Costs & Pricing
Questions about renovation costs, pricing, estimates, and budgeting in Metro Vancouver
How much should I budget for range hood installation in Vancouver?
Range hood installation in Vancouver typically costs $300-$800 for basic replacement, or $800-$2,500+ for new installations requiring ductwork and ele...
How much does ice dam prevention cost in Vancouver?
Ice dams are extremely rare in Vancouver due to our mild coastal climate, but when they do occur during unusual cold snaps, prevention and mitigation...
How much do contractors charge for outdoor lighting install in Vancouver?
Outdoor lighting installation in Vancouver typically ranges from $150-$400 per fixture for basic installations, with total project costs ranging from...
How much does sewer separation cost when renovating in Vancouver?
Sewer separation during renovations in Vancouver typically costs $8,000-$20,000+ depending on your property's complexity, though costs can reach $30,0...
What should I budget for a deck build in Port Moody?
The wide price range reflects significant differences in material choices and construction requirements. Pressure-treated lumber decks represent the b...
What does a full home rewire cost in an older Burnaby house?
A full home rewire in an older Burnaby house typically costs $15,000-$35,000, with most homeowners paying around $20,000-$25,000 for a standard 1,200-...
What does a full home rewire cost in an older Burnaby house?
A full home rewire in an older Burnaby house typically costs $12,000-$25,000 for a standard 1,200-1,500 sq ft home, with luxury upgrades pushing costs...
Is it worth doing my own painting or should I hire a pro?
Cost comparison in Metro Vancouver shows a stark difference: DIY interior painting typically costs $2-4 per square foot for materials (primer, paint,...
What's the fastest renovation I can do to increase my home's value?
Fresh paint is the fastest, highest-return renovation you can do — typically taking 2-4 days and returning $2-4 for every dollar spent in Metro Vancou...
What is the cost difference between a basic and high-end kitchen renovation in Richmond?
A basic kitchen renovation in Richmond typically runs $30,000-$50,000, while a high-end renovation can easily reach $80,000-$120,000 or more. The diff...
How much does a laneway house cost to build in Vancouver in 2026?
Building a laneway house in Vancouver typically costs between $200,000 and $400,000, with most projects falling in the $250,000-$350,000 range for a w...
How much extra does the BC Energy Step Code add to construction costs?
The cost impact varies significantly based on the step level your project must meet. Most Metro Vancouver municipalities currently require Step 3, whi...
Are renovation costs higher in West Vancouver compared to other parts of Metro Vancouver?
Yes, renovation costs in West Vancouver are typically 10-20% higher than other Metro Vancouver municipalities, with some premium projects seeing even...
What are the hidden costs people miss when renovating in Vancouver?
Vancouver renovations consistently run 20-30% over budget due to hidden costs that most homeowners don't anticipate. The combination of Vancouver's hi...
Is it cheaper to renovate or tear down and rebuild in East Vancouver?
The decision between renovating versus rebuilding in East Vancouver typically comes down to your home's structural condition, your budget, and your ti...
What is the average cost to replace a roof in North Vancouver?
The wide price range depends on several key factors specific to North Vancouver's housing stock and geography. Roof size and complexity are the bigges...
How much does a multiplex conversion cost in Vancouver under the new R1-1 zoning?
Multiplex conversions in Vancouver's new R1-1 zones typically cost $150,000 to $500,000+ depending on the scope, with full teardown-rebuilds ranging f...
What should I include in a renovation budget spreadsheet?
A comprehensive renovation budget spreadsheet should include all project costs plus a 15-20% contingency fund, broken down by category with separate c...
How much does a window replacement project cost for a typical Vancouver Special?
Vancouver Specials built between 1965-1985 usually have 15-25 windows, including those large front-facing picture windows and standard casement or sli...
What does asbestos removal cost in older Lower Mainland homes?
Asbestos removal in older Metro Vancouver homes typically costs $15-$40 per square foot for professional abatement, with most residential projects ran...
How much does it cost to make an illegal suite legal in British Columbia?
Legalizing an illegal suite in BC typically costs $15,000-$40,000, depending on what upgrades are needed to meet current building codes and safety req...
What is a realistic budget for finishing a basement in Burnaby?
Basement finishing in Burnaby typically costs between $50-$100 per square foot, meaning a 600 sq ft basement ranges from $30,000-$60,000, while a larg...
Are tankless water heaters worth it in Metro Vancouver?
Tankless water heaters can be worth it in Metro Vancouver, but the decision depends on your household's hot water usage patterns, existing infrastruct...
How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel in Richmond?
Upgrading an electrical panel in Richmond typically costs between $2,500-$6,500, with most homeowners paying around $3,500-$4,500 for a standard 200-a...
How many quotes should I get for a renovation project in Vancouver?
For most renovation projects in Vancouver, you should get 3-4 detailed quotes from licensed contractors. This gives you enough comparison points to un...
Is open concept still worth it or are closed kitchens coming back?
Open concept remains popular in Vancouver, but we're seeing a shift toward "broken plan" designs that offer the best of both worlds — maintaining visu...
Are triple-pane windows worth the extra cost in Vancouver?
Triple-pane windows can be worth the investment in Vancouver, especially for north-facing exposures and homes in windier areas like North Vancouver or...
What should I budget for a condo renovation in New Westminster?
Condo renovations in New Westminster typically range from $15,000-$40,000 for a bathroom, $25,000-$80,000 for a kitchen, and $80-$150 per square foot...
How much do heat pump installations cost in the Lower Mainland?
Heat pump installations in Metro Vancouver typically range from $8,000 to $25,000, with most homeowners paying $12,000-$18,000 for a complete system i...
What's the smartest order to do renovations to save money?
The smartest renovation order follows a "inside-out, top-down" approach that minimizes rework and maximizes cost savings. Planning your sequence prope...
What should I do if my contractor goes over budget?
Budget overruns are unfortunately common in construction, but you have rights and options to protect yourself. The key is understanding whether the ov...
How much does it cost to convert a garage to a living space in Langley?
Converting a garage to living space in Langley typically costs $25,000 to $80,000, depending on the scope of work and finish level. The wide range ref...