Vancouver Renovation Contractors

Kitchens, bathrooms & whole-home remodels, done right the first time.

Trusted Vancouver renovation specialists transforming kitchens, bathrooms, basements and entire homes across the Lower Mainland — on schedule, on budget, and fully permitted. Renovating in Vancouver is one of the smartest investments you can make in a market where buying a larger home often costs far more than improving the one you already love. Whether you are dreaming of an open-concept kitchen in Kitsilano, a spa-inspired ensuite on the West Side, a legal basement suite in East Van, or a full-home transformation of a character house in Mount Pleasant, our team turns renovation stress into renovation confidence.

🍁 Vancouver-based & locally owned 4.9/5 from 187+ Vancouver homeowners 🛡️ $5M insured & WorkSafeBC compliant 🏆 5-year workmanship warranty
As trusted by clients with Caesarstone · Kohler · Riobel · Fisher & Paykel · Cambria · Hansgrohe
Vancouver homeowners cooking in a recently renovated open-plan kitchen
600+ Vancouver homes renovated since 2009
HAVAN & CHBA BC Member
Reclaimed-wood shelving and subway tile in a craftsman-style Vancouver kitchen renovation
Since 2009 · 600+ projects completed

Credentials & Certifications

  • HAVAN (Homebuilders Association Vancouver) member
  • CHBA BC Renovator member
  • RenoMark™ certified renovator
  • Red Seal certified carpenters & trades
  • Licensed BC electricians & gasfitters
  • $5,000,000 commercial general liability
  • Active WorkSafeBC coverage on every crew
  • City of Vancouver licensed contractor
About Us

A Vancouver design-build team built for this city.

We are a full-service residential renovation company built specifically for Vancouver homeowners. We know the BC Building Code, the City of Vancouver permit process, the realities of working in heritage and character homes, and the moisture challenges of building in a coastal rainforest climate. Every project is managed start to finish by a dedicated project lead, so you always know what is happening, what is next, and what it costs.

We have been renovating homes across Metro Vancouver since 2009, growing from a two-person carpentry crew into a full-service design-and-build renovation team. In that time we have completed more than 600 residential projects — from compact downtown condo refreshes to multi-room transformations of detached homes throughout the city. That experience is the single most important thing we bring to your project: we have already solved the problems your renovation will encounter.

Vancouver is not an easy place to renovate. Our housing stock is a patchwork of 1910s Craftsman homes, post-war bungalows, 1970s Vancouver Specials, and glass condo towers — each with its own quirks. Older homes hide knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, undersized electrical panels, and decades of unpermitted work behind their walls. Condos come with strata bylaws, building access restrictions, and moisture-management rules. Our team has worked inside every one of these building types, and that pattern recognition is what keeps your project on track when the unexpected appears.

Our Experience and Track Record

Renovation is a craft that rewards repetition. The crews who have framed a hundred bathrooms know exactly how to set a curbless shower so it drains perfectly and never leaks. The project managers who have pulled hundreds of City of Vancouver permits know how to assemble an application that clears review without costly back-and-forth. Our company has built that institutional knowledge over seventeen years, and every client benefits from it.

Our Approach to Every Project

We believe a renovation should be a collaboration, not a mystery. From your first consultation you work with the same core team — a designer to shape the vision, an estimator to build a transparent line-item budget, and a project manager who lives on your job site through completion. We do not disappear after the contract is signed. You get regular progress updates, a clear schedule, and a single point of contact who answers the phone.

We also believe in doing the unglamorous work properly. Anyone can install a beautiful tile. The difference between a renovation that lasts twenty years and one that fails in three is in the parts you never see: the waterproofing membrane, the fire blocking, the vapour barrier, the structural connections. We build to the BC Building Code as a floor, not a ceiling, because in Vancouver's wet climate, shortcuts behind the wall always resurface.

Why Vancouver Homeowners Choose Us

Choosing a renovator is the single biggest decision of the project.

