Renovation Costs in Greater Vancouver: A 2026 Room-by-Room Planning Guide for Kitchens, Bathrooms & Condos

Renovation costs can feel difficult to predict. Your budget depends on the room, the size of your home, the finish level, and the amount of structural or mechanical work involved.

Use this guide to build a realistic starting budget for 2026. These are Greater Vancouver planning ranges, not quotes. Your final cost depends on your property, selections, permits, site conditions, and project scope.

Quick 2026 renovation cost guide

For most Greater Vancouver projects, plan around:

• Cosmetic updates: $15,000–$40,000

• Mid-range room renovation: $25,000–$90,000

• High-end or custom renovation: $90,000–$250,000+

• Full-home renovation: $150,000–$500,000+

• Typical interior renovation rate: approximately $150–$350 per square foot

• Complex, high-end, or heritage work: approximately $300–$600+ per square foot

Add a 15%–20% contingency to your working budget. For older homes, heritage properties, or projects involving walls and building systems, consider setting aside more.

Kitchen renovation costs in Greater Vancouver

Your kitchen often becomes the most valuable room to renovate. It affects how you cook, entertain, store belongings, and use your home every day.

Typical 2026 kitchen planning ranges

• Cosmetic kitchen refresh: $20,000–$40,000

• Mid-range kitchen renovation: $50,000–$90,000

• High-end or custom kitchen: $90,000–$150,000+

• Luxury kitchen with structural changes: $150,000–$200,000+

A simpler project may keep the existing layout and update:

• Cabinet doors or cabinetry

• Countertops

• Backsplash

• Lighting

• Hardware

• Appliances

• Flooring and paint

Costs rise when you move walls, relocate plumbing, upgrade electrical service, add custom cabinetry, or choose premium appliances and stone.

If you are planning a luxury kitchen renovation in Vancouver, start with your priorities. Decide whether your budget should focus on storage, appliances, custom millwork, entertaining space, or long-term durability.

Bathroom renovation costs in Greater Vancouver

Bathrooms have a smaller footprint. They still involve several trades, waterproofing, plumbing, ventilation, electrical work, tile installation, and detailed finishing.

Typical 2026 bathroom planning ranges

• Powder room refresh: $8,000–$20,000

• Secondary bathroom: $20,000–$35,000

• Main bathroom renovation: $25,000–$50,000

• High-end ensuite: $50,000–$100,000+

Keeping your fixtures in the same locations can help control costs. Moving a toilet, shower, or drain usually adds plumbing work and may require permits.

Common upgrades include:

• Large-format porcelain tile

• Floating vanities

• Curbless showers

• Heated flooring

• Custom glass

• Improved ventilation

• Water-saving fixtures

• Built-in storage

A modern bathroom remodel in Vancouver should balance visual appeal with moisture control and everyday comfort. Choose materials that look refined and perform well in the Lower Mainland climate.

Condo renovation costs in Vancouver, BC

Condo renovations require extra planning. Your unit may be private, but the building systems are shared.

Typical 2026 condo budgets

• Cosmetic refresh: $25,000–$60,000

• Kitchen and bathroom updates: $50,000–$100,000

• Mid-range full interior renovation: $60,000–$150,000

• High-end condo renovation: $150,000–$250,000+

A common 800- to 1,000-square-foot condo renovation may include a new kitchen, one or two bathroom updates, flooring, paint, lighting, and built-in storage.

For a condo renovation in Vancouver, BC, budget for more than materials and labour. You may also need to plan for:

• Strata application requirements

• Building move-in or move-out fees

• Elevator bookings

• Approved work hours

• Noise restrictions

• Flooring underlay requirements

• Engineer or consultant letters

• Additional protection for common areas

• Longer approval timelines

Your strata bylaws may require written approval for flooring, plumbing, electrical work, wall changes, or alterations affecting common property. Review your bylaws before finalizing the design. You can also check the Province of BC’s guidance on strata bylaws and rules.

Living rooms, bedrooms, and interior improvements

Whole-home comfort often comes from several smaller improvements working together.

