Have questions? You’re in the right place. Our FAQ’s cover the questions we hear most often from homeowners and contractors, so you can feel confident and informed before starting your project with AREC Environmental.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS For Homeowners
Do I need a hazardous materials survey before renovating?
Yes. If your renovation will disturb walls, ceilings, floors, or exterior materials, a pre‑work hazmat survey is required in B.C.
My house is older – could it contain asbestos?
Many homes were built with asbestos present in common materials, so testing before work is strongly recommended, regardless of build date. The newer the date of construction, the less likelihood; however, testing is always recommended prior to starting work.
What hazardous materials do you test for?
Most surveys cover asbestos, lead/heavy metals, mercury, PCBs, ozone‑depleting substances, silica, mould/biological hazards, UFFI, tanks/residues, and other foreseeable hazards
What happens if asbestos or other hazards are found?
We map locations and provide clear next steps (remove, encapsulate, or manage) so your renovation can proceed safely and legally.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Homeowners can remove ACM’s etc. themselves; however, we always recommend engaging certified contractors to complete all hazardous materials removal.
Do I need air clearance testing after removal?
Often, yes. Especially if work was done by a homeowner or without proper project documentation. For certified contractor work, clearance may or may not be required depending on the material type/quantity and the qualified person’s risk assessment.
I see mould or smell mustiness — do I need an assessment?
If there’s visible growth, recurring moisture, or you’re renovating a water‑damaged area, an assessment is a smart first step. Give us a call to discuss in more detail and we can determine how to best help.
What mould testing do you do?
We use moisture reading investigations, thermal imaging, air sampling (with outdoor baseline comparison) and surface swabs.
How long does a survey take to complete?
Most home surveys run in the 1–5-hour range, depending on the size of the scope. We’ll confirm timing based on your scope and urgency at the time of booking. Larger projects require multiple site visits to satisfy all requirements.
How long does it take to get my report?
Reports are typically released seven (7) business days from the day of the site visit.
Can I expedite my survey to get the report back faster?
Yes, analysis and reports can be rushed; however, the cost of this survey will differ from standard projects depending on the specific needs and timeline of the client.
Will a survey help with permits?
Yes. Most municipalities require hazmat reports before issuing renovation or demolition permits.
FAQS For Contractors
When is a hazmat survey required under WorkSafeBC?
Before any renovation, demolition, dismantling, or salvage work that may disturb building materials.
Is an asbestos inventory enough for my project?
No. Inventories support long‑term management; project ‑ specific work still requires a scope‑specific hazmat survey.
What materials/hazards are typically included?
ACMs, lead/heavy metals, mercury, PCBs, ODS, silica/RCS, mould/biological hazards, tanks/residues, UFFI, radioactive sources, and other foreseeable agents.
Do you provide rapid support for mid‑project discoveries?
Yes – we can respond quickly to identify hazards, adjust scope, and keep the site compliant.
Do you provide third‑party abatement consulting?
Yes. We do containment/hoarding inspections, DOP testing, occupational monitoring, ambient/clean room sampling, and air clearance.
Who should perform air monitoring and clearances?
Industry standard and WorkSafeBC expectations are for independent third‑party monitoring, not the abatement contractor.
What is aggravated/aggressive clearance sampling? When is it needed?
It’s clearance with deliberate air disturbance to detect residual fibers, often required when paperwork or work history is incomplete.
Do you do occupational exposure monitoring (asbestos/lead/silica)?
Yes. We provide personal sampling and interpret results against applicable OELs/action levels.
Can you help with documentation (NOP, clearance letters, etc.)?
We provide the technical reporting you need and can confirm what documents apply to your scope. We can provide site specific safe work procedures and exposure control plans. We do not submit NOPs on behalf of clients.
What areas do you inspect on surveys?
We aim to access and sample all areas proposed for impact that can be safely accessible. Concealed materials or areas will likely require follow-up inspection and sampling.