You are inviting a company into your home and trusting them with a major investment. Here is why hundreds of Vancouver families have trusted us with theirs.

Licensed, Insured & WorkSafeBC Compliant

$5,000,000 in general liability and active WorkSafeBC coverage on every crew member and trade partner. If an uninsured contractor's worker is injured in your home, you can be held personally liable. We provide proof of coverage before work begins, every time.

Transparent Fixed-Price Quoting

Detailed, line-item proposals that spell out labour, materials, allowances, permit costs, and a realistic contingency. We price the work properly the first time rather than winning the job with a low number and recovering it through change orders later.

Local Knowledge That Saves Money

We know which Vancouver neighbourhoods have parking and access restrictions that affect labour costs, which building eras hide expensive surprises, and how to design within the City of Vancouver permit framework to avoid unnecessary review.

One Team, Start to Finish

We are a true design-build company. Design, estimating, permitting, demolition, construction, and finishing all run through one accountable team. You are never caught between a designer who blames the builder and a builder who blames the designer.

A 5-Year Warranty That Means Something

Every renovation is backed by a 5-year comprehensive workmanship warranty plus 2-year systems coverage, in addition to manufacturer warranties on materials and fixtures. If something we installed is not performing as it should, we come back and make it right.

Permits & Inspections Handled

We manage every City of Vancouver permit application — drawings, submission, conditions, and inspections — so you never deal with the permit office yourself. Permit costs are itemized in your line-item proposal up front.

HAVAN & CHBA BC Member

Verified membership in HAVAN (Homebuilders Association Vancouver) and CHBA BC, plus RenoMark™ certification — the industry's mark of contractors who follow a strict code of conduct, carry written contracts, and stand behind their work.

Our Renovation Services

A complete design-build service for every Vancouver home.

We offer a complete range of residential renovation services for homes and condos across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Whether you need a single room transformed or your entire home reimagined, we have the team, the trades, and the project management to deliver it. Price ranges reflect real Vancouver-area market rates for 2026 and are intended for early budgeting — every project receives a precise written quote after an in-home assessment.

Open-plan kitchen renovation with quartz counters and stainless appliances

Kitchen Renovations

The hardest-working room in any home, and the renovation with the strongest return on investment. Cabinet-and-counter refreshes to full gut renovations that open the kitchen to dining and living areas — custom and semi-custom cabinetry, quartz and natural stone counters, full-height backsplashes, appliance integration.

From $15,000 · gut renos $80K–$120K+
Vancouver bathroom renovation with frameless glass shower and dark vanity

Bathroom Renovations

Bathrooms are dense with trades — plumbing, waterproofing, tile, electrical, ventilation, finishing — all in a small space. We renovate powder rooms, main bathrooms, and luxury primary ensuites with curbless showers, frameless glass, heated floors, custom vanities, and freestanding tubs.

Powder rooms $8K–$18K · ensuites to $65K+
Warm finished basement living space with hardwood floors and feature wall

Basement & Legal Secondary Suites

In a city with sub-one-percent rental vacancy, finishing a basement is one of the highest-return projects available. We build personal-use rec rooms, home offices, and gyms, plus fully legal secondary suites with separate entrances, fire separation, egress windows, and dedicated kitchens.

Personal use $40K–$90K · legal suites $90K–$180K
Whole-home renovation with exposed beams, fireplace, and arched windows

Whole-Home & Multi-Room Renovations

When a home needs more than one room — or a complete transformation — a whole-home renovation delivers a cohesive result and is far more cost-efficient than renovating room by room. Kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, layout, electrical, plumbing, and finishes managed as one coordinated build.

Cosmetic $60K–$100K · full $250K–$450K+
Modern Vancouver home addition with cedar siding and large windows

Home Additions & Layout Changes

Vancouver lots are valuable and often compact, which makes adding space — a rear addition, a second storey, or a reconfigured floor plan — frequently cheaper per square foot than buying a larger home. We handle structural design, engineering coordination, permitting, and construction.

