Condo leaks need fast action and clear approvals. This guide shows what owners and strata should green light before any rebuild so the job moves quickly and everyone is protected. For free help and a claim ready estimate call +1 604 800 3900.
Free on site assessment and claim ready estimate 📞 Call +1 604 800 3900
Serving Vancouver West Vancouver and North Vancouver every day
First Hour Checklist
- Protect people and electrical, move small items out of wet rooms
- Shut off the water source if known, take quick photos and short videos
- Notify strata and the building manager in writing, include unit numbers involved
- Start safe extraction if water is standing, place towels to limit spread
- Call a certified restoration team for assessment and moisture readings
See service details on our Water Damage Restoration page.
Who Approves What Owner Strata Contractor
| Item | Owner | Strata | Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to suite and common areas | Grant access to unit | Approve access to hallways, service rooms, elevator | Schedule and secure areas |
| Emergency drying plan | Approve work inside unit | Approve discharge locations and noise window | Provide equipment list and daily readings |
| Containment locations | Approve inside unit | Approve hallway or lobby if needed | Install and maintain negative air |
| Select demolition of drywall and flooring | Approve finishes inside unit | Approve where common property is affected | Follow safe work plan and document |
| Repairs and finishes | Choose materials and colours | Approve penetrations in common walls and ceilings | Provide line item estimate and schedule |
Documents And Photos To Collect
- Wide and close photos of all wet areas, ceiling stains, baseboards and flooring
- Short videos that show dripping or spread paths, note date and time
- Moisture readings by surface type, drywall, baseboards, subfloor
- A simple timeline of events from first sign to shut off and first call
- Contact list for owner, strata manager, neighbours above or beside
- Any past leak history or recent renovations in the stack of units
Drying And Mitigation Approvals
Mitigation must start fast but with clear limits. Approvals should cover the items below so work can begin right away.
- Water extraction and removal of wet carpet pad if present
- Placement of air movers and dehumidifiers with daily logging
- Containment and negative air if walls or ceilings are opened
- Selective demolition of wet drywall, toe kicks and baseboards to reach dry goals
- Asbestos and lead testing where required for older buildings
If mold is present or suspected see our Mold Remediation page.
Building Rules And Logistics
- Work hours and quiet times for equipment and cutting
- Elevator bookings and floor protection for moving gear
- Air scrubber venting plan so clean air is maintained in halls
- Waste removal route and staging area for debris
- Parking and loading access for crews and deliveries
Proof Of Dry And Clearance
Before rebuild, strata and owners should receive proof that materials are dry and safe.
- Daily moisture logs and final dry readings by material
- Photos of cavities and framing after removal and cleaning
- If mold was present, a clearance check or third party test if requested
Scope Of Repairs That Need Sign Off
- Drywall, taping, texture and paint in affected rooms
- Flooring replacement and transitions at doorways
- Cabinet toe kicks and lower panels if swelling is present
- Baseboards, trims and caulking for a clean finish
- Upgrades to ventilation or access panels where the leak began
Planning a larger refresh after repairs Visit our build partner VR Plus Construction for custom renovations that pair well with restoration work.
Insurance Steps For Condos In BC
- Open a claim with your insurer and notify strata, share photos and the first estimate
- Ask for a claim ready line item estimate with cause of loss notes and moisture logs
- Confirm coverage, deductible, and any betterments or strata chargebacks
- Approve mitigation first, then repairs after adjuster review
For a deeper overview see our guide on How To File An Insurance Claim For Water Damage.
Costs And Timeline Guide
| Phase | What happens | Typical duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Moisture mapping, photos, claim ready estimate | Same day | Free on site assessment |
| Mitigation | Extraction, removal, drying equipment with logs | Two to five days | Goal is dry materials and clean air |
| Verification | Final readings, photos, clearance if needed | One day | Approvals for rebuild |
| Repairs | Drywall, paint, flooring, trims, finishes | Three to ten days | Time depends on materials and access |
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Waiting for visible mold before starting drying
- Running fans into open walls without containment
- No asbestos test where required in older buildings
- No final dry readings before paint and flooring
- Repairing finishes without fixing the source
FAQs
Who pays for a condo leak
Coverage depends on the cause, the bylaws and your policy. Claims may involve the unit owner and strata for common property. We provide clear notes and photos to help your adjuster decide.
Can I stay in the unit during drying
Often yes. Equipment can be noisy and warm. If the kitchen or only bathroom is affected a short stay away may be more comfortable.
How do I know the walls are really dry
You should receive daily readings and final dry goals by material. Ask for photos of cavities before they are closed.
What if mold is found
We set containment, remove affected materials, clean with HEPA and dry to target levels. Learn more on our Mold Remediation page.
Book A Free Condo Leak Assessment
VR Plus Restoration responds fast, coordinates with strata, documents the claim and restores your unit with care. If you plan a larger update after repairs, our partners at VR Plus Construction can manage design and renovation.
Free estimate and fast response 📞 Call +1 604 800 3900
More resources, Water Damage Restoration and Insurance Claim Guide
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