Apartment Building Renovation in Vancouver 2026: Common Areas, Unit Upgrades & Costs

What Is Apartment Building Renovation?

Apartment building renovation covers two distinct scopes: common area upgrades (lobbies, hallways, amenity rooms, parking) managed by strata councils, and individual unit renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, flooring) managed by individual owners with strata approval.

In Metro Vancouver, aging apartment buildings from the 1970s-1990s are driving strong demand for both types of work — especially in New Westminster, North Vancouver, Delta, and Coquitlam.

Apartment Building Renovation Costs in Vancouver

Individual Unit Renovation

• Bathroom renovation (per unit): $12,000–$35,000 — see our average bathroom renovation cost guide
• Kitchen renovation (per unit): $20,000–$60,000 — see our kitchen renovation cost guide
• Full condo renovation: $25,000–$80,000 — our Budget Friendly Condo Renovation in Richmond came in at $26,000–$28,000
• Flooring replacement (800 sqft unit): $6,000–$12,000

Common Area Renovation (Strata-Managed)

• Lobby renovation: $15,000–$60,000
• Hallway refreshes (per floor): $5,000–$15,000
• Amenity room upgrade: $20,000–$80,000
• Parking lot/structure repairs: $50,000–$200,000+

City-Specific Considerations

New Westminster

New Westminster has one of the highest concentrations of aging apartment buildings in Metro Vancouver, particularly along the waterfront and in the Uptown area. Many buildings from the 1970s-1980s are now undergoing major envelope and interior renovations. The city's Heritage Conservation Area adds complexity to exterior work on designated buildings.

North Vancouver

North Vancouver apartment buildings, especially in the Lonsdale corridor and Lower Lonsdale, are popular for renovation due to their proximity to transit (SeaBus) and waterfront amenities. Many buildings have undergone rainscreen and envelope upgrades, creating opportunities for interior unit modernization. See our North Vancouver area page for local project examples.

Delta & Coquitlam

Delta and Coquitlam feature newer apartment construction (1990s-2010s) that often needs cosmetic updates rather than structural work. Tsawwassen's waterfront condos and Coquitlam's Burquitlam/Lougheed developments are common renovation targets.

Strata Approval Process for Unit Renovations

Before renovating your apartment unit in Vancouver, you need strata council approval. Here's the typical process:

1. Submit renovation request to strata council with scope of work, contractor insurance, and timeline
2. Wait for approval — typically 2-4 weeks, some buildings require a council meeting vote
3. Provide insurance — your contractor needs $5M CGL insurance naming the strata as additional insured (we carry this standard)
4. Follow building rules — construction hours (typically 8 AM–5 PM weekdays), elevator booking for material delivery, floor protection in common areas
5. Deposit — many buildings require a $500–$2,000 refundable damage deposit

We handle strata paperwork regularly across Metro Vancouver — contact us and we'll manage the approval process for you.

Why Choose Reno Stars for Apartment Renovations

We've completed over 100 residential projects across Metro Vancouver, including numerous condo and apartment unit renovations. Our experience includes:

• $5M CGL insurance and active WCB coverage — required by most strata councils
• Strata-compliant operations — we know the rules for noise, debris removal, elevator use, and floor protection
• Bilingual team — English and Mandarin service for Metro Vancouver's diverse apartment communities
• Compact-space expertise — maximizing small condo layouts with space-saving kitchen designs and efficient bathroom layouts

See our commercial renovation portfolio for larger-scale projects, or browse our completed projects.

Related Guides

• Office Renovation Vancouver: Tenant Improvements
• Average Bathroom Renovation Cost Vancouver
• Kitchen Renovation Cost Vancouver
• Condo Kitchen Renovation: Space-Saving Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

What strata approval do I need to renovate my Vancouver apartment?

Most Metro Vancouver strata corporations require an Alteration Approval application for any renovation that touches common property or shared building systems — this includes flooring changes (noise transmission bylaws), plumbing (connecting to the building stack), and electrical panel work. Approval typically takes 4–8 weeks for a strata council vote. Your contractor must submit a scope of work, proof of insurance, and WorkSafeBC compliance confirmation. Start the strata application before booking your contractor.

How much does a full apartment unit renovation cost in Metro Vancouver?

A complete interior renovation of a 700–1,000 sqft Metro Vancouver condo or apartment (kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint) typically costs $60,000–$120,000. Kitchen alone: $18,000–$35,000. Each bathroom: $12,000–$25,000. Flooring throughout: $8,000–$15,000. Costs rise significantly in concrete high-rise buildings where all waste drainage must be rerouted above the slab — a specialized requirement that increases plumbing costs by 2–3x compared to wood-frame townhouses.

What are the most common renovation challenges in Vancouver apartment buildings?

The three most common challenges are: (1) Restricted working hours — most Metro Vancouver stratas limit trade work to 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, compressing the workday and extending timelines; (2) Elevator booking conflicts — materials must be scheduled with building management, and delays cascade when multiple units are renovating simultaneously; (3) Concrete slab plumbing — moving a fixture in a concrete building costs 3–5x more than in a wood-frame home because drains must be rerouted above the slab rather than through the floor.

Do I need a building permit for apartment renovation in Vancouver?

Yes — any plumbing, electrical, or structural work in a Vancouver apartment requires a City of Vancouver building permit, regardless of whether the unit is owner-occupied or rented. The permit application must include the unit address and a detailed scope. Your strata will typically require proof of permit application as part of its alteration approval process. Unpermitted work in a strata unit creates liability and can prevent future resale.

What is the process for renovating a Vancouver apartment building's common areas?

Common area renovations (lobbies, hallways, amenity rooms, parkade) are subject to commercial permit requirements. The strata corporation applies as the permit holder. Renovations affecting the building envelope (windows, roofing, exterior cladding) require a building envelope professional of record under BC's Building Code. Budget 10–15% of hard construction costs for design, engineering, and permit fees on any common area renovation exceeding $50,000.