Engineered & permitted · quoted per project
Sunlit downtown Vancouver condo living room after renovation

Condo & Strata Renovations

Renovating a Vancouver condo brings its own rules: strata approval, building access windows, work-hour limits, elevator booking, and moisture-management requirements. We manage approval paperwork, coordinate with property managers, and run a clean, considerate job site that respects your building.

Strata-experienced · $25K and up
Warm interior finishing with engineered hardwood and natural light

Flooring, Painting & Interior Finishing

The finishing work that ties a home together — engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and tile flooring; interior painting; trim and millwork; and door and hardware upgrades. These projects can stand alone or be bundled into a larger renovation for a coordinated result.

Standalone or bundled · quoted per scope
Luxury primary ensuite with freestanding tub and floor-to-ceiling windows

Luxury Primary Ensuites

Spa-inspired ensuites with curbless walk-in showers, freestanding soaker tubs, double vanities, heated tile floors, smart fixtures, and natural-stone or large-format porcelain surfaces. Built for the moisture realities of Vancouver bathrooms — code-compliant membranes, full waterproofing, and proper ventilation.

Custom finishes · $35K–$65K+
Quartz waterfall island with brass faucet in mid-renovation Vancouver kitchen

Custom Cabinetry & Countertops

Custom and semi-custom cabinetry, quartz waterfall islands, natural-stone and engineered counters from Caesarstone, Cambria, HanStone, and Silestone. Brass, matte black, and stainless fixture pairings. Built and installed by Red Seal carpenters who do this work every week.

All major brands · quoted with project
Vancouver Renovation Pricing

Real 2026 Vancouver price ranges — no guesswork.

For early budgeting only. Every project receives a precise written fixed-price quote after an in-home assessment. Final figures depend on scope, finish level, and site conditions.

Kitchen Refresh

$15K – $25K

Cabinet doors, counters, backsplash and lighting — same-layout updates that hit hardest on resale value.

Same layout · 3–5 weeks

Mid-Range Kitchen Reno

$35K – $65K

Full kitchen replacement with semi-custom cabinetry, quartz counters, new appliances and updated layout where it makes sense.

6–8 weeks · permitted

High-End Gut Kitchen

$80K – $120K+

Custom cabinetry, structural wall removal, premium appliances, integrated lighting and stone or quartz waterfall islands.

10–14 weeks · structural permit

Powder Room

$8K – $18K

Compact half-bath refresh — vanity, toilet, lighting, tile, and finish updates with minimal plumbing changes.

2–3 weeks · no plumbing moves

Full Bathroom

$18K – $35K

Standard 5-piece bathroom: vanity, tub or shower, toilet, full tile, waterproofing membrane and ventilation upgrades.

4–6 weeks · permitted

Primary Ensuite

$35K – $65K+

Larger custom ensuite — curbless shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, heated floors, premium tile and fixtures.

6–9 weeks · custom finishes

Basement Development

$40K – $90K

Personal-use finished basement — rec rooms, offices, gyms, bedrooms with code-compliant framing and egress.

Permit required · 8–12 weeks

Legal Secondary Suite

$90K – $180K

Fully legal suite with separate entrance, fire separation, egress windows, dedicated kitchen and rental income from day one.

Inspected & certified · 12–16 weeks

Full Multi-Room Reno

$250K – $450K+

Kitchen, bathrooms, main floor, basement renovated as one coordinated build — far more efficient than renovating room by room.

Whole-home scope · 4–8 months
Common Renovation Challenges

Every Vancouver home tells a story through its problems.

Decades of weather, previous owners' shortcuts, and aging building systems leave their mark. Understanding what your renovation is likely to uncover helps you budget realistically and avoid the surprises that derail unprepared projects.

