Condo Renovation Cost in Metro Vancouver 2026: Real Budgets From $15K to $80K+

Metro Vancouver condo renovations cost more than comparable house projects — not because of labour rates, but because of the regulatory, logistical and insurance environment that only applies inside a strata building. Before signing a contract, owners need to understand strata approval timelines, permit requirements by municipality, and the cost gap between cosmetic refreshes and a full pre-sale renovation.

From Reno Stars' 58 completed projects across the region, the most common condo renovation budgets fall into three bands. These are all-in figures including materials, labour and permit-related fees.

What does a condo renovation cost in Metro Vancouver?

Cosmetic refresh — painting, flooring, new fixtures — typically runs $15,000 to $25,000. A mid-range kitchen and bathroom update with new cabinets, countertop and tub-to-shower conversion lands between $25,000 and $55,000. A comprehensive renovation with layout changes, structural work or a full-unit gut ranges from $55,000 to $90,000 or more.

Planning a kitchen, bathroom, whole-home or commercial renovation? Get a free, no-obligation quote from Reno Stars.

What drives condo costs above house renovation prices?

Five factors routinely push condo costs above comparable house work. Strata approval requires a formal proxy form and a strata council vote before any permit application can be filed — approval timelines run two to six weeks. Building insurance requirements mean contractors must carry commercial general liability plus WCB for every job site; strata corporations increasingly require proof before approving a contractor. Material logistics in high-rise buildings add $500 to $1,500 per job because cabinets and appliances must go through freight elevators at scheduled hours. BC Building Code requires all penetrations through fire-rated demising walls to be sealed with approved firestopping products; one Coquitlam bathroom renovation incurred $3,200 in firestopping material alone. Structural work involving load-bearing walls requires a signed engineer letter, which typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 in Metro Vancouver.

Typical costs by room in Metro Vancouver condo renovations

Source: Reno Stars project close-outs 2024–2026. Actual costs vary by building age, condition and material selections.

How does strata approval work?

Most interior renovations in a strata building require a Form B and a strata council vote. Reno Stars handles the full strata approval process on every contract, including preparing Form B and proxy documentation for council review, directly liaising with the strata management company, providing insurance certificates naming the strata corporation as additional insured, and coordinating engineer letters when structural work is involved.

One Richmond condo bathroom renovation — converting a bathtub to a curbless shower and upgrading tile — closed for $28,400 including strata approval, permits, materials and labour. The owner received three contractor estimates before choosing Reno Stars; the other two came in at $34,000 and $41,000 respectively.

Condo renovation permit requirements by municipality

Vancouver requires a building permit for any structural change, electrical panel upgrade, or plumbing relocation. Burnaby and Richmond follow similar thresholds. New Westminster requires a separate plumbing permit in addition to the building permit for any work involving drain-waste-vent modifications. Coquitlam and Port Moody follow the BC Building Code with minor municipal amendments. Always confirm with the specific municipality before starting design work.

Planning a kitchen, bathroom, whole-home or commercial renovation? Get a free, no-obligation quote from Reno Stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a condo renovation cost in Metro Vancouver in 2026?

A cosmetic condo renovation in Metro Vancouver costs $15,000 to $25,000. A mid-range kitchen and bathroom update typically runs $25,000 to $55,000. A full-unit gut renovation ranges $55,000 to $90,000 or more, depending on the building's age, strata requirements and material selections.

Do I need strata approval for a condo renovation in BC?

Yes, in most cases. Strata council approval is required for any renovation that affects common property, structural elements, or the exterior of a unit. Even internal work like moving plumbing or removing a wall typically requires a formal vote. The process takes two to six weeks before a building permit can be applied for.

Can I do a renovation in a strata building without permits?

No. Structural work, electrical upgrades, and plumbing modifications all require permits in BC. Working without permits risks fines, strata violations, and complications when you sell. Insurance claims for work done without required permits are typically denied.

How long does a condo renovation take in Metro Vancouver?

A cosmetic refresh takes four to six weeks. A mid-range kitchen and bathroom update typically takes eight to twelve weeks. A full-unit gut renovation can take four to six months from initial design through completion and strata sign-off.

Does Reno Stars handle strata approval?

Yes. Every Reno Stars contract includes full strata approval management — Form B preparation, council liaison, insurance certificates and engineer coordination. This service is included in the project contract at no additional charge.