Commercial Renovation Cost in Vancouver BC (2026)
What does a commercial renovation really cost in Greater Vancouver? From small office refreshes to full restaurant build-outs, here are the real numbers based on our project experience.
Commercial Renovation Cost by Project Scope
Typical pricing for commercial projects across Greater Vancouver
Small Retail / Office Refresh
Fresh paint, new flooring, updated lighting, basic fixture upgrades, and minor layout changes. Ideal for small retail shops, professional offices, and co-working spaces that need a modern update without structural work.
Full Commercial Fit-Out
Complete interior build-out including new walls, custom millwork, upgraded HVAC zones, commercial-grade flooring, modern lighting design, and full electrical upgrades. Suitable for mid-sized offices, retail stores, and clinics.
Restaurant / Medical / Premium Retail
Full-scale renovation with commercial kitchen installation, specialized ventilation, custom fixtures, premium finishes, extensive plumbing, and complex permit requirements. Includes restaurants, dental clinics, medical offices, and flagship retail spaces.
What Affects Your Commercial Renovation Cost?
Six key factors that determine your final price
Permits & Zoning
Commercial permits in Metro Vancouver cost $2,000–15,000 depending on scope and municipality. Change-of-use applications add $3,000–8,000. The City of Vancouver's development permit process can take 8–16 weeks, so factor in timeline costs.
HVAC & Mechanical Systems
Commercial HVAC is a major cost driver at $15,000–80,000+. Restaurant hood and make-up air systems alone cost $20,000–50,000. Office spaces need proper zoning for tenant comfort. Vancouver's energy code requires high-efficiency systems.
Fire Safety & Sprinklers
Fire sprinkler systems cost $3–8 per square foot to install or modify. Fire alarm upgrades run $5,000–20,000. Change-of-use triggers full fire code compliance review. Restaurants and assembly spaces have the most stringent requirements.
Accessibility Compliance
BC Building Code requires barrier-free access for commercial spaces. Accessible washrooms, ramps, door widths, and signage add $5,000–25,000. Heritage buildings in Vancouver often need creative solutions to meet accessibility standards.
Electrical & IT Infrastructure
Commercial electrical upgrades cost $10,000–50,000+ depending on service capacity. Restaurants need 200–400 amp services. Modern offices require structured cabling ($3,000–15,000), server room cooling, and dedicated circuits for equipment.
Project Timing & Business Disruption
Working around business hours increases costs 15–25%. Many Vancouver commercial tenants renovate during lease transitions. After-hours work adds premium labor costs. A phased renovation plan can keep portions of the business operational during construction.
Our Commercial Renovation Projects
Browse 3 completed commercial projects across Greater Vancouver
Burnaby
Money-Saving Tips for Commercial Renovations
Plan During Lease Negotiations
Negotiate a tenant improvement allowance (TIA) with your landlord. Many Vancouver commercial leases include $20–80 per square foot in TIA that can offset renovation costs significantly.
Phase Your Renovation
Divide the project into phases to spread costs and minimize business disruption. Prioritize customer-facing areas first, then tackle back-of-house improvements in a second phase.
Reuse Existing Infrastructure
Keep plumbing and electrical in existing locations where possible. Moving a commercial kitchen or washroom can add $20,000–50,000 in rough-in costs alone.
Choose Durable Commercial-Grade Materials
Invest in commercial-grade flooring, fixtures, and finishes. Higher upfront cost saves money long-term — commercial LVT lasts 15–20 years vs. 5–8 years for residential-grade products in high-traffic spaces.
Get Your Free Commercial Renovation Quote
Tell us about your commercial project and receive a detailed estimate within 48 hours — no obligation.