Serving Metro Vancouver Since 1981
Renovation FAQ —
Vancouver Homeowners Ask, We Answer
DELANA Interiors has been completing renovation and construction projects in Metro Vancouver since 1981. Below are the questions we hear most often — answered plainly, based on how projects actually work in Vancouver and surrounding municipalities.
Cost
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Vancouver?
A kitchen renovation in Metro Vancouver typically costs $25,000–$90,000+. Most mid-range projects — full gut, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, new plumbing and electrical — land between $35,000 and $65,000. Condo kitchens with strata constraints tend to run $20,000–$40,000. The biggest cost variables are cabinet type, countertop material, and whether the layout is changing. We provide a free, itemised written estimate after reviewing your space — not a range over the phone.
Kitchen renovation serviceHow much does a bathroom renovation cost in Vancouver?
Bathroom renovation costs in Metro Vancouver range from $5,000 for a basic powder room update to $75,000+ for a luxury master ensuite with custom tile, walk-in shower, heated floors, and a custom vanity. Most full bathroom renovations land between $20,000 and $40,000. Factors that affect cost most: fixture quality, custom vs. prefabricated vanity, tile complexity, and whether the plumbing stack needs to be relocated.
Bathroom renovation serviceHow much does a custom home build cost in Vancouver BC?
Custom home construction in Metro Vancouver typically ranges from $450 to $1,100+ per square foot in build costs — not including the lot, design fees, or permit fees. A 2,000 sq ft mid-range custom home carries build costs of roughly $1.1–$1.5 million. Luxury builds in West Vancouver and Shaughnessy start at $750 per square foot. Budget 15–20% contingency on top of any hard cost estimate.
Custom home building serviceHow much does hardwood floor refinishing cost in Vancouver?
Full sanding and refinishing — sanding to bare wood, new stain, two to three coats of protective finish — typically costs $4–$7 per square foot in Metro Vancouver. A 500 sq ft main floor typically runs $2,000–$3,500. Screen and recoating (lighter process, no stain changes) costs $1.50–$3 per square foot. New hardwood supply and install typically ranges from $10–$18 per square foot depending on material and subfloor condition.
Flooring contractor servicePermits
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Vancouver?
Yes — if your kitchen renovation involves any plumbing or electrical changes, a City of Vancouver building permit is required under the BC Building Code. This includes moving plumbing, adding circuits, or upgrading your electrical panel. Purely cosmetic work — replacing cabinet doors, painting, or swapping fixtures on existing rough-ins — typically does not require a permit. DELANA pulls and manages all required permits as part of the service.
Kitchen renovation serviceDo I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Vancouver?
Yes — bathroom renovations involving any plumbing or electrical changes require a City of Vancouver building permit under the BC Building Code. DELANA pulls and manages every required permit and coordinates all inspections. You never have to navigate the permit office yourself.
Bathroom renovation serviceWhat permits are required to build a new home in Vancouver?
A new home build in Vancouver requires a building permit plus separate permits for plumbing, electrical, and gas. The City of Vancouver also requires energy compliance documentation under the BC Energy Step Code. Permit review for a complex residential build can take 20 to 34 weeks in the City of Vancouver. DELANA manages all permit applications and responds to all city questions during the review period.
Home building serviceDo permit requirements differ in Burnaby, West Vancouver, and North Vancouver?
Yes. Each municipality has its own building department, forms, fee schedule, and review timeline. The District of West Vancouver, City of Burnaby, City of North Vancouver, and District of North Vancouver each operate independently from the City of Vancouver. DELANA is familiar with permit processes across all Metro Vancouver municipalities and manages submissions for each one.
General contractor serviceTimelines
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Vancouver?
Most full kitchen renovations in Vancouver take 4–8 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. Timeline depends on the scope of work, permit approval times (if applicable), and lead times for custom cabinetry. We provide a confirmed project schedule before any work begins — not a vague estimate.
Kitchen renovation serviceHow long does a bathroom renovation take in Vancouver?
Most full bathroom renovations in Vancouver take 3–6 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. A straightforward cosmetic update with no layout changes runs shorter; a full ensuite gut with plumbing relocation, permit approval, and custom tile work takes longer. We give you a clear project schedule before work begins so you can plan accordingly.
Bathroom renovation serviceHow long does a new home build take in Metro Vancouver?
From permit submission to occupancy permit, a new home build in Metro Vancouver typically takes 12–24 months. The permit review process alone can take 3–6 months in the City of Vancouver. For complex custom builds, permit review can extend to 20–34 weeks. DELANA manages the permit application from day one and keeps the build on schedule through every phase.
Home building serviceLicensing & Insurance
Is DELANA Interiors a licensed contractor in BC?