Hidden Damage in Older Homes

Craftsman homes, post-war bungalows, and Vancouver Specials hide rot from past water intrusion, undersized or failing structural members, and decades of DIY modifications. We budget a realistic contingency and inspect carefully during demolition so issues are caught and priced before they become emergencies.

Knob-and-Tube & Outdated Electrical

Pre-1950 homes often still carry knob-and-tube wiring; many 60s–80s homes have 60- or 100-amp panels that cannot support a modern kitchen, heat pump, or EV charger. Insurers increasingly refuse to cover knob-and-tube. Our licensed electricians upgrade panels to 200 amps and bring electrical fully up to code.

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials

Homes built before about 1990 commonly contain asbestos in vinyl flooring, drywall joint compound, insulation, and texture coatings. Disturbing these without testing is illegal and dangerous. We arrange professional testing before demolition and coordinate certified abatement when needed.

Moisture & Building-Envelope Issues

Vancouver's coastal rainforest climate is relentless on buildings. We regularly find inadequate waterproofing in bathrooms, poor perimeter drainage causing damp basements, failed window seals, and envelope deficiencies. Every wet area we touch gets a code-compliant membrane system.

Unpermitted Work from Previous Owners

It is extremely common to discover a previous owner finished a basement or added a bathroom without permits. Unpermitted work can void insurance, surface as a problem on title during a sale, and force expensive retroactive remediation. We bring the work into compliance as part of your renovation.

Poor Layouts & Wasted Space

Many Vancouver homes were built for a different era of living — closed-off kitchens, awkward room divisions, dark hallways, underused basements. We rework floor plans to open sight lines, improve flow, capture natural light, and add functional living space within the structural realities of the home.

Outdated & Failing Plumbing

Galvanized steel supply lines, original cast-iron drains, and aging fixtures are common in older Vancouver homes. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside, restricting flow and eventually leaking. A renovation is the ideal moment to replace failing plumbing while the walls are already open.

How We're Different

Vancouver design-build vs. the low-bid lottery.

Not all renovation companies are the same. Here is what separates a properly run design-build process from the contractors who win jobs cheap and recover it through change orders.

RenoVancouver

Fixed-price line-item proposal covering labour, materials, allowances, permits and contingency.
$5M general liability & full WorkSafeBC — proof provided before work begins.
One team, one warranty — design, permits, build and finishing all in-house.
City of Vancouver permits handled — every required permit pulled, every inspection scheduled.
Dedicated project manager on every job, answering your phone, walking the site daily.
5-year workmanship warranty from a HAVAN & RenoMark certified renovator.
BC Building Code as the floor, not the ceiling — proper waterproofing, fire blocking, vapour barrier.

The low-bid trap

Vague lump-sum estimates that hide the real number until change orders arrive.
"We're insured" with no proof — uninsured worker injuries become your personal liability.
Designer blames the builder, builder blames the designer, no one owns the result.
"Permits are optional" — voids your insurance, surfaces on title at resale, costs more to fix later.
A foreman who shows up twice a week and disappears between drop-ins.
"Handshake" warranty from a company that may not exist next year.
Skipped waterproofing membranes and shortcuts behind the wall — failure in three years, not twenty.
Our Renovation Process

A clear path from first idea to final walkthrough.

A renovation runs smoothly when the process is clear from the very first conversation. We use a structured, proven approach that keeps your project organized, transparent, and on track from initial idea to final walkthrough. Here is exactly what to expect when you renovate with us.

01

Free Consultation & Site Visit

A no-cost conversation at your home. We listen to your goals, look at the space, identify constraints and opportunities, and talk through a realistic budget range. We flag potential issues — building age, layout limits, likely permit requirements — so there are no surprises later.

02

Design & Material Selection

Our design team develops a layout and look that matches your vision and budget. You review drawings and, where helpful, 3D renderings so you can visualize the finished space. We guide you through cabinetry, counters, tile, flooring, fixtures, and finishes.

