Renovation Booms and the Realities of Older Buildings
Across Alberta, renovation activity continues to surge. In cities like Calgary and Red Deer, homeowners are upgrading kitchens, finishing basements, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing older housing stock rather than moving. Many of these homes were built decades ago, long before current building standards and environmental awareness were in place. While renovations can dramatically improve comfort and value, they also have a way of uncovering issues that have been hidden for years.
Older buildings often contain materials and conditions that today’s homeowners are not expecting. Asbestos insulation, vermiculite in attics, and mould concealed behind drywall or flooring are common discoveries once walls are opened up. What starts as a cosmetic upgrade can quickly turn into an environmental concern if testing is not done before work begins.
We regularly see situations where renovation work disturbs materials that were previously sealed away. Once disturbed, asbestos fibres or mould spores can become airborne, spreading throughout the home and creating health risks for occupants and workers alike. That’s why renovation trends and environmental services are becoming increasingly connected in Alberta’s housing market.
How Modern Renovation Practices Can Create New Mold Risks
Today’s renovations often focus on energy efficiency. Homeowners want better insulation, lower heating costs, and tighter building envelopes to keep warm air in during Alberta’s long winters. While these upgrades are beneficial, they can also introduce new moisture challenges if not designed carefully.
Modern insulation methods, including spray foam and high-performance air sealing, significantly reduce air movement through a home. Without proper ventilation, moisture from daily activities like cooking, showering, and laundry has fewer places to escape. Over time, that moisture can accumulate inside walls, ceilings, or basements, creating ideal conditions for mould growth.
We’ve seen mould develop after renovations that were completed with good intentions but without proper moisture management. Once a building envelope becomes tighter, any existing water intrusion, condensation, or humidity issue becomes more noticeable and more damaging. Research continues to show that buildings with reduced ventilation and higher airtightness require careful design to prevent moisture-related problems.
This is especially relevant in older Alberta homes that were never designed to be airtight. When modern materials are introduced without addressing ventilation and drainage, mould growth can appear months or even years after a renovation is complete. That’s why mold removal services are increasingly being called in after energy-efficiency upgrades.
Why Testing, Removal, and Clearance Matter Before and After Renovation
The most effective way to manage environmental risks during renovations is through a coordinated, step-by-step approach. We always recommend starting with pre-renovation testing. Asbestos testing and mould assessments help identify hazards before demolition or construction begins. This allows homeowners and contractors to plan properly instead of reacting to surprises mid-project.
If asbestos or mould is identified, professional removal or mitigation can be completed safely before renovations continue. This protects workers, prevents cross-contamination, and keeps projects on schedule. Once remediation is finished, follow-up clearance testing and indoor air quality testing confirm that contaminant levels are within acceptable limits and that the space is safe to occupy or continue renovating.
Too often, we’re called in after renovation work has already started and contamination has spread. At that point, cleanup becomes more complex and more costly. By integrating testing and environmental services into the renovation timeline from the beginning, property owners reduce risk and gain peace of mind.
Before starting any renovation, we encourage homeowners and contractors to ask a few important questions. How old is the building? Has asbestos testing been completed? Are there signs of past water damage or moisture issues? Has ventilation been considered alongside insulation upgrades? Addressing these questions early can prevent serious problems later.
We work with homeowners, builders, and contractors across Central Alberta, including Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton, to support renovations that are both modern and safe. Our role is to identify risks, remove hazards, and confirm that indoor environments meet today’s health and safety expectations.
Renovation trends will continue to evolve, but the need for responsible environmental management will only grow. As energy retrofits increase and older homes are updated, asbestos testing, mold removal, and post-remediation air quality testing are becoming standard parts of successful renovation projects.
Partnering with an environmental professional from the start helps renovations move forward smoothly and safely. It ensures that improvements enhance a home’s comfort and value without introducing new health concerns along the way.
Contact Ask Environmental today to partner with a trusted team for asbestos testing, mold removal, and environmental support throughout your renovation project in Central Alberta.
Learn More: Can Mold Be Completely Removed from a House?