Yes. DELANA Interiors is a licensed general contractor in British Columbia, operating continuously since 1981. We hold all required BC contractor licensing, carry full general liability insurance, and are registered with WorkSafe BC. We are also a proud member of HAVAN (Homebuilders Association Vancouver). Licensing documentation is available on request.
About DELANA InteriorsDoes DELANA carry home warranty coverage for new builds?
Yes. Every new home we build is covered under BC's Home Protection Act — the mandatory 2-5-10 year home warranty. Two years on labour and materials. Five years on the building envelope. Ten years on structural defects. We are registered with a BC-licensed home warranty provider. Warranty documents are provided at handover.
Custom home building serviceWhat is the difference between a general contractor and a renovation contractor?
In residential construction, the terms are largely interchangeable. A licensed general contractor manages the full project — permits, trades, inspections, and scheduling — under a single contract. DELANA Interiors acts as the licensed general contractor on every renovation and construction project we take on. One company, one point of contact, one contract from start to finish.
General contractor serviceService Areas
Do you serve West Vancouver and North Vancouver?
Yes. We serve both West Vancouver and North Vancouver as primary service areas. Jim Delana has lived in West Vancouver for over 40 years and has worked in the Ambleside, Dundarave, Chartwell, Caulfeild, and Horseshoe Bay areas throughout his career. North Vancouver projects cover Lower Lonsdale, Lynn Valley, and both the City and District of North Vancouver.
West Vancouver service areaDo you work in Burnaby and Richmond?
Yes. DELANA serves Burnaby and Richmond as active service areas. Burnaby projects commonly involve homes from the 1960s and 1970s that require asbestos assessment and updated electrical panels before renovation begins. Richmond projects often involve moisture management considerations due to the delta geography and flood-plain proximity in some neighbourhoods.
Burnaby service areaWhat areas of Metro Vancouver does DELANA serve?
We serve Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Shaughnessy, and Richmond. These are our primary service areas. Call us at (236) 858-8187 Monday to Saturday to confirm availability for your project before booking an estimate.
View all service areasBasement Renovation
How much does a basement renovation cost in Vancouver?
A basic basement finishing project in Vancouver typically costs $35,000 to $65,000. A full basement renovation with bedroom, bathroom, and wet bar runs $60,000 to $100,000. A legal basement suite conversion ranges from $80,000 to $180,000 depending on scope. DELANA Interiors provides free in-home estimates with detailed written quotes — no guesses from a website.
Basement renovation serviceHow long does a basement renovation take in Vancouver?
A basic basement finishing project takes 4 to 8 weeks from permit approval to final inspection. A full renovation or legal suite conversion takes 8 to 14 weeks. Permit timelines at the City of Vancouver and North Vancouver District typically add 2 to 4 weeks before construction begins.
Basement renovation serviceDo I need a permit to renovate my basement in Vancouver?
Yes, in most cases. Any basement renovation that involves electrical, plumbing, structural work, or a new bedroom requires a building permit in Vancouver and all Metro Vancouver municipalities. Legal basement suites require additional zoning verification. DELANA manages all permit applications and inspections as part of our scope.
Basement renovation serviceWhat is required for a legal basement suite in Vancouver?
A legal basement suite in Vancouver requires a separate exterior entrance, minimum ceiling height of 1.95m, egress windows in sleeping areas, 30-minute fire separation from the main floor, a full kitchen with proper ventilation, a bathroom, and a dedicated electrical panel. All work must be permitted and inspected by the City.
Basement renovation serviceHow do I waterproof a basement in Vancouver?
Proper basement waterproofing depends on the water source. Hydrostatic pressure requires interior drainage channels or exterior membrane application. Condensation requires proper vapour barrier and insulation. Poor grading or failed weeping tile requires exterior drainage correction. DELANA assesses all three during our free in-home visit before any renovation begins.
Basement renovation serviceCan I add a kitchen to my basement in Vancouver?
Yes, but a basement kitchen requires plumbing rough-in, proper ventilation, dedicated electrical circuits, and a building permit. If the kitchen is for a legal suite, additional zoning requirements apply. DELANA installs complete basement kitchens including cabinetry, countertops, and all appliance connections.
Basement renovation serviceWhat is the ROI on a basement renovation in Vancouver?
A legal basement suite in Metro Vancouver generating $2,000 to $3,500 per month in rental income typically returns the renovation cost within 3 to 5 years. A finished basement also increases your home's assessed value and marketability. It is typically the highest-return renovation available in Metro Vancouver's housing market.
Basement renovation serviceDoes DELANA offer a warranty on basement renovations?
Yes. Every basement renovation DELANA Interiors completes comes with a 2-year written workmanship warranty. If anything we built or installed fails within two years, we return and repair it at no charge.