03

Fixed-Price Proposal

You receive a comprehensive, line-item proposal covering labour, materials, allowances, permit fees, and a realistic contingency. Nothing is hidden in vague lump sums. We walk through it with you in person so you understand exactly what is included and where you can adjust scope.

04

Permits & Pre-Construction

Once the proposal is approved, we handle City of Vancouver permit applications, drawings, engineering and inspections. We finalize the schedule, order long-lead materials, and coordinate trades so you receive a clear timeline of what is happening when.

05

Construction

Demolition, structural work, rough-in plumbing and electrical, inspections, insulation, drywall, and finishing. Your dedicated project manager runs the job site, manages trades, protects your home with dust control and floor protection, and provides regular progress updates.

06

Inspections & Quality Control

We coordinate all required City of Vancouver inspections at the appropriate construction milestones and run internal quality checks at every stage. Permitted work is verified by city inspectors, giving you documented proof your renovation meets code — protection that matters at resale.

07

Final Walkthrough & Handover

Before we consider the job done, we complete a detailed walkthrough with you and address every item on the punch list until you are fully satisfied. We hand over warranty documentation, manufacturer information, care guidance, and a fully cleaned home — ready to enjoy.

Vancouver Service Areas

Renovating across every Vancouver neighbourhood.

Our crews know the access routes, parking realities, building eras, and municipal permit offices in every area we serve — local knowledge that keeps projects efficient.

City of Vancouver

KitsilanoCraftsman & beach-side condos
Mount PleasantHeritage & character homes
KerrisdaleEstablished West Side family homes
Dunbar–SouthlandsLarge lots & detached homes
Point GreyPremium West Side renovations
West Point GreyCharacter & ocean-view homes
FairviewCondos & townhomes near False Creek
ShaughnessyHeritage estates & conservation
OakridgeMajor redevelopment corridor
MarpolePost-war homes & infill
Riley ParkCambie Corridor character homes
Commercial DriveEast Van character & Grandview
Hastings-SunriseEast Van bungalows & Specials
Renfrew-CollingwoodEast Side family homes
Kensington–Cedar CottagePopular East Van reno territory
SunsetSouth Vancouver detached homes
Victoria-FraserviewSouth Vancouver detached
KillarneyEast Side & basement-suite work
StrathconaVancouver's oldest neighbourhood
Downtown & YaletownCondo & tower renovations
Coal Harbour & West EndPremium condo towers
South CambieCentral West Side properties
Arbutus RidgeQuiet West Side family homes
QuilchenaHigh-end home remodels

Metro Vancouver

North VancouverNorth Shore homes & condos
West VancouverPremium West Coast properties
BurnabyHomes & townhomes citywide
RichmondDetached homes & condos
New WestminsterCharacter & heritage properties
CoquitlamTri-Cities family homes
Port MoodyTri-Cities renovations
Port CoquitlamTri-Cities suburban homes
DeltaLower Mainland family homes
SurreyGreater Vancouver South
Vancouver Renovation Guide

Renovating here is different — here's why.

Renovating in Vancouver is different from renovating anywhere else in Canada. The city has its own building bylaw, its own permit process, a stricter approach than most municipalities, and a climate that demands careful construction. This guide explains the local realities every Vancouver homeowner should understand before starting a project — and as your contractor, we manage all of it on your behalf.

When You Need a Permit

The City of Vancouver requires a building permit for most renovation work beyond cosmetic finishes — structural changes, additions, secondary suites, plumbing modifications, electrical and gas work. Importantly, framing interior basement walls requires a permit even when not load-bearing.

Vancouver is Stricter

The City of Vancouver requires permits for more types of work than most homeowners expect, and notably more than neighbouring municipalities. West Vancouver is also strict, while Coquitlam, Port Moody, and New Westminster tend to be somewhat more relaxed.

