Was Your Building Built Before 1990? Test Before You Touch It.
Yes, if the work will disturb suspect materials. Pre-1990 buildings are presumed likely to contain asbestos, so the safe default is to sample before anyone opens a wall, ceiling or floor.
WorkSafeBC calls asbestos the leading cause of workplace disease and death in B.C., with fibres found in over 3,000 household materials. The Fraser Valley's housing stock, from Clearbrook bungalows to Chilliwack ranchers and Mission character homes, is full of materials that were made with it.
That's why WorkSafeBC requires hazardous materials to be identified by a qualified person before renovation or demolition work that could disturb them (with pre-1990 buildings presumed likely to contain asbestos), and why municipalities across the valley ask for survey documentation with demolition permits. Skipping the test doesn't just risk your family's health. It can stop your project cold, void contractor agreements, and lead to serious penalties.
How does it work, start to finish?
- Call or request a quote. Tell us what you're planning and we'll tell you exactly what needs testing, then quote a firm price.
- Sample collection. We collect samples of suspect materials safely and document each location.
- Accredited lab analysis. Samples are analyzed at an accredited BC laboratory, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- Your written report. A clear, WorkSafeBC-compliant report you can hand to your contractor, your municipality, or your realtor.