Basement renovation serviceCondo Renovation
How much does a condo renovation cost in Vancouver?
A condo renovation in Vancouver typically costs $25,000–$120,000 depending on scope. A kitchen-only update runs $25,000–$55,000. A full condo gut — kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and open-concept conversion — ranges $70,000–$120,000. Strata-specific requirements, elevator logistics, and noise-hour restrictions can add 10–15% to the total budget compared to an equivalent house renovation.
Condo renovation serviceDo I need strata approval to renovate my condo in Vancouver?
Yes. Most strata corporations in Vancouver require written approval before any renovation begins. You must submit a renovation application detailing scope, contractor credentials, trade permits, and proof of insurance. DELANA prepares and submits all strata documentation as part of our project scope — homeowners never deal with the strata office directly.
Condo renovation serviceHow long does a condo renovation take in Vancouver?
A full condo renovation takes 4–10 weeks from permit approval to final walkthrough. Strata approval adds 1–3 weeks before work starts. Kitchen-only projects run 3–5 weeks. Full gut renovations with bathroom, kitchen, and flooring take 6–10 weeks. Strata bylaws restricting work to 8am–5pm weekdays affect scheduling, and we build all of this into our project timeline before we start.
Condo renovation serviceWhat permits are required for a condo renovation in Vancouver?
Any condo renovation involving electrical, plumbing, or structural changes requires a City of Vancouver building permit under the BC Building Code. Kitchen and bathroom renovations almost always trigger this requirement. DELANA pulls and manages every required permit and coordinates all City inspections — the homeowner is never involved in the permit process.
Condo renovation serviceCan I do an open-concept conversion in a condo in Vancouver?
Yes, but only after confirming with a structural engineer that the wall is non-load-bearing, and after receiving written strata approval. Open-concept conversions in Vancouver condos typically cost $8,000–$20,000 for the structural work alone, not including the surrounding kitchen or flooring renovation. DELANA coordinates engineering assessments and strata submissions as part of our design-build process.
Condo renovation serviceWhat are the noise restrictions for condo renovations in Vancouver?
Most Vancouver strata bylaws restrict construction to weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some buildings restrict or prohibit Saturday work. All construction must also comply with the City of Vancouver Noise Control By-law. DELANA reviews your strata bylaws before scheduling any trade and builds the noise hour restrictions into the project schedule from day one.
Condo renovation serviceWhat is included in a full condo renovation in Vancouver?
A full condo renovation covers kitchen (cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing rough-in), bathrooms (tile, vanity, fixtures, waterproofing), flooring throughout, lighting upgrades, and any layout changes. It includes all permits, strata application preparation, trade scheduling within approved hours, elevator bookings, and a final City inspection. DELANA delivers everything under one contract with one point of contact.
Condo renovation serviceHow do I find a licensed condo renovation contractor in Vancouver?
Verify BC contractor licensing through BC Housing's Homeowner Protection registry, confirm WorkSafeBC registration, and request proof of general liability insurance before signing any contract. DELANA Interiors has held all required BC contractor licensing continuously since 1981 and provides documentation on request.
Condo renovation serviceCommercial Renovation
How much does a commercial renovation cost in Vancouver?
Commercial renovation costs in Vancouver typically range from $75 to $250 per square foot depending on the scope, materials, and building type. Office renovations average $80–$175 per square foot. Restaurant buildouts with commercial kitchens range from $100–$250+ per square foot. Medical and dental clinic renovations cost $100–$200 per square foot. DELANA provides a free on-site estimate with a detailed written quote.
Commercial renovation serviceHow long does a commercial renovation take in Vancouver?
Most commercial renovations in Vancouver take 4 to 16 weeks depending on scope. A basic office refresh may take 4–6 weeks. A full restaurant or medical clinic renovation typically requires 10–16 weeks. Permit approval from the City of Vancouver adds 2–6 weeks before construction begins.
Commercial renovation serviceDo you need a permit for commercial renovation in Vancouver?
Yes. Most commercial renovations in Vancouver require permits from the City of Vancouver for structural changes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire safety systems. Restaurants require additional Vancouver Coastal Health inspections. DELANA handles all permit applications and municipal approvals.
Commercial renovation serviceWhat is the difference between commercial renovation and tenant improvement?
A commercial renovation is any upgrade or rebuild of a commercial space — whether you own or lease it. A tenant improvement is a specific type of commercial renovation where a tenant modifies a leased space to suit their business needs. DELANA Interiors handles both.
Commercial renovation serviceCan you renovate a commercial space while the business is still open?
Yes. DELANA Interiors regularly completes phased renovations that allow businesses to keep operating. We schedule noisy trades during off-hours, phase the work so one section stays operational, and maintain full dust and debris containment.
