Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Vancouver homeowners.
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 installati...
Do I need a permit to replace my home's electrical panel in Metro Vancouver?
Yes, you absolutely need a permit to replace your home's electrical panel in Metro Vancouver. This is major electrical w...
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 sna...
Can you recommend an exterior painter?
I can't recommend specific painters by name, but I can guide you to find qualified exterior painting contractors in Metr...
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 tot...
Should I choose a freestanding or built-in bathtub for my Vancouver bathroom?
Both freestanding and built-in bathtubs work well in Vancouver homes, but your choice depends on your bathroom size, bud...
What type of drywall should I use in a high-moisture bathroom in the Lower Mainland?
For high-moisture bathrooms in the Lower Mainland, you should use moisture-resistant drywall (often called "green board"...
Should I choose granite or quartz countertops for my Vancouver kitchen?
Quartz countertops are generally the better choice for Vancouver kitchens due to their superior moisture resistance and...
Should I use spray foam or batt insulation in my Vancouver crawl space?
For Vancouver crawl spaces, batt insulation is typically the better choice due to our wet climate and the need for moist...
How do I find a good drywall installer?
Finding a reliable drywall installer in Metro Vancouver requires checking credentials, getting multiple quotes, and veri...
What should I know before adding a second storey to my Vancouver bungalow?
Adding a second storey to your Vancouver bungalow is a major structural renovation that requires careful planning, signi...
Should I keep the soffit or remove it during my kitchen renovation?
Whether to keep or remove your kitchen soffit depends on what's inside it and your renovation goals. Most soffits can be...
What do you recommend for kitchen cabinets?
For Metro Vancouver kitchens, I recommend considering your budget, timeline, and design goals first — cabinet costs typi...
Why is there mold growing behind my new kitchen cabinets on an exterior wall?
Mold behind new kitchen cabinets on an exterior wall is almost always caused by moisture infiltration from outside or co...
Can I add in-floor heating to my existing bathroom without raising the floor height?
Yes, you can add in-floor heating to your existing bathroom without raising the floor height by using ultra-thin electri...
Can I install a gas range in my kitchen, or do I need to go with an electric range?
You can install a gas range if your home already has a gas line to the kitchen, but if you don't have gas service, addin...
What renovations can I do without a permit in British Columbia?
In British Columbia, you can do basic cosmetic and maintenance work without permits, but the list is more limited than m...
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 c...
Should I replace the bathtub or just refinish it?
The decision between replacing or refinishing your bathtub depends on its condition, your budget, and your long-term pla...
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...
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...
What are the plumbing permit requirements in Delta?
Plumbing permits in Delta are required for most plumbing work beyond basic fixture replacements, and all work must be do...
What fire safety upgrades do I need for a secondary suite?
Secondary suites in Metro Vancouver require specific fire safety upgrades to meet BC Building Code requirements, includi...
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-treate...
What should I know before buying a fixer-upper in Vancouver?
Buying a fixer-upper in Vancouver requires careful financial planning and realistic timelines — renovation costs here ar...
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...
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...
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 detache...
What is the difference between a building permit and a development permit?
Building permits and development permits serve different purposes in BC's approval process — a building permit ensures y...
How do heritage designation rules affect renovations in Shaughnessy?
Heritage designation in Shaughnessy significantly restricts exterior alterations and requires special permits for most r...
What temporary utilities do I need during a gut renovation?
During a gut renovation, you'll need temporary electrical service, water access, and waste disposal solutions to keep yo...
Can I build a legal rental suite in my basement in Surrey?
Surrey permits secondary suites in most single-family residential zones, making them one of the more suite-friendly muni...
Should I use PEX or copper pipe for my plumbing renovation?
For most Vancouver plumbing renovations, PEX is the better choice due to its flexibility, freeze resistance, and signifi...
Should I get a walk-in shower or bathtub for my Vancouver condo?
For most Vancouver condo owners, a walk-in shower is the better choice due to space constraints, modern buyer preference...
What roofing material lasts the longest in Vancouver's wet weather?
Metal roofing is the longest-lasting option for Vancouver's wet climate, with quality steel or aluminum systems lasting...
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...
What are the sound insulation requirements between suites in British Columbia?
Sound insulation between suites in BC is governed by the BC Building Code (BCBC 2024), which sets specific Sound Transmi...
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 ever...
What CleanBC rebates can I get for a heat pump in BC?
The CleanBC Better Homes Income Qualified Program provides the most generous incentives. If your household income is und...
How much should I expect to spend on a heritage home renovation on the West Side?
Heritage home renovations on Vancouver's West Side typically range from $200-$600 per square foot, with total project co...
How much does foundation waterproofing cost in North Vancouver?
Foundation waterproofing in North Vancouver typically costs $8,000-$25,000 for exterior work and $3,000-$12,000 for inte...
What are the ventilation requirements for bathrooms in British Columbia?
The BCBC 2024 specifically requires all bathrooms to have adequate ventilation through one of two methods: an openable w...
What are the setback requirements for a laneway house in Vancouver?
Laneway houses in Vancouver must meet specific setback requirements that differ from standard residential buildings, wit...
Can I build a secondary suite in any house in Vancouver?
Not every house in Vancouver can accommodate a secondary suite, but the vast majority can. While secondary suites are le...
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...
What should I know about asbestos before renovating an older Vancouver home?
Asbestos is a serious health hazard commonly found in Vancouver homes built before 1990, and proper identification and a...
What insurance should my contractor have in BC?
Your contractor should carry a minimum of $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, plus WorkSafeBC coverage...
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 — t...
Why does my toilet keep running after my bathroom renovation?
A toilet that keeps running after a bathroom renovation is typically caused by displaced internal components, debris in...
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,...
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