Permit Timelines

Under the city's permit-approval framework, simple renovations under $95,000 are targeted for issuance within a few days through the Fast Track stream. Larger projects with structural work or energy upgrades take several weeks of review. We build realistic timelines into every schedule.

Permit Costs

Basic permits for minor renovations start in the few-hundred-dollar range; a mid-range kitchen permit typically runs $1,200 to $2,500; whole-home renovations can reach several thousand. Electrical permits go through the province; gas permits through FortisBC. All costs itemized in your proposal.

Heritage & Character Homes

Vancouver places real value on its heritage housing — particularly Kitsilano, Fairview, Shaughnessy, Strathcona, and parts of the West End. Designated heritage homes may require a conservation plan; character-retention areas have guidelines. We build extra time into the schedule.

Where to Apply

Vancouver has moved most permit applications online through its permits portal. The Development and Building Services Centre at 515 West 10th Avenue handles in-person questions and payments. As your contractor, we manage the entire application end-to-end.

Building for the Climate

Vancouver's wet coastal climate shapes how a renovation must be built. Moisture management is the single most important technical consideration — code-compliant membranes in wet areas, perimeter drainage and vapour control in basements, careful envelope detailing. Cutting corners here is the most common cause of renovation failure.

Older Homes & Site Conditions

Because so much of Vancouver's housing stock predates 1990, hazardous-materials testing before demolition is a routine and important step. Asbestos in older flooring, drywall compound, and insulation must be identified and, where present, professionally abated before work proceeds. Older homes also tend to reveal site-condition surprises — knob-and-tube wiring, outdated panels, galvanized plumbing — which is why a 10 to 20 percent contingency is wise on any pre-1990 home renovation. We plan for these realities rather than being blindsided by them.

Strata & Condo Considerations

Strata-titled condos and townhomes carry additional requirements — written approval from the strata council, certificate of insurance naming the strata, restricted work hours (typically weekdays 8am to 5pm), moving and elevator booking fees, and bylaws governing flooring, plumbing modifications, and noise. We handle the strata paperwork on your behalf and run a job site that protects your neighbours' patience.

The Real Cost of Skipping Permits

Some homeowners are tempted to skip permits to save money or time, and some contractors offer to work without them. This transfers enormous risk to you as the homeowner. Unpermitted work can void your home insurance exactly when you need it, surface as a serious problem on title when you sell, and cost far more to remediate retroactively. We pull every required permit, every time, because proper permitting protects your investment.

Experience · Expertise · Authority · Trust

The pillars behind every RenoVancouver project.

Renovation is a craft that rewards repetition. Over seventeen years and 600+ Vancouver projects, we have built the institutional knowledge that protects your investment.

Experience

17 years renovating Metro Vancouver homes — 600+ completed residential projects across every neighbourhood from Kitsilano to Killarney, plus the North Shore, Burnaby, Richmond and the Tri-Cities.

Expertise

Red Seal certified carpenters, licensed BC electricians and gasfitters, and Vancouver-specialized project managers. We work within the City of Vancouver permit framework every single week.

Authority

HAVAN (Homebuilders Association Vancouver) member, CHBA BC Renovator, RenoMark™ certified, finalist in HAVAN Ovation Awards and GVHBA RenOvation Awards — verified by the industry's own bodies.

Trust

$5,000,000 commercial general liability + active WorkSafeBC on every crew. Fixed-price line-item contracts. 5-year workmanship warranty backed by a Vancouver company that intends to be here for decades to come.

What Vancouver Homeowners Say

Eight stories from real Vancouver projects.

Vancouver families across Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, the West Side, East Van, and the surrounding Metro Vancouver suburbs trust us with their largest renovation investments — and here is exactly why they keep recommending us to their friends and neighbours.

★★★★★

"They gutted our 1940s Kitsilano kitchen and opened it to the dining room. The project manager kept us informed every single week and the budget held exactly where they quoted it. We have already recommended them to two neighbours."