Commercial renovation serviceDoes DELANA offer a warranty on commercial renovation work?
Yes. Every commercial renovation completed by DELANA Interiors includes a 2-year written workmanship warranty. If anything built or installed fails within two years, we return and repair it at no charge. All permit documentation and inspection records are provided at project completion.
Commercial renovation serviceTenant Improvements
How much does a tenant improvement cost in Vancouver?
A tenant improvement in Vancouver typically costs $40 to $150 per square foot depending on the industry and scope. Basic office fit-outs run $40–$80 per square foot. Restaurant build-outs with commercial kitchen requirements run $80–$150+ per square foot. Dental and medical clinic fit-outs range from $90–$160 per square foot. DELANA provides a free on-site estimate with a detailed written quote before any work begins.
Tenant improvement serviceHow long does a tenant improvement take in Vancouver?
A standard office tenant improvement takes 4 to 8 weeks from permit approval to occupancy. Restaurant and medical clinic fit-outs take 8 to 14 weeks due to additional mechanical and plumbing requirements. City of Vancouver permit processing adds 2 to 4 weeks before construction begins.
Tenant improvement serviceDo I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Vancouver?
Yes. Any tenant improvement involving electrical, plumbing, structural, or mechanical work requires a City of Vancouver building permit under the BC Building Code. Restaurants require additional Health Authority inspections. DELANA pulls and manages every required permit and coordinates all City and Health Authority inspections.
Tenant improvement serviceWho pays for tenant improvements — the landlord or the tenant?
It depends on the lease. Many commercial leases in Vancouver include a tenant improvement allowance (TIA) where the landlord contributes a fixed dollar amount per square foot. The tenant pays anything above that allowance. DELANA structures every quote to align with TIA budgets and provides all documentation landlords require.
Tenant improvement serviceWhat is a tenant improvement allowance?
A tenant improvement allowance (TIA) is a dollar amount per square foot that a commercial landlord contributes toward the cost of customising a leased space. Typical TIA ranges in Metro Vancouver are $20 to $60 per square foot depending on the building class, lease term, and negotiated conditions.
Tenant improvement serviceWhat is the difference between a tenant improvement and a leasehold improvement?
They are the same thing. "Tenant improvement" is the construction industry term used in Vancouver. "Leasehold improvement" is the accounting and legal term used in lease agreements and tax filings. Both refer to modifications made to a leased commercial space.
Tenant improvement serviceCan I renovate a commercial space while my business is still operating?
Yes, but it requires phased construction and careful scheduling. DELANA Interiors specialises in occupied building renovations — phasing work so the business continues operating, scheduling noisy trades during off-hours, and coordinating with building management to minimise disruption.
Tenant improvement serviceWhat types of businesses need tenant improvements in Vancouver?
Offices, dental clinics, medical practices, restaurants, cafes, retail stores, salons, wellness studios, gyms, and co-working spaces. Any business moving into a new commercial lease or renovating an existing leased space typically requires tenant improvement work.
Tenant improvement serviceDoes DELANA provide interior design for tenant improvements?
Yes. Jim Lazos, the owner of DELANA Interiors, is a licensed interior designer with over 40 years of commercial design experience. Interior design and space planning are included in every tenant improvement contract at no additional cost.
Tenant improvement serviceDoes DELANA offer a warranty on tenant improvement work?
Yes. Every tenant improvement completed by DELANA Interiors includes a 2-year written workmanship warranty. If anything built or installed fails within two years, DELANA returns and repairs it at no charge.
Tenant improvement serviceProcess
How do I get a quote from DELANA Interiors?
Call us at (236) 858-8187 Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, or submit your project details through our contact page. We schedule a site visit, review the space, and provide a free, written, itemised estimate. We do not quote over the phone without seeing the project first — every home is different, and a number without a site visit is not a reliable estimate.
Contact usDo I need a designer before contacting DELANA?
No. Many clients come to us with an idea, not a set of drawings. For renovation projects, we work with your vision and create preliminary layouts before any work is ordered. For new home builds, we coordinate with your architect or refer you to trusted local designers as part of our design-build service.
Custom home building serviceDoes DELANA handle older homes with asbestos or mould?
Yes. Pre-1990 homes in Metro Vancouver — particularly in Burnaby, West Vancouver, and East Vancouver — commonly contain asbestos in drywall compound, floor tile adhesive, and insulation. Before any demolition, DELANA assesses materials and arranges certified abatement where required under WorkSafeBC regulations. Mould assessment follows the same protocol. These steps are built into the project plan from day one — not discovered mid-renovation.
General contractor serviceService Areas
Still Have Questions? Call Jim Directly.
Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We answer our phone. No call centres, no hold music — a direct conversation about your project and what it will actually cost.
Call Now — (236) 858-8187