What's the best order of steps for a kitchen renovation in Vancouver?

A successful Vancouver kitchen renovation follows a specific sequence to avoid costly delays and rework. The key is completing all structural, mechanical, and electrical work before any finishes go in, while accounting for Vancouver's longer permit timelines and seasonal considerations.

Planning and Permits First

Start with design and permits 3-4 months before you want to begin work. Vancouver's building department is notoriously backlogged, so simple kitchen permits can take 4-8 weeks, while complex projects involving structural changes or electrical panel upgrades can take 3-6+ months. If you're moving walls, adding windows, or upgrading electrical service, you'll need building permits through the City of Vancouver at vancouver.ca/home-property-development/building-permits or call 311.

Order materials early - especially custom cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Supply chain delays are still affecting Vancouver, and custom work can take 8-16 weeks. This is also when you should finalize your contractor selection from licensed professionals who carry WorkSafeBC coverage and proper liability insurance.

Demolition and Structural Work

Begin with demolition and structural modifications. Remove old cabinets, flooring, and fixtures first. If you're removing walls, adding beams, or making structural changes, this happens next and requires inspection by the City of Vancouver building department. Any structural work must be engineered and follow BCBC 2024 requirements.

Rough-in mechanical and electrical comes next. All electrical work must be done by a Technical Safety BC (TSBC) licensed electrician - this isn't DIY territory in BC. New circuits for appliances, under-cabinet lighting, and outlets need to be roughed in now. Plumbing rough-in for new sink locations, dishwasher connections, or gas lines for ranges also happens at this stage. Gas work requires a licensed gas contractor and TSBC inspection.

Insulation and Drywall

Complete insulation and drywall after all rough-in work is inspected and approved. This includes any vapor barrier work, which is critical in Vancouver's high-moisture climate. Drywall, taping, and priming follow. Don't rush this stage - proper prep work shows in the final finish.

Flooring and Major Installations

Install flooring before cabinets in most cases, especially for hardwood, luxury vinyl, or tile that runs throughout the space. The exception is if you're doing a floating floor that can slide under toe kicks.

Cabinet installation comes next, followed by countertop templating and installation. Most countertop fabricators need cabinets in place for accurate templating, then require 1-2 weeks for fabrication.

Final Finishes and Connections

Complete painting and trim work after cabinets but before appliances. Install backsplash after countertops are in. Finally, connect appliances and plumbing fixtures - your licensed electrician and plumber return for final connections and testing.

Final inspections wrap up the project. Your electrical and gas work needs TSBC final inspection, and if you pulled building permits, the City of Vancouver needs a final building inspection before occupancy.

Vancouver-Specific Timing Considerations

Plan exterior work (windows, exterior doors) for May through September to avoid Vancouver's rainy season. Interior renovations can happen year-round, but book contractors early - Vancouver's construction season creates scheduling bottlenecks from spring through fall.

Budget 6-12 weeks for a full kitchen renovation once work begins, plus your permit timeline. Costs typically range from $30,000-$100,000 depending on size and finish level - Vancouver construction costs run 15-25% above national averages.

This is especially important for electrical, gas, plumbing, and structural work.