Burnaby Bathroom Renovation Guide 2026: Costs, Timeline & Real Projects
Planning a bathroom renovation in Burnaby? This guide covers real project costs ($20K–$32K from our completed projects), typical timelines, strata requirements, and what to expect at each renovation stage.
If you own a condo, townhouse, or detached home in Burnaby and are planning a [bathroom renovation](/en/services/bathroom/), this guide gives you honest, data-backed information based on our team's actual completed projects in the area.
What Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Burnaby?
Based on our completed Burnaby bathroom projects, here are real price ranges:
| Renovation Type | Budget Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Standard update (vanity, tile, fixtures) | $20,000–$25,000 | 2–3 weeks |
| Mid-range with custom features | $25,000–$28,000 | 3–4 weeks |
| Full master ensuite renovation | $28,000–$32,000 | 4–5 weeks |
| Luxury ensuite with soaker tub | $32,000–$45,000+ | 5–7 weeks |
These prices include labour, materials, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, vanity, and permit fees. They do not include structural changes or moving walls.
What's Included in a Typical Burnaby Bathroom Renovation
A full bathroom renovation in Burnaby typically includes:
Demolition and prep
- Remove existing tile, vanity, toilet, tub/shower surround
- Inspect subfloor and repair if needed
- Update waterproofing membrane (required by BC Building Code)
Plumbing work
- Relocate or replace supply and drain lines as required
- Install new shower valve, tub filler, or faucet
- Rough-in for any relocated fixtures
- Pressure test before closing walls
Tile and waterproofing
- Floor tile installation (heated floor optional)
- Shower or tub surround tile (floor-to-ceiling is the standard in Burnaby condos)
- Grout sealing
Fixtures and finishing
- Vanity installation with undermount or integrated sink
- Mirror or medicine cabinet
- Lighting — potlights, vanity bar, or feature lighting
- Towel bars, toilet paper holder, hooks
- Toilet installation (optional — most clients keep the existing toilet if it's in good condition)
Strata Requirements for Burnaby Condos and Townhouses
Most Burnaby bathroom renovations require strata approval before work begins. Here's what the strata typically requires:
- Application form — description of work, start/end dates, contractor information
- Insurance certificate — contractor liability insurance naming the strata corporation
- Noise hours compliance — in most Burnaby stratas, noisy work is permitted Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM only
- Elevator booking — material deliveries and debris removal must use the service elevator
- Flooring requirements — if removing carpet and installing hard flooring, some stratas require a specific STC (sound transmission class) rating for the underlayment
We manage all of this as part of our standard service for Burnaby condo projects.
Neighbourhood-Specific Notes
Metrotown and Brentwood high-rises: These buildings typically have strict noise and access schedules. We're experienced with the logistics of major towers in both areas and pre-coordinate with building management.
Burnaby townhomes (Burnaby Mountain, Sullivan Heights, Edmonds): More flexibility on scheduling, and often a larger bathroom footprint. These projects tend to have better value-per-dollar outcomes.
South Slope and Deer Lake single-family homes: Older homes (1960s–1980s) often have original tile and plumbing that needs full replacement. Budget an additional $2,000–$5,000 for unforeseen plumbing updates in homes of this era.
How the Renovation Process Works at Reno Stars
[Free quote](/en/contact/) visit (1–2 hours): We measure the space, discuss your vision, and identify any existing conditions (moisture issues, old plumbing, strata requirements). You receive a written, itemized quote within 3 business days.
Design phase (1–2 weeks): We help you select tile, fixtures, vanity, and finishes. We can supply all materials or work with what you've sourced.
Permit and strata approval (1–3 weeks depending on strata): We handle permit applications and strata paperwork.
Construction (2–5 weeks): Daily updates. We clean up every day before leaving. Our foreman is available for any questions.
Final walkthrough and touch-ups: We don't consider a project done until you're satisfied. Our 3-year workmanship warranty covers any defects after completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my condo during the renovation? Yes, most clients do. We minimize dust spread with zippered barriers and clean the work area daily. For the 1–2 days of heaviest demolition, some clients prefer to stay elsewhere.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Burnaby? If you're moving any plumbing or electrical, yes — a permit is required. If it's purely cosmetic (tile, paint, fixtures in the same location), a permit may not be required. We assess this during the quote visit and pull all necessary permits as part of our service.
