How-To Guides
Step-by-step guides and instructions for renovation projects
How do I find a good drywall installer?
Finding a reliable drywall installer in Metro Vancouver requires checking credentials, getting multiple quotes, and verifying their experience with lo...
How do I choose an energy-efficient range hood for my Vancouver kitchen?
Choosing an energy-efficient range hood for your Vancouver kitchen starts with selecting the right CFM rating for your cooking needs while prioritizin...
How do I check if my Vancouver home has any open or outstanding permits?
You can check for open permits on your Vancouver property through the City's online portal or by contacting the building department directly at 311....
How do I finance a laneway house build in Vancouver?
Financing a laneway house in Vancouver requires careful planning, as traditional mortgages don't typically cover detached secondary dwellings on your...
How do heritage designation rules affect renovations in Shaughnessy?
Heritage designation in Shaughnessy significantly restricts exterior alterations and requires special permits for most renovations, often adding 3-6 m...
How do I pick the right contractor for a kitchen renovation in Vancouver?
Choosing the right kitchen contractor in Vancouver requires careful vetting of licenses, insurance, and local experience, as kitchen renovations typic...
How do I deal with mold behind bathroom walls in an older Vancouver home?
Mold behind bathroom walls requires immediate professional remediation and addressing the underlying moisture source — this isn't a DIY project due to...
How do I protect my floors and furniture during a renovation?
Protecting your floors and furniture during renovation is essential and should be planned before work begins. Professional contractors typically inclu...
How do I prevent flooding in my finished basement in North Vancouver?
Basement flooding prevention in North Vancouver requires a multi-layered approach focusing on exterior drainage, interior waterproofing, and backup sy...
How does the 2-5-10 warranty apply to a new laneway house?
New laneway houses in Vancouver are fully covered by BC's mandatory 2-5-10 home warranty insurance, providing the same comprehensive protection as any...
How do I keep my renovation project on schedule?
Keeping your renovation project on schedule requires proactive planning, realistic timelines, and strong communication with your contractor from day o...
How does the new BCBC 2024 seismic code affect my renovation plans?
The BCBC 2024 seismic updates, which took effect March 10, 2025, primarily impact new construction and major structural work rather than typical renov...
How do I apply for a building permit in the Township of Langley?
The Township of Langley requires building permits for most construction work including new construction, additions, renovations that involve structura...
How do I know if my Vancouver house has good bones for a renovation?
A house with "good bones" has solid structural elements, functional systems, and a layout that can adapt to modern living without requiring major stru...
How do I plan a kitchen renovation around my family's daily routine?
Planning a kitchen renovation around your family's daily routine requires setting up a temporary kitchen, scheduling work phases strategically, and pr...
How do I document my renovation for insurance purposes?
Proper documentation is essential for insurance claims and can save you thousands if damage occurs during or after your renovation. Most Metro Vancouv...
How do I deal with moisture issues before finishing my basement in Vancouver?
Moisture control is absolutely critical before finishing any basement in Vancouver — our wet climate and high water table make proper moisture managem...
How does the BC Energy Step Code apply to home additions?
The BC Energy Step Code applies to home additions when they exceed specific size thresholds, but most smaller additions are exempt from the performanc...
How do I maximize storage in a small galley kitchen?
Maximizing storage in a small galley kitchen requires strategic use of vertical space, smart cabinet solutions, and multi-functional design elements....
How do I fix a leaking shower that was recently renovated?
A recently renovated shower that's leaking suggests either improper waterproofing installation or a defective component that should be covered under w...
How do I prioritize which renovations to do first on a tight budget?
Start with safety and structural issues first, then focus on renovations that prevent costly damage or add the most value per dollar spent. Smart prio...
How do I handle an old drain in the middle of my basement floor?
Old basement floor drains are common in Vancouver homes and can be either updated to modern standards or properly sealed, depending on your renovation...
How do I renovate a bathroom in my strata building without issues?
Renovating a strata bathroom requires careful planning and strata approval before you start — most issues arise from skipping the approval process or...
How does the BC Building Code affect basement renovations?
The BC Building Code (BCBC 2024) significantly impacts basement renovations, particularly around ceiling heights, egress windows, moisture control, an...
