Apartment Renovation Contractors in Vancouver
Owner-occupied, rental, and multi-unit apartment renovations handled by licensed BC contractors — quick turnaround, clean finish.
“Apartment renovation” in Vancouver covers a wide spread — owner-occupied condos, tenanted rental suites, purpose-built rental apartments, secondary suites in single-family homes, and laneway studios. Each has different priorities. Owner-occupied projects optimize for quality and personalization. Rental renovations optimize for durability, tenant-friendliness, and speed (every week of vacancy costs money). Multi-unit projects for landlords need a contractor who can quote consistently across a portfolio. Renew Co Contracting handles all four — and we'll tell you upfront which finishes and layouts are worth the money for your specific situation. A high-end Caesarstone counter in a $1,800/month rental doesn't earn back its cost premium; a tile-pattern that's easy to clean does.
Typical project investment
| Project type | Investment (CAD) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant turnover refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures) | $8,000 – $20,000 | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Mid-range full apartment renovation (kitchen + bath) | $45,000 – $90,000 | 5 – 9 weeks |
| High-end owner-occupied apartment renovation | $90,000 – $180,000 | 8 – 14 weeks |
| Multi-unit portfolio (per unit, volume discount) | $30,000 – $70,000 | 3 – 6 weeks per unit |
Vancouver apartment renovation prices in 2026. Includes strata coordination (where applicable), permits, and project management. Free in-home consultation provides your fixed quote.
Apartment renovation types we handle
Apartment renovation is a catch-all term, so we break it down by what you actually need:
- Owner-occupied condo / apartment renovation — kitchen, bathroom, full remodel optimized for how you live
- Tenant turnover refresh — paint, flooring, fixtures between leases, fast turnaround (1–3 weeks)
- Full rental renovation — durable finishes, easy-clean materials, rental-grade appliances, 3–6 week turnaround
- Legal secondary suite in your house — covered separately on our basement renovation page
- Multi-unit / portfolio renovations — consistent finishes across 3+ units with volume pricing
- Heritage apartment restoration — pre-war buildings in West End, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant
How much does an apartment renovation cost in Vancouver?
Apartment renovation costs in Vancouver vary widely by intent. A tenant turnover refresh — between-lease paint, flooring, and minor fixture updates — runs $8,000–$20,000 and takes 1–3 weeks. A mid-range full renovation including kitchen and bathroom runs $45,000–$90,000 over 5–9 weeks. A high-end owner-occupied renovation with premium finishes runs $90,000–$180,000. Multi-unit portfolio work earns volume pricing and typically lands at $30,000–$70,000 per unit, with 3–6 weeks per unit when units are renovated back-to-back.
Rental renovations — what is worth spending on
Renovating a rental property is a different optimization problem than renovating your own home. The goal isn't to maximize personal enjoyment; it's to maximize achievable rent and minimize maintenance calls over the next 10 years. After renovating dozens of Vancouver rental units, here's our take:
- Worth it: Quartz countertops (durable, no sealing) instead of granite or laminate
- Worth it: Vinyl plank flooring (waterproof, scratch-resistant) instead of laminate or hardwood
- Worth it: Painted shaker cabinets in a neutral colour (timeless, easy to repaint)
- Worth it: Stainless or panel-ready appliances (rental tenants expect modern)
- Worth it: Tiled shower surround instead of fibreglass insert (lasts 25 years vs. 8)
- Skip it: Premium hardware (renters don't care, replace easily later)
- Skip it: High-end light fixtures (mid-range looks similar at 1/3 the price)
- Skip it: Designer paint colours (stick to warm neutrals, easier to retouch)
- Skip it: Smart-home tech without solid Wi-Fi infrastructure backing it up
How long does an apartment renovation take?
Turnover refreshes take 1–3 weeks. Mid-range full renovations take 5–9 weeks. High-end owner-occupied renovations take 8–14 weeks. Multi-unit portfolio work runs 3–6 weeks per unit when units are renovated sequentially. Strata-required approvals (where applicable) add 2–4 weeks of lead time before construction. We coordinate around tenancy if needed — Vancouver's Residential Tenancy Act sets specific notice requirements for renovations affecting tenants, and we work within those rules.
Multi-unit and portfolio renovation pricing
If you own multiple rental units in Vancouver — a duplex, triplex, fourplex, or a portfolio of condos — renovating them sequentially with the same contractor and the same finishes earns real cost savings. We quote portfolio work with volume pricing on materials, consistent crew assignments, and a single project lead managing the multi-unit schedule. Typical portfolio savings: 8–12% per unit compared to one-off pricing. We've executed portfolio renovations of 4–12 units for Vancouver landlords across East Van, Mount Pleasant, and Burnaby.
Common questions about apartment renovation in Vancouver
How much does an apartment renovation cost in Vancouver?
Vancouver apartment renovations in 2026 typically cost $8,000–$20,000 for a tenant turnover refresh, $45,000–$90,000 for a mid-range full renovation including kitchen and bathroom, $90,000–$180,000 for a high-end owner-occupied renovation, and $30,000–$70,000 per unit for multi-unit portfolio work.
How long does an apartment renovation take?
A tenant turnover refresh takes 1–3 weeks. A mid-range full apartment renovation takes 5–9 weeks. A high-end owner-occupied renovation takes 8–14 weeks. Multi-unit portfolio renovations run 3–6 weeks per unit.
What is the difference between an apartment renovation and a condo renovation?
A condo renovation involves a strata-titled unit with strata bylaws and a form K approval process. An apartment renovation may also be a rental unit in a purpose-built rental building (no strata) or a secondary suite in a house. The work scope is often similar, but the approval and logistics differ.
Can you renovate a rental apartment while a tenant is in place?
Sometimes — depending on the scope of work. Cosmetic renovations like paint and light fixtures can sometimes be done with tenants in place. Major renovations involving kitchen or bathroom work typically require the tenant to vacate or relocate. BC's Residential Tenancy Act sets specific notice and procedural requirements, and Renew Co coordinates around these rules.
What finishes work best in Vancouver rental apartments?
Renew Co recommends quartz counters, vinyl plank flooring, painted shaker cabinets in neutral colours, stainless or panel-ready appliances, and tiled shower surrounds. These finishes maximize rental appeal and minimize maintenance over a 10-year ownership horizon.
Do you offer volume pricing for multi-unit portfolio renovations?
Yes. When renovating 3 or more units sequentially with consistent finishes, Renew Co provides portfolio pricing that typically saves 8–12% per unit versus one-off pricing. This includes material volume discounts, consistent crew assignments, and a single project lead managing the multi-unit schedule.
Are apartment renovations covered by your two-year warranty?
Yes. Every Renew Co renovation, whether owner-occupied or rental, comes with a two-year workmanship warranty backed by BC1523672. Manufacturer warranties on materials, appliances, and fixtures pass through directly to you.
Ready to talk about your project?
Free in-home consultation. Fixed-price written quote. No pressure.