Strata-Compliant Condo Renovations in Vancouver
Kitchens, bathrooms, and full condo remodels with strata approvals, form K filings, and water shut-off coordination handled for you.
Condo renovations in Vancouver are a different game from house renovations. The work itself isn't necessarily harder — but the surrounding logistics are. You're working in a building with shared walls and floors, strata bylaws that vary tower to tower, water shut-off windows that are sometimes only available on weekday mornings, freight elevator bookings that need to be reserved three weeks ahead, and downstairs neighbours who are 8mm of concrete away from your bathroom drain. Renew Co Contracting handles condo renovations across Vancouver, from Coal Harbour and Yaletown to the older Kerrisdale and Kitsilano buildings to the newer Cambie Corridor towers. We've worked with the strata councils of dozens of buildings and know how to navigate the approval process, the form K, the move-in/move-out rules, and the deposit and certificate of insurance requirements.
Typical project investment
| Project type | Investment (CAD) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures, lighting) | $20,000 – $45,000 | 3 – 5 weeks |
| Mid-range full renovation (kitchen + 1 bath + finishes) | $80,000 – $150,000 | 8 – 12 weeks |
| High-end full renovation (premium finishes, millwork) | $150,000 – $280,000 | 12 – 18 weeks |
| Penthouse or large condo full renovation | $280,000 – $500,000+ | 16 – 24 weeks |
Vancouver condo renovation prices in 2026. Includes strata coordination, form K filings, certificate of insurance, freight elevator bookings, and all permits. Free in-home consultation provides your fixed quote.
What strata-compliant means in practice
Most Vancouver condo strata corporations require contractors to submit specific paperwork before any work begins. Renew Co handles this entire process on your behalf:
- Renovation application (or "form K") submitted to strata council
- Certificate of Insurance naming the strata corporation as additional insured
- WorkSafeBC clearance letter confirming our compliance
- Scope of work document detailing all changes to common property
- Plumbing and electrical permit confirmations from the City of Vancouver
- Freight elevator booking and protective wall coverings
- Move-in/move-out coordination with the building manager
- Quiet-hours compliance (most strata bylaws prohibit noisy work before 8am and after 5pm)
- Refundable damage deposit handling (most buildings require $500–$2,000)
How much does a condo renovation cost in Vancouver?
Condo renovation costs in Vancouver in 2026 run higher per square foot than equivalent house renovations because of the logistics — material transport via freight elevators, restricted work hours, strata coordination overhead, and the cost of waterproofing every wet area to commercial standards (because a leak affects three units, not one). A cosmetic refresh runs $20,000–$45,000. A mid-range full renovation including a kitchen and one bathroom typically lands at $80,000–$150,000. A high-end renovation with custom millwork and premium finishes runs $150,000–$280,000. Penthouse or large condo full renovations (1,500+ sq ft) run $280,000–$500,000+.
What can and cannot be renovated in a Vancouver condo
In most Vancouver stratas, the interior of your unit (drywall, paint, flooring, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting, appliances) is yours to renovate with strata approval. The exterior walls, structural elements, balconies, in-wall plumbing pipes, and common-property mechanical systems belong to the strata corporation and cannot be altered. Soundproofing requirements vary by building — some Vancouver stratas mandate specific underlayments for hardwood and tile floors to prevent sound transmission to neighbours below. We confirm the bylaws of your specific building before quoting.
Plumbing and water shut-offs
The most logistically challenging part of any condo renovation is the building water shut-off. Most Vancouver strata corporations require 1–2 weeks notice for a building-wide shut-off, and many only permit them on specific weekday mornings (typically 8am–noon on a Tuesday or Wednesday). We coordinate the shut-off, complete the plumbing work in the shut-off window, and have water restored within the building's allowed time so other residents aren't affected. This planning is built into our condo renovation timelines.
How long does a condo renovation take?
A cosmetic refresh takes 3–5 weeks. A mid-range full renovation takes 8–12 weeks. A high-end renovation with custom millwork takes 12–18 weeks. Penthouse and large condo full renovations take 16–24 weeks. The strata approval process itself typically takes 2–4 weeks before construction can begin, depending on how often your strata council meets. We factor this into the timeline before any work starts.
Older buildings vs. newer towers — different considerations
Vancouver has a wide age range of condo buildings, and each generation has its own renovation considerations:
- Pre-1990 buildings (West End, Kerrisdale, Kitsilano character buildings) — often have galvanized or copper plumbing, cast-iron drain stacks, and original electrical that may need partial upgrading
- 1990s–early 2000s buildings (False Creek, Yaletown) — post-leaky-condo era, may have envelope restoration history, generally good plumbing
- Newer towers (Coal Harbour, Cambie Corridor) — modern plumbing and electrical, but tight scheduling restrictions and strict bylaws
- Penthouse and townhouse-style units — often have larger plumbing runs and may allow more flexibility in renovations
Common questions about condo renovation in Vancouver
How much does a condo renovation cost in Vancouver?
Vancouver condo renovations in 2026 typically cost $20,000–$45,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $80,000–$150,000 for a mid-range full renovation including kitchen and one bathroom, $150,000–$280,000 for a high-end renovation with custom millwork, and $280,000–$500,000+ for penthouse or large condo renovations.
Do I need strata approval to renovate my Vancouver condo?
Yes. Almost every Vancouver strata corporation requires a renovation application (often called a "form K") to be approved before work begins. Renew Co handles the full strata application process including the certificate of insurance, WorkSafeBC clearance, and scope of work documentation.
How long does a condo renovation take in Vancouver?
A cosmetic refresh takes 3–5 weeks. A mid-range full renovation takes 8–12 weeks. A high-end renovation with custom millwork takes 12–18 weeks. Penthouse renovations take 16–24 weeks. Strata approval typically adds 2–4 weeks of lead time before construction.
What cannot be renovated in a Vancouver condo?
In most stratas, exterior walls, structural elements, balconies, in-wall plumbing pipes shared with other units, and common-property mechanical systems cannot be altered. Interior drywall, paint, flooring, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and appliances can be renovated with strata approval.
How do you handle building water shut-offs?
Renew Co coordinates building-wide water shut-offs with the strata council and building manager, typically reserving a specific time window (often weekday mornings). Plumbing work is sequenced to complete within the allowed shut-off period so other residents are not affected. This planning is part of every condo project.
Can I renovate the kitchen in my Vancouver condo?
Yes. Kitchen renovations are among the most common condo renovations Renew Co handles. The kitchen interior, cabinetry, counters, appliances, and visible plumbing fixtures can be replaced with strata approval. In-wall plumbing risers and shared venting systems cannot be relocated.
Do you need a permit for a condo renovation in Vancouver?
The City of Vancouver requires a Building Permit for condo renovations involving plumbing relocation, electrical service changes, or structural alterations. Cosmetic-only renovations typically do not need a permit. Renew Co manages all required permits and inspections.
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