How do I avoid going over budget? The two biggest sources of budget overruns are: (1) discovering water damage or rotten subfloor during demolition, and (2) changing your material selections after work has started. We address the first by inspecting thoroughly before pricing, and the second by finalizing all selections before construction begins.
Ready to start your Burnaby bathroom renovation? Call us at 778-960-7999 or request a free quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Burnaby in 2026?
Bathroom renovation costs in Burnaby run $12,000–$48,000 for a typical renovation, consistent with Metro Vancouver averages. Tier breakdown: (1) Budget refresh ($12,000–$18,000) — stock vanity, basic tile, updated fixtures, same layout; common for rental properties and pre-sale updates; (2) Mid-range renovation ($18,000–$32,000) — semi-custom vanity, large-format tile, glass shower or frameless enclosure, heated floor, new fixtures throughout; (3) High-end ($35,000–$55,000+) — custom millwork, freestanding soaker tub, walk-in shower, premium tile, in-floor heat, statement lighting. Labour and permit costs in Burnaby are equivalent to other Metro Vancouver municipalities. Reno Stars has completed 25+ bathroom renovations in Burnaby since 2020.
How long does a bathroom renovation take in Burnaby?
Timeline for a Burnaby bathroom renovation: permit processing (if required) 4–8 weeks concurrent with design; demolition 1–2 days; rough-in plumbing and electrical 2–4 days; waterproofing and cement board 1 day; tile 3–5 days; vanity, toilet, fixtures 1–2 days; glass shower door 1 day; final grouting and caulking 1 day. Total construction time: 10–18 business days. Like-for-like fixture swaps with no layout change (no permit needed) complete in 8–12 business days. Full renovation with permit: 8–14 weeks total (including permit wait). Reno Stars provides a day-by-day schedule at the time of contract signing.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Burnaby?
A building permit from the City of Burnaby is required for bathroom renovations that involve: moving or adding drain lines, new electrical circuits, structural wall changes, or adding a new bathroom. Like-for-like fixture replacement (toilet, vanity, faucet, at the same locations) does NOT require a permit. A plumbing permit (ESA) is required any time a licensed plumber is doing drain or supply work beyond fixture replacement. Burnaby permit fees for a typical $20,000 bathroom renovation: $350–$600 (building) + $200–$350 (plumbing/electrical if applicable). Reno Stars determines permit requirements at the initial site visit and handles applications on the client's behalf.
What tile is best for a Burnaby bathroom renovation?
Most popular tile choices for Burnaby bathroom renovations in 2026: (1) Large-format porcelain (24×24 or 12×24) — most popular for floors and wet wall areas; minimal grout, easy clean; (2) Subway tile (4×12 or 3×6 in stacked bond) — timeless for shower walls; vertical stack adds height; (3) Terrazzo-look tile — on trend in Burnaby's contemporary new builds and renovations; (4) Hexagon mosaic (2" or 4") — for shower floors or accent strips; (5) Fluted/ribbed tile — on trend for feature walls and vanity backs. Burnaby's high-density condo market favours large-format, light-toned tile for its space-amplifying effect. Reno Stars sources tile from Burnaby-local suppliers to minimize lead times.
Is there a Burnaby strata approval process for bathroom renovations?
Yes — if your Burnaby property is a strata (condo or townhouse), you need strata council approval before starting any bathroom renovation, even cosmetic work. Requirements vary by strata bylaws but typically include: written application with scope of work, contractor credentials (Consumer Protection BC license number, WCB clearance letter, $2M+ CGL insurance certificate naming the strata as additional insured), and confirmation of work hours compliance (most Burnaby stratas restrict work to Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM). Allow 2–6 weeks for approval. Reno Stars provides the complete strata package for Burnaby condo clients — we've worked with 15+ different Burnaby strata corporations.
Also see: Burnaby bathroom renovation: townhouse transformation | Burnaby whole-house renovation case study
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Also see: Burnaby renovation cost guide 2026
Also see: North Vancouver bathroom renovations guide | Maple Ridge bathroom renovation case study | average bathroom renovation cost in Vancouver
Reno Stars
Professional renovation company serving Metro Vancouver with 20+ years of experience, $5M CGL insurance, WCB coverage, and up to 3-year warranty.