# North Vancouver Older-Home Pre-Demolition Checklist

Use this worksheet before demolition or destructive investigation begins in a 1950s, 1960s or other older North Vancouver house. It is a planning record, not a building assessment. Qualified professionals and the applicable municipality must confirm the work required for your property.

## 1. Confirm the property and jurisdiction

- [ ] Confirm whether the address is in the City of North Vancouver or District of North Vancouver.
- [ ] Collect available building permits, renovation records, surveys, service records and oil-heating records.
- [ ] Note additions, moved walls, basement work or exterior changes that may not match the records.
- [ ] Ask the municipality which building and trade permits may apply to the proposed scope.
- [ ] Record the name of the person responsible for the permit application.

Notes:

__________________________________________________________________

## 2. Arrange the hazardous-material inspection

- [ ] Engage a qualified person before work disturbs suspect materials.
- [ ] Give the inspector the proposed demolition and renovation scope.
- [ ] Obtain the written report and sampling results.
- [ ] Mark every area that requires containment or removal.
- [ ] If asbestos is identified, confirm that the abatement contractor and workers hold the required licences and certifications.
- [ ] Confirm whether a WorkSafeBC Notice of Project applies.
- [ ] Keep clearance or completion records with the project documents.

Do not sample or remove suspect material yourself. Drywall compound, textured ceilings, vinyl tiles, adhesives, pipe wrap, insulation and stucco can all require professional review.

## 3. Check heating-oil history and the site

- [ ] Review available records for former oil heat, tank removal or environmental work.
- [ ] Look for credible signs that warrant professional follow-up, such as old fill or vent piping.
- [ ] If the history is uncertain, ask a qualified tank or environmental professional what investigation is suitable.
- [ ] Keep removal, soil-testing and remediation records if work is required.
- [ ] Do not set a demolition date until the effect on scope and approvals is understood.

Notes:

__________________________________________________________________

## 4. Trace water before choosing finishes

- [ ] Check roof drainage, downspout discharge and grading near the house.
- [ ] Note basement staining, damp smells, efflorescence or recurring seepage.
- [ ] Review the age and condition of perimeter drainage where records exist.
- [ ] Identify retaining walls, slopes or surface-water paths that could affect the work.
- [ ] Ask whether structural, drainage, geotechnical or stormwater review is needed.
- [ ] Plan temporary weather protection for any roof, wall or foundation opening.

New finishes will not correct an unresolved water path.

## 5. Review structure and older materials

- [ ] Record sagging, movement, large cracks or uneven floors.
- [ ] Identify cut, drilled or altered joists and beams.
- [ ] Separate ordinary floor squeaks from signs of structural movement.
- [ ] Photograph sound Douglas fir framing, solid-wood shiplap and other material that may be worth retaining.
- [ ] Ask the designer, contractor or engineer which openings are needed before the design is final.
- [ ] Decide what should be preserved before demolition pricing is requested.

## 6. Plan electrical capacity

- [ ] Record the panel rating and visible wiring types without opening live equipment.
- [ ] List planned loads: heat pump, induction range, electric hot water, EV charger, suite or added floor area.
- [ ] Ask a licensed electrical contractor for a load calculation.
- [ ] Compare service-upgrade and load-management options.
- [ ] Confirm permit responsibility and which existing circuits can remain.
- [ ] Finalise routes while walls are open, before insulation and drywall.

## 7. Inspect plumbing and drainage

- [ ] Identify galvanized supply piping and cast-iron drainage where accessible.
- [ ] Note restricted flow, staining, corrosion, cracking or recurring backups.
- [ ] Map the main drain stack and plumbing routes that will become concealed.
- [ ] Decide what can remain, what needs repair and what should be replaced.
- [ ] Coordinate new kitchen and bathroom locations before structural and finish decisions are locked.

## 8. Make the scope decision

Choose the option supported by the reports and project estimates:

- [ ] Preserve and repair.
- [ ] Open selected areas and deconstruct carefully.
- [ ] Complete a full interior gut renovation.
- [ ] Demolish and plan new construction.

Before signing a construction agreement, confirm the written scope, exclusions, professional responsibilities, permit path, hazardous-material work, site access, protection, temporary services and contingency approach. Do not rely on a universal renovation percentage or a neighbour's permit experience. The municipality applies current requirements to the address and proposed work.

## Project contacts

Property address: _______________________________________________

Municipality: ___________________________________________________

Contractor: _____________________________________________________

Designer/architect: _____________________________________________

Engineer: _______________________________________________________

Hazardous-material professional: _________________________________

Environmental/tank professional: _________________________________

Electrical contractor: __________________________________________

Plumbing contractor: ____________________________________________

Permit contact or file number: __________________________________