Identify what is already there
Record the visible floor, approximate age, layers underneath and any known prior work. Some older flooring, backing and adhesives may contain asbestos. Appearance alone does not establish whether a material contains it.
Resolve unknown materials first
Health Canada advises obtaining professional advice before disturbing material that may contain asbestos. Avoid sanding, grinding or breaking unknown old flooring or adhesive. Arrange appropriate assessment before agreeing a removal method.
Define removal and disposal
Confirm what layers will be removed, what remains, the disposal route and the expected substrate afterwards. Keep any assessment and remediation outside a simple per-square-foot flooring allowance unless the contractor has explicitly scoped it.
Inspect the uncovered substrate
Allow a decision point after removal for repairs, moisture testing and preparation. Ask how additional work will be documented and approved so an unexpectedly difficult substrate does not become an undefined bill.
Bring it back to your space.
Keep approximate measurements, product details and open questions together. HAUSE can review your location and project scope.
Discuss your floors ↗Keep the product guidance close.
These primary resources inform the guidance. Confirm the current instructions for your exact product. Reviewed 11 October 2026.