Construction & Renovation Services in Burnaby

Burnaby's detached housing stock is predominantly post-war, with the 1950s through 1970s representing the peak building era. South Slope and the areas between Kingsway and Marine Drive are filled with rancher bungalows and split-levels on 50 to 66-foot lots — homes that were practical and affordable when built but now feel dated and undersized by modern expectations. Burnaby Heights is the exception, with a stock of character homes from the 1910s-1920s that gives it an almost Vancouver-like heritage feel. The condo and townhome inventory is substantial and growing — Metrotown alone has dozens of residential towers ranging from 1990s construction to brand-new buildings, and Brentwood, Lougheed, and Edmonds are following the same trajectory. This dual market — aging single-family homes needing full renovation alongside condos needing cosmetic updates — makes Burnaby one of the busiest renovation markets in Metro Vancouver.

Burnaby's renovation market splits cleanly into two streams: single-family home renovations and strata-governed condo and townhome projects. Each requires different skills, different permitting approaches, and different contractor-client dynamics. For single-family homes, the typical Burnaby renovation involves a 1960s or 1970s rancher or split-level that needs comprehensive updating. These homes were well-built — solid concrete foundations, dimensional lumber framing, copper or early plastic plumbing — but their layouts, finishes, and building systems are decades past their prime. Kitchens are closed off from living areas by load-bearing walls. Bathrooms have original fixtures in avocado green or harvest gold. Basements are partially finished with wood panelling and indoor-outdoor carpet over concrete. The electrical service is 100 amps, insufficient for modern loads. The windows are single-pane aluminum. The opportunity is enormous: a $150,000-$250,000 renovation of a $1.5M home adds substantial equity while transforming livability. Condo renovations in Burnaby require strata approval before any work begins. Each strata corporation has its own bylaws governing renovation hours, noise restrictions, material transport through common areas, and the scope of work permitted without engineering review. Older towers (1990s-2000s) are reaching the age where kitchens and bathrooms need updating, and many owners are tackling these projects simultaneously, which can strain building elevators, garbage disposal, and neighbour patience. The key to successful condo renovation is early and thorough communication with the strata council and property manager. Building permits in Burnaby are processed by the City's Building Department, separate from the City of Vancouver's jurisdiction. Burnaby's permit fees are generally lower than Vancouver's, and processing times tend to be shorter, particularly for straightforward interior renovations. The City of Burnaby requires compliance with the BC Building Code and the BC Energy Step Code for applicable projects.

Building permits in Burnaby are issued by the City's Planning and Building Department. Burnaby uses the BC Building Code as its regulatory framework and does not add significant local amendments beyond provincial requirements. Permit applications can be submitted online through the City's e-services portal. Processing times are generally 4-8 weeks for residential renovations and 3-6 months for additions and new construction. Electrical permits are handled by Technical Safety BC (TSBC), not the City. Gas work requires TSBC-licensed technicians. Plumbing permits are issued by the City as part of the building permit process. For condo renovations, owners must obtain strata approval before applying for city permits.