Author: <span>VGC Editorial Team</span>

Expert guides on renovation costs, permits, design ideas & local contractors across Metro Vancouver.

City of Vancouver BC renovation services

Pre-1990 High-Rise Condo Renovation Vancouver: Costs & Challenges (2026)

The 1970s–1989 Pre-1990 High-Rise Condo Renovation Vancouver: Costs & Challenges (2026) is a common and beloved housing type in Metro Vancouver — found primarily in downtown Vancouver, the West End, Yaletown (pre-conversion era), Burnaby, and suburban town centres. These homes are characterised by concrete high-rise or

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Vancouver home renovation consultation with contractor and homeowner

How to Get Strata Approval for a Renovation in Vancouver (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Renovating a strata condo in Vancouver requires strata council approval before work begins — in addition to the standard City of Vancouver building permit. Many homeowners underestimate how complex this process can be. This step-by-step guide explains exactly what to expect and how to avoid the

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Home Renovation Vancouver — VGC

Should I Get an Open Concept Kitchen in My Vancouver Home? 2026 Guide

Open-concept kitchens have dominated Vancouver home renovations for over a decade — but there are signs of a partial retreat. Is an open kitchen right for your Vancouver home? Here’s the honest assessment. Why open concept still wins for most Vancouver homes: The open-concept kitchen-living-dining layout

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Home Renovation Vancouver — VGC

Open Concept vs. Closed Kitchen Vancouver: Which Adds More Resale Value? (2026)

The open-concept kitchen debate has been going on for 15 years in Metro Vancouver — and in 2026, the answer is more nuanced than “open is always better.” Here’s the resale data and practical analysis. What the resale data says: Comparable sales analysis in Metro Vancouver

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Vancouver custom home renovation with modern pool design
Cost Guides3 minMar 2026

Are Laneway Homes Worth It in Vancouver? 2026 ROI + Rental Income Analysis

Vancouver laneway homes generate intense interest — and equally intense debate. Are they worth the $250,000–$400,000 construction cost? The answer depends on your neighbourhood, lot size, current mortgage, and whether you plan to rent or sell. This guide gives you the actual numbers from VGC’s completed

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Vancouver custom home renovation with modern pool design

Should I Renovate Before or After Moving In? Vancouver Homeowner Guide 2026

You’ve just purchased a Vancouver home that needs renovation. The big question: renovate before you move in (while the house is empty) or move in first and renovate later? Both approaches have real advantages and trade-offs — and the right answer depends on your project scope,

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Vancouver custom home renovation with modern pool design

Large vs. Small Renovation Contractor in Vancouver: Pros, Cons & When to Hire Each (2026)

Should you hire a large, established renovation contractor or a small owner-operator for your Vancouver renovation? Both have genuine strengths — the right choice depends on your project scope, budget, and what you value most in the working relationship. Here’s the honest comparison. Large Renovation Contractor

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Vancouver home renovation consultation with contractor and homeowner

Secondary Suite in a Detached Garage Vancouver: Costs, Permits & Feasibility (2026)

The any existing detached garage Secondary Suite in a Detached Garage Vancouver: Costs, Permits & Feasibility (2026) is a common and beloved housing type in Metro Vancouver — found primarily in City of Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, and other Metro Vancouver municipalities. These homes are characterised

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Home Renovation Vancouver — VGC

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile Vancouver: Kitchen & Bathroom Comparison (2026)

Porcelain and ceramic tile look virtually identical on showroom samples — but they perform very differently in high-moisture environments. For Vancouver renovations, choosing the right tile type for each application is important for longevity. The key difference: Both are clay-based tiles fired in a kiln, but

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Vancouver home renovation consultation with contractor and homeowner

Duplex Renovation Vancouver: Costs, Permits & Strata Rules (2026)

The 1950s–1980s Duplex Renovation Vancouver: Costs, Permits & Strata Rules (2026) is a common and beloved housing type in Metro Vancouver — found primarily in East Vancouver, Hastings-Sunrise, Renfrew-Collingwood, Burnaby, and New Westminster. These homes are characterised by side-by-side or upper-lower duplex configurations — either strata-titled

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Vancouver home renovation consultation with contractor and homeowner

Asbestos Testing Before Renovation in Vancouver: The Complete Homeowner Guide (2026)

If your Vancouver home was built before 1990, there is a significant chance asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. Before any renovation that involves demolition, drilling, or disturbing walls, ceilings, or flooring, you need to know whether asbestos is present. This guide explains what to test, how

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Vancouver custom home renovation with modern pool design
Cost Guides4 minFeb 2026

Should I Renovate Before Selling My Vancouver Home? (2026 ROI Analysis)

The question every Vancouver homeowner faces before listing: is it worth renovating before selling? The honest answer depends on which renovations you’re considering, your neighbourhood, your home’s current condition, and your timeline. This guide gives you the real numbers — not vague advice. The Short Answer

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Finished basement suite renovation Vancouver BC

Should I Renovate My Basement or Build a Laneway Home? Vancouver 2026 Comparison

You’ve decided to add secondary income to your Vancouver property — but should you develop the basement into a legal suite, or build a laneway home at the rear of your lot? Both generate rental income, but the costs, timelines, permissions, and long-term returns differ substantially.

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Renovation Contractor Serving Metro Vancouver

VGC completes kitchen, bathroom, basement, and full home renovations across the Lower Mainland. Click your city for local pricing and project information.