So your old garage has seen better days. Maybe the door hasn't closed properly in three years, or mold is growing in places where it shouldn’t. Maybe you're eyeing that space for a laneway house, a new build, or just a clean, open yard.
Whatever your reason, tearing down a detached garage in Vancouver isn't as simple as renting a sledgehammer for the weekend. There are permits to pull, hazardous materials to check for, and specific steps the City requires before a single nail is pulled. The good news? It's very manageable when you know what to expect.
Here's the full picture from the permit application to the final inspection.
Our Garage Demolition Process
Step 1: Do You Actually Need a Permit?
The short answer is yes. Demolishing any whole structure in Vancouver, including a detached garage, requires at least one permit from the City's Development and Building Services Centre, located at 515 W 10th Ave in Vancouver.
You'll need to submit a Development/Building Permit Application Form along with drawings and documents. If you're planning to build something new on the same lot (like a new garage or laneway house), you can submit both applications together, which saves time and paperwork.
Once the City of Vancouver accepts your application, they'll contact you to pay the permit fees. You can pay online, in person, or by mail.
Step 2: Check the Age of Your Garage
Here's where a lot of homeowners get surprised. If your garage was built before 1990, you're legally required to have it tested for asbestos before any demolition work begins. This isn't optional; it's a WorkSafeBC regulation under Part 6 and Part 20 of BC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Asbestos was widely used in building materials right up until the late 1980s. In garages, it could be hiding in:
- Roof shingles and felt
- Drywall joint compound
- Floor tiles
- Textured or stippled coatings
- Pipe insulation and caulking
You won't be able to tell by looking at it. A qualified professional needs to collect physical samples, which are then sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
You might wonder why this matters. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of workplace-related deaths in BC, responsible for roughly one-third of all occupational fatalities in the province. Once the fibers are released into the air, they can't be seen, smelled, or tasted. The damage they cause, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, can take decades to appear.
If testing confirms asbestos is present, a licensed abatement company (like ours) must remove it before demolition proceeds. As of January 1, 2024, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to require mandatory licensing for asbestos abatement companies and their workers. That means you need to hire a WorkSafeBC-licensed company, like us at Ray’s Asbestos, not a handyman or a general contractor with a truck.
Before abatement work begins, a Notice of Project (NOP) must be submitted to WorkSafeBC at least 24 hours in advance.
Step 3: The Green Demolition Deposit (For Older Buildings)
Vancouver takes construction waste seriously. Under the City's Green Demolition By-law, buildings built in 1990 or earlier are subject to minimum reuse and recycling requirements.
When you apply for your demolition permit, a $15,310 refundable deposit will be required. You get that money back, but only if you meet the City's recycling and reuse targets. That means tracking what gets salvaged, recycled, or disposed of, keeping your receipts, and uploading documentation before your final inspection.
Some materials, like drywall, are actually banned from Metro Vancouver landfills, so recycling isn't just the right thing to do; it's the law.
Starting September 2025, all salvage and abatement work must be conducted under the scope of the demolition permit itself, so make sure everything is coordinated under one plan. If you need help with this, give us a call, and we can guide you through this process or point you in the right direction.
Step 4: The Actual Demolition
Once permits are issued, asbestos (if any) has been removed, and utilities are disconnected, the physical demolition can begin. For a standard detached garage, this typically goes quickly, often one to two days of active work.
Here's the general way it works:
- Utility disconnection (electricity, gas if applicable)
- Asbestos or hazardous material abatement (if required)
- Structural demolition
- Debris removal and site cleanup
- Final inspection by the City
Depending on site conditions, the crew may use a small excavator or do it by hand. Detached garages are more accessible than attached ones, which tends to keep costs lower.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
From permit application to cleared lot, expect 4–8 weeks in total:
— Permit processing: 2–4 weeks (can overlap with testing)
— Asbestos testing: 5–10 business days for lab results
— Abatement (if needed): 1–5 days (depending on the amount of asbestos and area)
— Demolition: 1–2 days
— Final inspection: A few days after completion
Pulling your permit and booking your asbestos assessment at the same time can help speed things along.