Sarah M. · Kitsilano
★★★★★

"Our East Van basement is now a legal suite that pays a big chunk of our mortgage. They handled every permit and inspection and explained the whole process so it never felt overwhelming."

David & Priya R. · Hastings-Sunrise
★★★★★

"We renovated both bathrooms in our Mount Pleasant character home. They found knob-and-tube wiring behind the wall, showed us exactly what it was, and dealt with it properly. Honest contractors are hard to find."

Jennifer T. · Mount Pleasant
★★★★★

"Our downtown condo renovation came with a long list of strata rules. The team managed all the building paperwork and access scheduling and finished on time. The space looks incredible."

Michael C. · Yaletown
★★★★★

"We did a full main-floor renovation on our Dunbar home. The fixed-price quote was detailed down to the line item, and there were no surprise change orders. Exactly what we hoped for."

Robert & Anne L. · Dunbar
★★★★☆

"Great workmanship on our Kerrisdale ensuite. Discovery of old plumbing pushed the timeline slightly, but they communicated clearly and the finished bathroom is beautiful and leak-free."

Helen W. · Kerrisdale
★★★★★

"They transformed our dated Renfrew-Collingwood bungalow into a bright, modern family home. The crew was respectful, tidy, and genuinely skilled. Worth every dollar."

The Nguyen Family · Renfrew-Collingwood
★★★★★

"From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, the process was organized and transparent. Our New Westminster heritage home renovation respected the character of the house perfectly."

Catherine B. · New Westminster
Across Every Review Platform

Verified 4.9 / 5 from 187+ Vancouver homeowners.

Aggregate rating across third-party review platforms and renovation industry directories — independently verified, not posted by us.

Google Reviews 4.9 ★★★★★ 112 reviews
HomeStars 9.7 ★★★★★ Verified by HomeStars · 48 reviews
HAVAN Member Ovation Awards Finalist Homebuilders Association Vancouver
RenoMark™ Certified Renovator CHBA Code of Conduct
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about renovating in Vancouver.

Honest answers to the questions Vancouver homeowners ask us most — from permits and timelines to insurance, suites, and what happens when the unexpected appears.