Living and dining areas

• Basic flooring, paint, and lighting: $15,000–$35,000

• Mid-range interior upgrade: $35,000–$80,000

• Custom millwork or structural changes: $80,000–$150,000+

Primary bedrooms

• Flooring, paint, lighting, and basic storage: $12,000–$30,000

• Walk-in closet or layout improvements: $30,000–$60,000

• Custom millwork and premium finishes: $60,000–$100,000+

Costs increase when you add built-in cabinetry, feature walls, fireplaces, new windows, upgraded lighting, or changes to the floor plan.

Eco-friendly renovation costs

An eco-friendly home renovation in Vancouver can improve comfort while reducing energy and water use.

Possible upgrades include:

• High-efficiency heating and cooling

• Improved insulation

• High-performance windows

• Low-flow plumbing fixtures

• Low-VOC paints

• Smart thermostats

• Efficient lighting

• Solar-ready electrical planning

The cost varies widely. A smaller efficiency upgrade may add $5,000–$20,000. A larger building-envelope or mechanical project can add $30,000–$100,000 or more.

Plan these upgrades early. It is often more efficient to combine them with a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home renovation than to reopen finished walls later.

Heritage and character-home renovation costs

A heritage home restoration in Vancouver requires a careful balance.

You want to preserve the details that give the home its identity. You also want modern safety, comfort, and performance.

Common character features include:

• Original millwork

• Hardwood floors

• Stained glass

• Plaster details

• Wood windows

• Staircases

• Exterior trim

• Decorative doors

Heritage work often costs more than a comparable renovation because it may involve:

• Selective demolition

• Specialized trades

• Custom reproduction work

• Heritage consultants

• Additional documentation

• Structural repairs

• Lead or asbestos assessment

• Heritage and building permits

Planning ranges can reach $300–$600+ per square foot for highly detailed restoration work. Carry a 20%–30% contingency when the property is older or protected.

Before you start, confirm whether the property is formally designated, located in a heritage conservation area, or protected by a covenant. Vancouver provides information about heritage permits through its Heritage Alteration Permit guidance and heritage property resources.

Permits and approvals to include in your budget

Renovations that change structure, plumbing, electrical systems, gas lines, or fire separations may require permits.

Your project may need:

• Building permits

• Plumbing permits

• Electrical permits

• Gas permits

• Mechanical permits

• Heritage Alteration Permits

• Strata approval

• Engineering drawings

The City of Vancouver explains permit requirements through its home renovation permit guidance.

Permit fees are only one part of the cost. Drawings, engineering, consultant reviews, application time, and required changes can also affect your budget.

How to sequence your renovation project

Follow a clear process. It helps reduce delays and protects your budget.

1. Define your goals

List what you want to improve. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.

2. Set a working budget

Use the ranges above. Add your contingency before selecting finishes.

3. Review property restrictions

Check strata bylaws, heritage status, zoning requirements, and permit needs.

4. Plan the design

Confirm your layout, materials, fixtures, appliances, lighting, and storage before construction begins.

5. Apply for approvals

Complete strata and municipal approvals before scheduling work that depends on them.

6. Sequence construction

A typical order includes:

• Protection and preparation

• Demolition

• Structural work

• Plumbing and electrical rough-ins

• Insulation and drywall

• Cabinetry and millwork

• Flooring and tile

• Painting

• Fixtures and appliances

• Final details and inspections

7. Keep decisions moving

Late selections can create delays and added costs. Confirm materials early, especially cabinetry, windows, tile, appliances, and custom items.

Plan your Greater Vancouver renovation with confidence

Whether you are updating a condo in Richmond, restoring a character home in Vancouver, or transforming a family home in North Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, or Coquitlam, the right planning makes the process easier.

New Destiny Contracting provides:

• A fully licensed and insured team

• Quality craftsmanship from start to finish

• Award-recognized service

• Flexible financing options

• Complimentary in-home consultations

• No-obligation project discussions

Start with a conversation about your space, goals, timeline, and budget. Book your complimentary in-home consultation or view our renovation services and project imagery. Let’s bring your renovation vision to life with a clear plan and confident next step.