Typical timelines: Our seamless process has varying timelines, depending on the scale of the project.
- For small steps or patios, it typically takes just a few hours.
- For a typical-sized concrete driveway, it takes approximately a day or two.
- For a double driveway or thicker/reinforced slabs, typically it takes 1–2 days.
- For interior cuts/openings: 2–8 hours, depending on size and access.
Weather and access can also affect the timing of efficient concrete removal. Give us a shout if you have questions regarding our quick and seamless process. Or call us if you have questions regarding the approximate timelines of your project.
Concrete Breaking and Removal Contractors in Vancouver
Ray Asbestos is backed by years of experience in the business. Choose Ray's Asbestos for quality workmanship and more! Here’s why customers choose us time and time again:
- Exceptional Concrete Removal – Local experts trusted by homeowners, contractors, and businesses across the Lower Mainland, British Columbia.
- Certified Professionals – Trained and licensed technicians with years of hands-on experience in demolition and removal.
- WorkSafeBC Compliant – Every project follows strict health and safety standards, with proper containment and protective equipment.
- Qualified Professional Concrete Demolition and Removal – Expect top-notch customer service from our team, accompanied by thorough site walkthroughs and clear reporting before and after removal.
- Professional & Clean Work – We prioritize safety, respect for your property, and a spotless jobsite.
- Competitive Pricing – Fair, transparent rates without cutting corners on quality or safety.
- Trusted Results – Our work protects your health, your home, or your workplace.
Ray’s Asbestos Is Here to Help
Tearing down an old garage in Vancouver has more moving pieces than most homeowners expect, but none of them are difficult when you tackle them in the right order. Get your permit, test for asbestos, use licensed professionals, track your recycling, and you'll end up with a clean lot and no surprises.
If your garage was built before 1990, don't skip the asbestos assessment. It's the single most important step in the entire process.
We are a licensed asbestos removal and demolition company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Surrey, and the surrounding Lower Mainland. We handle asbestos testing, certified abatement, and full demolition services all under one roof. Have questions before you start? Give us a call, we're happy to walk you through what your specific project needs before you commit to anything.
Give us a call today: (604) 353-4837
Testimonials
Working with Ray's was super easy and a great experience. They gave us the best quote, showed up on time, did a great job and were done within the estimated timeframe. We had a lot of high risk texture to remove and they did it no problem. On top of all that, the guys were super friendly and helpful, ready to answer any questions we had. I would definitely recommend Ray’s Asbestos to anyone!
We've used Ray's Asbestos removal on many jobs now, and we're always impressed at the results. Ray is fantastic to deal with - great communication, punctual, great price and a fantastic job. He always goes the extra mile to make sure the client is happy. We're very confident in recommending Ray's company.
Common Questions Homeowners Ask Us
Can I just tear it down myself?
You can apply for the permit yourself, but the demolition work, especially anything involving potential asbestos, must be handled by qualified professionals. WorkSafeBC regulations are clear: licensed workers for abatement, and coordinated work procedures throughout.
What if I skip the asbestos test and nothing goes wrong?
The risk isn't just legal. Disturbing asbestos-containing material without proper containment can contaminate your soil, your home, and neighbouring properties. The consequences are serious and long-lasting.
I'm planning to build a new garage right after. Does that change anything?
Yes, in a good way. The City of Vancouver allows you to submit your demolition permit application together with your new building permit, which can streamline both approvals.
Locations We Serve
Looking for removal contractors (concrete demolition)?
Ray's Asbestos is here to help!
Ray’s Asbestos provides concrete removal in Vancouver and surrounding cities.
Homeowners and contractors rely on our experienced team to handle every demolition project with the utmost care. Here are some of the locations we serve:
Vancouver Neighborhoods We Serve
- Kitsilano
- Mount Pleasant
- Commercial Drive
- Kerrisdale
- East Vancouver
- Downtown Vancouver
- West End
- Yaletown
- Fairview
- Point Grey
- Hastings-Sunrise
- Shaughnessy
- Marpole
- Renfrew-Collingwood
