Call Us:
+604-430-3004
Email Us:
info@vancouvergeneralcontractors.com
3689 E 1st Ave #220, Vancouver, BC, V5M1C2.
Call Us:
+604-430-3004Email Us:
info@vancouvergeneralcontractors.com3689 E 1st Ave #220, Vancouver, BC, V5M1C2.
Expert guides on renovation costs, permits, design ideas & local contractors across Metro Vancouver.
Getting a Home Addition Permit in Vancouver Adding living space to your Vancouver home requires a building permit in nearly all cases. Understanding the process helps avoid costly delays and ensures your addition is legal and insurable. Types of Additions Requiring Permits All horizontal additions (extending
Read More
Restoring a Home After Fire Damage in Vancouver Fire damage renovation is among the most complex and emotionally challenging renovation scenarios. Vancouver’s dense housing stock means smoke and water damage from firefighting often affects neighbouring units too. Types of Fire Damage Structural damage: Charred framing, collapsed
Read MoreRenovating After Water Damage in Vancouver Water damage is one of the most common triggers for renovation in Metro Vancouver. Whether from a burst pipe, roof leak, or flooding, water damage renovation requires specific steps to ensure safe, code-compliant restoration. Step 1: Emergency Mitigation (0–72 Hours)
Read More
Secondary Suites in Richmond The City of Richmond allows secondary suites and coach houses in most single-family zones. Recent policy changes have expanded options to include garden suites and detached garden suites (coach houses). Richmond Secondary Suite Rules Zones: RS1, RS2/E, RS2/F, RS3, RS3/A, and most
Read MoreExterior Siding Cost in Vancouver Replacing or installing new exterior siding in Vancouver typically costs $15,000–$60,000 for a full house depending on size and material choice. Siding Cost by Material Material Cost/sq ft (supply+install) 2,000 sq ft house Vinyl siding $6–$10 $12,000–$20,000 Hardie board (fibre cement)
Read MoreWhat Is Renovation Scope Creep? Scope creep occurs when a renovation project expands beyond the original plan — adding items mid-project that increase cost and timeline. It’s one of the top reasons Vancouver renovation budgets go over by 20–50%. Common Scope Creep Triggers Opening walls and
Read MoreRenovating in North Burnaby North Burnaby — including the Heights, Capitol Hill, Hastings Sunrise, and Willingdon Heights neighbourhoods — features a mix of 1940s–1970s character homes and newer infill builds. Renovations here average $65,000–$400,000 depending on scope. Neighbourhood Character North Burnaby is known for craftsman bungalows,
Read MoreRenovating in East Burnaby East Burnaby and Edmonds area offer some of the most affordable renovation opportunities in Metro Vancouver. Older post-war homes on larger lots present excellent potential for basement suites, additions, and full renovations. Renovation Landscape East Burnaby features many 1950s–1970s bungalows with unrenovated
Read More
Renovating in Port Moody Port Moody is one of the fastest-growing renovation markets in Metro Vancouver, driven by the Evergreen SkyTrain extension and strong family demographics. The city mixes heritage homes near the waterfront with newer Inlet Centre condos. Port Moody Real Estate Context Average detached
Read MoreRenovating in Tsawwassen and Ladner The Delta communities of Tsawwassen and Ladner offer spacious lots, older character homes, and relatively affordable renovation costs compared to Vancouver and Burnaby. Townhouse and detached homes present a range of project types. Local Renovation Market Tsawwassen features many 1970s–1990s bungalows
Read MoreRenovating in Abbotsford and Chilliwack The Fraser Valley communities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack offer significantly lower renovation costs than Metro Vancouver while sharing many of the same building code requirements. Ideal for homeowners looking to maximize renovation ROI. Why Fraser Valley Renovation Costs Are Lower Lower
Read MoreSecondary Suites in Burnaby Burnaby allows secondary suites (basement suites) in most single-family residential zones. With suite rentals averaging $1,800–$2,600/month in Burnaby, a suite conversion can generate $21,600–$31,200/year in rental income. Burnaby Secondary Suite Rules Allowed zones: RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, R-2, R-4, R-5 (most single-family) Maximum
Read MoreSecondary Suites in Surrey The City of Surrey has actively promoted secondary suites as affordable housing solutions. Surrey has one of the highest secondary suite densities in BC, with streamlined approvals for compliant suites. Surrey Secondary Suite Rules Allowed zones: RF, RF-12, RF-SD, RA, RH, and
Read MoreVGC completes kitchen, bathroom, basement, and full home renovations across the Lower Mainland. Click your city for local pricing and project information.