Burnaby Renovation Contractor — Vancouver General Contractors

Burnaby Renovation Contractor — Vancouver General Contractors

VGC has completed hundreds of renovations across Burnaby — from Metrotown condos and Brentwood townhouses to large single-family homes in Burnaby Mountain and South Burnaby. We’re familiar with Burnaby’s building permit process, unique soil conditions, and strata rules so your project moves faster.

Our Services in Burnaby

What to Know About Renovating in Burnaby

  • Burnaby permit office: City of Burnaby Building and Safety Division
  • Average kitchen renovation in Burnaby: $45,000–$100,000
  • Burnaby basement suite legalization: $70,000–$120,000 fully permitted
  • Laneway homes: permitted in Burnaby under RS-1 and similar zones
  • Bill 44 multiplex conversions: available on most Burnaby RS lots

Read our full Burnaby Renovation Guide

Why Choose VGC for Your Burnaby Renovation?

  • Licensed General Contractor — fully licensed under BC Consumer Protection Act
  • WorkSafeBC Registered (Certificate #703490) — you and your home are protected
  • 4.3★ on Google — 91 verified reviews from Metro Vancouver homeowners
  • Fixed-Price Contracts — no surprise costs, ever
  • 2-Year Workmanship Warranty on all renovation work
  • 20+ Years of Experience — 500+ projects completed across Metro Vancouver

Ready to Start Your Burnaby Renovation?

Get a detailed, no-obligation quote from VGC’s renovation team. We serve all of Burnaby and surrounding areas.

Request Your Free Quote or call 604-430-3004

Burnaby Neighbourhoods — Renovation Overview

NeighbourhoodPrimary Housing EraRenovation Notes
Brentwood / Lougheed1960s–1980s condos + highriseHigh strata concentration, condo renos dominant
Metrotown / Central Park1970s–1990s concrete highriseHigh-density, strict strata bylaws
Burnaby Mountain / SFU Area1990s–2010s single family + townhomesNewer homes, fewer hidden-condition surprises
South Burnaby (Suncrest/McKay)1950s–1970s bungalows + Vancouver SpecialsOlder electrical + plumbing common
North Burnaby (Capitol Hill)1940s–1960s character homesHeritage-adjacent; knob-and-tube in oldest homes
Edmonds1960s–1970s post-war bungalowsGood renovation ROI; lower entry prices

Renovation Costs in Burnaby (2026)

The following cost ranges are based on VGC’s completed projects in Burnaby and reflect local material, labour, and permit costs in 2026.

Renovation TypeCost RangeTypical Mid-Range
Kitchen Renovation$45,000–$95,000$62,000
Bathroom Renovation$18,000–$42,000$26,000
Basement Suite$65,000–$125,000$88,000
Home Addition$200,000–$480,000$310,000
Laneway Home$225,000–$420,000$310,000

Building Permits in Burnaby

Permit office: City of Burnaby Building and Safety Division (4949 Canada Way)
Online: burnaby.ca/City-Services/Permits-and-Licences.aspx

Project TypeTypical Processing Time
Kitchen / Bathroom Renovation3–5 weeks
Secondary Suite6–10 weeks
Home Addition10–14 weeks
Laneway Home12–16 weeks

VGC handles all permit applications, drawings, and inspections coordination for Burnaby projects. Contact us to start the permit process →

Common Issues in Burnaby Homes

  • 1960s–1980s homes often have 60A or 100A electrical panels (upgrade to 200A adds $3,500–$5,500)
  • Burnaby has pockets of expansive clay soils — foundation assessment recommended before basement underpinning
  • Many Burnaby condos have aluminum wiring requiring correction at outlets and switches
  • Pre-1980 homes frequently have galvanized steel water supply pipes (replacement recommended during renovation)
  • Asbestos-containing floor tiles common in 1960s–1975 homes — testing required before demo

Frequently Asked Questions — Burnaby Renovations

How much does a renovation cost in Burnaby?

Renovation costs in Burnaby align with Metro Vancouver averages: kitchen renovations typically run $45,000–$95,000, bathroom renovations $18,000–$42,000, and basement suite conversions $65,000–$125,000. Condo renovations in Burnaby’s highrise towers (Metrotown, Brentwood) often include premium freight elevator fees and strata coordination costs that add $2,000–$5,000 to project cost.

How long does a building permit take in Burnaby?

City of Burnaby building permits for residential renovations typically process in 3–5 weeks for simple kitchen and bathroom permits, 6–10 weeks for secondary suite applications, and 10–14 weeks for home additions. Burnaby permit processing is generally faster than the City of Vancouver. VGC submits complete applications that minimize review iterations.

Are laneway homes allowed in Burnaby?

Yes — laneway homes (carriage houses) are permitted in Burnaby’s RS-1 and similar residential zones on lots with rear lane access. Burnaby’s laneway home regulations allow up to 90 sq m (970 sq ft) of floor area. Rental income in Burnaby laneway homes typically runs $2,200–$3,400/month depending on location and finish level.

Does Burnaby allow secondary suites?

Yes — Burnaby permits one secondary suite in most single-family residential zones. Suite must meet BC Building Code requirements: minimum ceiling height 1.95m, egress windows in sleeping rooms, fire separation, independent heat source, and separate bathroom. Permit processing takes 6–10 weeks. VGC handles all permit applications for Burnaby suite projects.

What zoning applies to home additions in Burnaby?

Most single-family homes in Burnaby fall under RS-1 zoning. Home additions must comply with setback requirements (typically 1.2m rear, 1.8m side for lots over 12m wide), lot coverage limits (usually 40%), and maximum FSR of 0.60. Burnaby’s planning department is approachable for pre-application consultations — VGC recommends a pre-application meeting for any addition exceeding 400 sq ft.

All Renovation Services in Burnaby

VGC provides a full range of renovation services in Burnaby. Click any service for local pricing, permit details, and our project history.

🛠 Also available: Commercial Renovation in Burnaby — office, retail & restaurant fit-outs.

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.