What happens if my contractor finds asbestos during my addition project in Ottawa?

Finding asbestos during an addition is more common than many people expect, especially in older homes. It was used in materials such as vermiculite insulation, some vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, plaster, ceiling textures and cement board. When your contractor opens walls, removes ceilings or cuts into existing structure to tie in the addition, they may run into materials that could contain it. Knowing the process ahead of time helps you stay calm and budget for the possibility.

When a contractor suspects asbestos, work that would disturb the material should stop. Ontario has specific rules for asbestos on construction projects, and suspect material isn't to be disturbed until it has been assessed. The area should be closed off and access limited.

The next step is testing. A sample is taken by someone trained to do it and sent to a qualified lab. Ask your contractor who will take the sample, which lab will analyze it and how long results usually take. In some cases a contractor treats material as asbestos-containing without testing; ask which approach they're taking and why.

If the material does contain asbestos, how it is removed depends on the type of material, its condition and how much there is. Small amounts of intact, non-crumbly material may be handled differently from loose insulation or large quantities, which typically need a specialized abatement contractor with containment, negative air machines and air monitoring. Ask your general contractor whether they're qualified to handle the specific work, or whether it needs an abatement specialist.

Cost and time depend entirely on what is found and how much, so ask for a written abatement quote before work proceeds. Expect some delay while the material is removed and the area is checked before regular work resumes. Ask how waste will be handled; it shouldn't go into ordinary construction bins.

A few things worth doing before you start:

• Ask your contractor whether they recommend a pre-construction survey of the areas being opened up, especially in an older house.
• Put a clause in your contract covering what happens if hazardous materials are found, including who arranges testing and how extra costs are approved.
• Ask whether each company on site has WSIB coverage or is exempt, and for a certificate of liability insurance.

Planning for the possibility makes it a manageable delay instead of a crisis. You can browse addition contractors in the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com and compare quotes.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Justyn Rook Contracting
• JC Carpentry
• Demontigny Carpentry
• Callandgone
• Geerts Roofing Inc

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