authority, structural demolition, foundation removal or retention based on the new build requirements, and final site clearance. The full process typically takes 6 to 14 weeks from start to a cleared site. BC Green Demolition manages this entire sequence for Metro Vancouver homeowners.

Do I need a permit to demolish my house in Vancouver?

Yes. A demolition permit from the relevant municipality is required before structural demolition begins in BC. In Vancouver, the permit application requires a hazardous materials survey report, confirmation of utility disconnection arrangements, and a waste management plan. Heritage considerations may add additional steps for certain properties. BC Green Demolition helps clients navigate the permit process as part of our demolition service.

How much does house demolition cost in Metro Vancouver?

Every demolition project is different. Cost depends on the size and type of the building, the volume of hazardous materials requiring abatement, site access conditions, foundation removal requirements, permit fees, and waste disposal and diversion costs. BC Green Demolition provides free on-site consultations and detailed written quotes so you have accurate numbers before committing to anything.

Can BC Green Demolition handle asbestos removal and demolition as one project?

Yes. This is one of the most practical advantages of working with BC Green Demolition. We handle the pre-demolition hazardous materials survey, all asbestos and lead abatement, and the structural demolition under a single project team and contract. This eliminates the scheduling delays and coordination complexity that comes from managing a separate abatement contractor and demolition contractor.

What happens to the materials from a demolished Vancouver home?

BC Green Demolition sorts demolition materials on site for recycling and diversion. Concrete is crushed and recycled as aggregate, timber and metal are directed to appropriate recycling facilities, and clean fill is reused where possible. The City of Vancouver and other Metro Vancouver municipalities have waste diversion requirements built into demolition permit conditions. BC Green Demolition tracks and documents diversion for permit close-out.

Biohazard Cleanup Questions

How do I know if I need biohazard cleanup?

Biohazard cleanup is required whenever a space has been contaminated by biological materials that pose a health risk. This includes situations involving blood or bodily fluids from a trauma or accident, an unattended death where biological breakdown has occurred, severe hoarding with human or animal waste, sewage overflow, infectious disease decontamination needs, or former drug production sites. If you are unsure whether a situation requires professional biohazard remediation, contact BC Green Demolition and describe the situation. We will give you an honest assessment.

Is biohazard cleanup confidential?

Yes. BC Green Demolition treats every biohazard project with complete discretion. We arrive in unmarked vehicles, work professionally and unobtrusively, and maintain strict confidentiality about the nature of the work and the property involved. This is standard practice for every biohazard project we take on in Metro Vancouver.

How quickly can BC Green Demolition respond to a biohazard situation in Vancouver?

BC Green Demolition treats biohazard situations as urgent. Contact us directly and our team will respond as promptly as possible. We understand these situations cannot wait and we prioritise rapid response for biohazard inquiries across Metro Vancouver.

General Questions About BC Green Demolition

What areas does BC Green Demolition serve?

BC Green Demolition serves Metro Vancouver and the Sea-to-Sky corridor including Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Squamish, and Whistler. For projects outside these areas, contact us to discuss scope and scheduling.

Is BC Green Demolition licensed and insured?

Yes. BC Green Demolition holds a valid WorkSafeBC Asbestos Abatement Licence, carries comprehensive commercial general liability insurance, and maintains full WorkSafeBC coverage for all workers on every project. We provide documentation of our licence and insurance to any client who requests it.

What documentation does BC Green Demolition provide after a project?

BC Green Demolition provides a complete project file at the end of every job. Depending on the scope, this includes some or all of the following: a Hazardous Materials Survey report, a removal work plan, WorkSafeBC Notice of Project confirmation, air clearance certificates, and waste disposal documentation. This paperwork covers you for permits, insurance claims, real estate disclosure, and strata records.

Can BC Green Demolition handle multiple hazards on the same property?

Yes. Many older Metro Vancouver properties contain asbestos, lead paint, and mold together. BC Green Demolition manages multiple hazards under a single coordinated project rather than requiring clients to hire separate contractors for each one. This is more efficient, faster, and better documented than managing three separate contractors and three separate schedules.

How do I get a quote from BC Green Demolition?

The best way is to contact us directly by phone or through the quote request form on our website. BC Green Demolition offers free on-site consultations across Metro Vancouver. We come to your property, assess the situation properly, and provide a detailed written quote based on what we actually find. We do not quote over the phone without seeing the property because an accurate quote requires a proper assessment.

Get Your Free Assessment From BC Green Demolition

Whether you have questions about asbestos, mold, lead, demolition, or biohazard cleanup in your Vancouver or Metro Vancouver property, BC Green Demolition is ready to help.

Contact us for a free consultation. We give you straight answers, honest assessments, and a clear path forward before you commit to anything.