How do I renovate a kitchen in a strata condominium without stressing out?
Strata kitchen renovations can be smooth and stress-free with proper planning and early communication with your strata council. The key is understandi...
How do I find a contractor who specializes in heritage homes in Vancouver?
Finding a heritage home specialist in Vancouver requires looking for contractors with specific experience in character home renovations, heritage desi...
How do I run electrical to my basement renovation in British Columbia?
Running electrical to a basement renovation in BC requires a licensed electrical contractor and Technical Safety BC permits and inspections. As a home...
How do I get my home ready for a seismic upgrade?
Preparing your home for a seismic upgrade requires a professional seismic assessment first, followed by systematic preparation of the work areas and c...
How do I prepare my home for a major renovation in Vancouver?
Preparing for a major renovation in Vancouver requires careful planning around permits, weather, and protecting your belongings — start planning 3-6 m...
How do Vancouver building permits work for condo renovations?
Condo renovations in Vancouver require both city building permits AND strata approval - you need both before starting any work that affects structure,...
How do I prevent bathroom renovation delays in Vancouver?
Preventing bathroom renovation delays in Vancouver requires careful planning around permits, contractor availability, and the city's notoriously slow...
How do I check if an electrician is licensed with Technical Safety BC?
You can verify an electrician's license through Technical Safety BC's online contractor search tool at tsbc.ca, or by calling their main line at 1-866...
How do I add a bathroom to my unfinished basement in Burnaby?
Adding a bathroom to your unfinished basement in Burnaby requires a building permit, proper drainage connections, and compliance with BCBC 2024 requir...
How does building a suite affect my property taxes in BC?
Adding a suite to your BC property will increase your assessed value and property taxes, but the rental income typically more than offsets the tax inc...
How do I verify a contractor's WorkSafeBC coverage?
You can verify a contractor's WorkSafeBC coverage by asking for their Certificate of Good Standing or checking their account number directly with Work...
How do I waterproof a bathroom properly in Vancouver's wet climate?
Proper bathroom waterproofing in Vancouver requires a comprehensive moisture barrier system that addresses both liquid water and vapor transmission —...
How do I convert my existing basement into a legal suite in Surrey?
Converting your existing basement into a legal suite in Surrey requires proper permits, meeting BC Building Code requirements, and registering the sui...
How do I fix the condensation on my windows in the winter?
Condensation on windows during Vancouver's wet winters is extremely common and usually indicates excess indoor humidity combined with poor air circula...
How do I fix drainage issues around my foundation in Surrey?
Foundation drainage issues in Surrey require immediate attention to prevent costly water damage and structural problems. Start by identifying whether...
How do I find a trustworthy contractor in Metro Vancouver?
Finding a trustworthy contractor in Metro Vancouver requires checking multiple credentials and getting proper documentation upfront. The region's boom...
How do I check contractor reviews in Metro Vancouver?
Checking contractor reviews thoroughly is essential in Metro Vancouver's competitive construction market, where quality varies dramatically and projec...
How do I plan a renovation timeline around Vancouver's permit delays?
Vancouver's permit delays are notorious — expect 4-8 weeks for simple permits and 3-6+ months for complex projects, so build significant buffer time i...
How do I insulate basement walls without losing too much space?
Basement wall insulation in Vancouver can be achieved with minimal space loss by using high-performance insulation materials and proper installation t...
How do I register a secondary suite with the City of Vancouver?
Registering a secondary suite in Vancouver requires submitting an application to the city along with documentation proving the suite meets safety and...
How do I deal with lead paint in a house built before 1980?
Lead paint is a serious health hazard that requires professional remediation in pre-1980 homes. In British Columbia, any home built before 1980 should...
How does Vancouver's R1-1 zoning work for multiplexes?
Vancouver's R1-1 Residential Inclusive Zone is a game-changing zoning classification that allows multiplexes (3-6 ownership units or up to 8 secured r...
How do I find a good strata renovation contractor in Vancouver?
Finding a reliable strata renovation contractor in Vancouver requires understanding both the unique challenges of condo/townhouse work and the city's...