Do I need a permit to renovate my home in Vancouver?
Most renovation work in Vancouver beyond basic cosmetic finishes requires a building permit. You need a permit for structural changes, additions, secondary suites, plumbing modifications, and electrical and gas work. Even framing non-load-bearing basement walls requires a permit. Cosmetic work such as painting and flooring usually does not. We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of your project.
How much does a home renovation cost in Vancouver?
Costs depend entirely on scope. In 2026, a kitchen refresh runs roughly $15,000 to $25,000, a mid-range kitchen renovation $35,000 to $65,000, a full bathroom renovation $18,000 to $35,000, and a basement suite $90,000 to $180,000. A full multi-room home renovation typically falls between $250,000 and $450,000. We provide a detailed, fixed-price quote after an in-home assessment so you have an accurate number for your specific home.
How long does a renovation take?
Timelines vary by project. A bathroom renovation generally takes three to five weeks of construction, a kitchen renovation six to twelve weeks depending on scope, and a whole-home renovation several months. Permit approval adds time before construction begins — a few days for simple Fast Track projects and several weeks for complex ones. We give you a realistic schedule in your proposal.
Why are renovations more expensive in Vancouver than elsewhere in Canada?
Vancouver renovation costs typically run 20 to 30 percent above the national average. This reflects a tight skilled-trades labour market with electricians and plumbers commanding premium rates, elevated material costs driven partly by tariffs and a weaker Canadian dollar, high construction-waste disposal fees, and a design-forward market that expects quality finishes. The trade-off is strong resale value in Vancouver's high-value housing market.
Will you handle the permits and city inspections for me?
Yes. We manage the entire City of Vancouver permit process — preparing applications and drawings, coordinating any required engineering, submitting to the city, responding to conditions, and scheduling all required inspections. You never have to deal with the permit office yourself. Permit costs are itemized in your proposal.
Can I stay in my home during the renovation?
For single-room projects such as one bathroom, most homeowners stay in their home. For larger projects — a kitchen renovation, a whole-home renovation, or work affecting major systems — living elsewhere is often more comfortable and can actually speed up the work. We discuss this honestly with you during planning so you can make the right choice for your family.
What happens if you find problems behind the walls?
Older Vancouver homes often hide issues — rot, knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, outdated plumbing — that only appear once demolition begins. When we find something, we stop, show you exactly what it is, explain the options, and price the additional work transparently before proceeding. This is why we build a realistic contingency into every older-home budget.
Do you renovate condos and strata properties?
Yes. We are experienced condo and strata renovation contractors. We manage strata approval paperwork, coordinate building access and elevator bookings, respect work-hour restrictions, and run a clean, considerate job site that complies with your building's bylaws and respects your neighbours.
Is it worth renovating instead of buying a different home?
In most Vancouver neighbourhoods, renovating is significantly cheaper per square foot than buying a comparable upgraded home — and you avoid land transfer tax, realtor commissions, moving costs, and mortgage penalties. Renovating also lets you stay in a neighbourhood you love. The exception is a home with fundamental deficiencies, such as a failing foundation, where renovation costs can approach replacement value.
Do you provide free quotes?
Yes. We provide a free, no-obligation consultation and quote. We visit your home, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed written proposal. There is no cost and no pressure — just clear information so you can make a confident decision.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We carry $5,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance and active WorkSafeBC coverage on every project, and our regulated trade work is performed by licensed electricians, certified gasfitters, and Red Seal plumbers. We provide proof of coverage before any work begins.
How do I get an accurate price for my renovation?
The only way to get an accurate price is an in-home assessment. Every home, scope, and finish level is different, and online calculators cannot account for your home's specific conditions. Book a free consultation and we will assess the space and provide a precise, line-item fixed-price proposal.
Can you add a legal secondary suite to my basement?
Yes. We build fully legal secondary suites with separate entrances, code-compliant fire separation, egress windows, ventilation, and dedicated kitchens. A legal suite generates rental income and adds significant property value in Vancouver's tight rental market. We handle all permits and inspections required for legal-suite compliance.
What areas do you serve?
We renovate homes and condos throughout the City of Vancouver — every neighbourhood from Kitsilano and Point Grey to Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, and Killarney — as well as North and West Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, the Tri-Cities, Delta, and Surrey. If you are in Metro Vancouver, call us to confirm we cover your area.
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Yes. Every renovation is backed by a 5-year comprehensive workmanship warranty plus 2-year systems coverage, in addition to manufacturer warranties on materials and fixtures. If something we installed is not performing as it should, we return and make it right.
Free Quote · Free Consultation

Ready to start your Vancouver renovation?

Book a free, no-obligation in-home consultation. We visit your home, discuss your goals, and deliver a detailed line-item proposal — most quotes booked within 48 hours.

Most consultations booked within 48 hours. Mention this page when you call and we'll prioritize your in-home visit.

Call Us Direct (604) 555-0179 Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm · Sat 9am–3pm
Showroom & Office 1845 Manitoba Street Vancouver, BC V5Y 1N9 Mount Pleasant industrial district · by appointment
Service Hours Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:30pm Saturday: 9:00am – 3:00pm Closed Sundays · After-hours emergencies for active clients
Start Your Vancouver Renovation

Your home has potential you have not yet unlocked.

17 years of Vancouver renovation experience. A transparent fixed-price process. $5M insurance and full WorkSafeBC. Deep knowledge of the City of Vancouver permit system. A single accountable team from first sketch to final walkthrough. We've already solved the problems your renovation will encounter.

Call Direct (604) 555-0179 Most consultations booked within 48 hours