Call Us:
+1-604-430-3004
Email Us:
info@vancouvergeneralcontractors.com
3689 E 1st Ave #220, Vancouver, BC, V5M1C2.
Call Us:
+1-604-430-3004Email Us:
info@vancouvergeneralcontractors.com3689 E 1st Ave #220, Vancouver, BC, V5M1C2.
Expert guides on renovation costs, permits, design ideas & local contractors across Metro Vancouver.
You’ve done a renovation with a contractor before. Now you have a new project — do you go back to them or get competing quotes? Both approaches have merit, but the decision framework is straightforward once you know what to look for. Reasons to Stay with
Read MoreConventional wisdom says hiring sub-trades directly saves the 15–25% general contractor markup. But the calculation is far more complex than that. Here’s an honest analysis. The Math: Where the GC Markup Goes A general contractor charges 15–25% over trade costs. This markup covers: Project management (schedule
Read MoreHiring an unlicensed contractor can save 20–30% up front. It can also expose you to costs that dwarf those savings: uninsured worker injuries on your property, building code violations that must be corrected before you can sell, and zero legal recourse when work fails. Here’s what
Read MoreOne of the most common questions from Vancouver homeowners: “How long will my renovation take?” The answer depends heavily on project type, permit requirements, and material lead times. Here are realistic 2026 timelines from VGC’s project history. Vancouver Renovation Timelines at a Glance (2026) Project Type
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Getting your renovation permit application right the first time avoids resubmission delays and keeps your project on schedule. Here’s exactly what the City of Vancouver requires for each type of renovation. General Requirements (All Residential Building Permits) Completed Building Permit Application form (available at Vancouver Permit
Read MoreA pre-renovation site assessment is the foundation of an accurate quote and a smooth project. Here’s exactly what VGC’s project managers assess during an initial site visit — and why each item matters. What We Assess in a Pre-Renovation Visit 1. Structural Conditions We check foundation
Read MoreA renovation quote is not just a number — it’s a window into how a contractor thinks and whether they’ll deliver what you expect. Here’s how to read one properly. What a Complete Renovation Quote Must Include A thorough renovation quote should contain: Scope of work:
Read MoreThe biggest predictor of a successful renovation isn’t the contractor’s skill — it’s communication. Projects that go smoothly have clear expectations, fast decisions, and mutual respect. Projects that go badly usually involve delayed decisions, scope creep, and assumptions that turned out to be wrong. Set Up
Read MoreThe short answer: A reasonable contractor deposit in BC is 10–25% of the total project cost, depending on project size. Anything over 33% before work begins is a red flag. Deposits over 50% on a residential renovation are almost never justified. What BC Law Says About
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Downtown Vancouver Condo Renovation Guide: Costs, Strata Rules & Permits 2026 This guide covers everything homeowners need to know about renovating in Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver’s urban core, home to the highest concentration of strata condominiums in BC, ranging from pre-1990 concrete towers to modern glass high-rises.
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Norquay Village Renovation Guide: Costs, Permits & Housing 2026 This guide covers everything homeowners need to know about renovating in Norquay Village, an east Vancouver neighbourhood between Nanaimo Street and Boundary Road, undergoing significant densification under the Norquay Village Neighbourhood Centre Plan with new multiplex and
Read MoreVictoria-Fraserview Renovation Guide: Costs, Permits & Local Insights 2026 This guide covers everything homeowners need to know about renovating in Victoria-Fraserview, a large south Vancouver neighbourhood between Fraser Street and Boundary Road, known for its post-war housing stock and strong community character. Whether you’re planning a
Read MoreChamplain Heights Renovation Guide: Costs, Permits & Housing Types 2026 This guide covers everything homeowners need to know about renovating in Champlain Heights, a planned neighbourhood in southeast Vancouver developed primarily in the 1970s-1980s, featuring a distinctive mix of townhomes, strata developments, and single-family homes near
Read MoreVGC completes kitchen, bathroom, basement, and full home renovations across the Lower Mainland. Click your city for local pricing and project information.