Commercial Renovation in Vancouver
Vancouver's premier renovation company for kitchens, bathrooms, commercial spaces, and full home remodels.
About Commercial Renovation in Vancouver
Commercial renovation in Metro Vancouver — offices, retail, restaurants, medical clinics, beauty salons, fitness studios. Permit handling, BC Building Code Part 3 (where applicable), barrier-free / CSA B651 compliance, off-hours scheduling, and continuity of business operations during construction.
We work with property owners and tenants. Tenant build-outs include landlord coordination (lease tenant-improvement allowance, LL approvals).
Every commercial project includes a written scope, fixed-price contract, BC permit package, $5M CGL insurance, WorkSafeBC, and a 2-year workmanship warranty.
Real Vancouver Commercial Costs (2026)
| Type | Investment per sq ft | Typical project total |
|---|---|---|
| Office refresh (paint, flooring, lighting, partitions) | $80–$160 | $50K–$200K |
| Retail build-out | $100–$300 | $100K–$500K |
| Restaurant build-out (full kitchen + dining) | $200–$500 | $300K–$1.2M |
| Medical clinic / dental office | $300–$700 | $400K–$1.5M |
| Beauty salon / spa | $150–$350 | $150K–$500K |
| Fitness studio / yoga / pilates | $80–$200 | $80K–$300K |
| Cannabis retail (high security spec) | $250–$500 | $300K–$800K |
What's Included
1. Pre-construction
- Existing-conditions survey + measurements
- Lease review (where tenant)
- Landlord approval coordination
- Building Code review (BC Code Part 3 vs 9 — affects sprinkler, accessibility)
- Health Authority sign-off (restaurants, clinics, salons)
- Liquor / Cannabis license coordination (where applicable)
- BC Building Permit package
- Schedule respecting business continuity (off-hours, weekend, phased)
2. Code & Compliance
| Item | Code reference |
|---|---|
| Barrier-free design | BC Code §3.8 + CSA B651 |
| Plumbing fixture count | BC Plumbing Code Table 2.6.4 |
| Exit + emergency lighting | NBC §3.4 |
| Sprinkler system (Part 3 buildings) | NFPA 13 |
| Health Authority (restaurants) | VCH FoodSafe + grease trap + commercial vent |
| Air handling | ASHRAE 62.1 (especially clinics) |
| Soundproofing | STC 45+ between tenants |
3. Restaurant-Specific
| Item | Cost range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Commercial vent hood (Type I) + curb / roof penetration | $35K–$90K |
| Make-up air unit | $15K–$35K |
| Grease trap (1,000 lb interior) | $8K–$18K installed |
| Walk-in cooler (8x10) | $25K–$45K |
| Health-board-compliant prep area + 3-compartment sink | $8K–$20K |
| Liquor license fitout | $5K–$15K |
| Patio + outdoor service | $20K–$80K |
4. Medical / Dental Clinic-Specific
| Item | Cost range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Lead-lined X-ray room | $25K–$60K |
| Dental chair plumbing + air | $5K–$10K per chair |
| HEPA / clinical-grade HVAC | $20K–$60K |
| Sterile prep / autoclave room | $15K–$30K |
| ADA / barrier-free washroom (CSA B651) | $25K–$45K |
| Reception millwork | $10K–$25K |
5. What Drives Price Up
- Strata building (high-rise office) — work-hour limits, freight elevator booking, building protection: +10–20%
- Heritage building facade restrictions: +10–25% on facade scope
- Permit complexity (Part 3 vs Part 9): +$15K–$50K in engineer / architect fees
- Asbestos abatement (pre-1990 commercial): +$10K–$80K
- HVAC zoning rework (clinic / restaurant): +$30K–$80K
- Sprinkler system upgrade (some change of use triggers it): +$25K–$80K
6. Business Continuity Options
| Approach | When to use |
|---|---|
| Phased build — work in sections, business stays open | Open-floor retail, large offices |
| Off-hours only (nights + weekends) | Anchor retail, can't close for relocation |
| Full closure with timeline guarantee | Fastest path; we hold to timeline with daily-rate penalty clause |
| Pop-up location during build | We've coordinated this for restaurants and salons |
7. Timeline
| Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Office refresh | 4–10 weeks |
| Retail build-out | 8–14 weeks |
| Restaurant build-out | 14–24 weeks |
| Medical clinic | 16–28 weeks |
8. Free Site Walkthrough
Commercial projects start with a 60–90 min site walkthrough — measurements, lease review, scope discussion, ballpark cost. We follow up with a written fixed-price quote within 14 days.
Read more: Restaurant renovation costs Vancouver
Commercial Renovation Services in Vancouver
Reno Stars has completed over 100 renovation projects across Vancouver — from character homes in Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant to modern condos in Yaletown, Coal Harbour, and the West End. Vancouver's housing stock includes everything from pre-1950 Craftsman bungalows with knob-and-tube wiring and plaster walls to sleek glass towers built in the last decade. Each property type demands a different renovation approach, and our crew has hands-on experience with all of them.
For older homes on the East Side, we regularly handle asbestos abatement, structural upgrades to meet current seismic code, and kitchen or bathroom modernizations that respect the original character of the home. Plaster walls, fir floors, and original millwork can all be preserved or thoughtfully updated. On the West Side, projects tend to be larger-scale whole-house renovations that include reconfigured floor plans, open-concept kitchens with waterfall islands, and spa-inspired bathrooms with heated floors and curbless showers.
Condo renovations in Downtown, Yaletown, and Metrotown make up a significant portion of our Vancouver work. We are experienced navigating strata bylaws — including noise-restricted construction hours, insurance certificate requirements, elevator booking, and strata alteration agreements. Our team can handle the entire strata approval process on your behalf so you can focus on picking finishes rather than paperwork.
Real project data from our Vancouver portfolio: kitchen renovations from $14,000 (basic refresh) to $72,000 (premium custom with appliance package); bathroom renovations from $14,000 to $22,000; whole-house renovations from $23,000 to $27,000 for targeted updates. Every project includes a 3-year workmanship warranty and a detailed written quote — no surprises, no hidden fees.
Vancouver's permit requirements are among the strictest in Metro Vancouver. Any structural work, plumbing or electrical relocation, or changes to egress require a City of Vancouver building permit. We handle permit applications, schedule inspections, and ensure your renovation is code-compliant from start to finish. For heritage-designated homes, we work within Heritage Conservation guidelines to maintain facade character while modernizing interiors.
Related cost guides: [Kitchen renovation costs](/en/guides/kitchen-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Bathroom renovation costs](/en/guides/bathroom-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Basement renovation costs](/en/guides/basement-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Whole-house renovation costs](/en/guides/whole-house-renovation-cost-vancouver/)
Featured projects: [Vancouver renovation cost guide 2026](/en/blog/renovation-cost-vancouver-2026-complete-guide/) | [10 before & after renovation projects](/en/blog/vancouver-renovation-before-after-10-projects/) | [Commercial Renovation Costs Vancouver 2026](/en/guides/commercial-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Cabinet Refinishing Costs Vancouver 2026](/en/guides/cabinet-refinishing-cost-vancouver/) | [Basement Suite Conversion Costs Vancouver 2026](/en/guides/basement-suite-cost-vancouver/) | [Vancouver apartment building renovation guide](/en/blog/apartment-building-renovation-vancouver-2026/)
See our [70+ verified five-star client reviews](/en/reviews/).
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See our [portfolio of Vancouver renovation projects](/en/projects/) or browse our [renovation design gallery](/en/design/).
## Vancouver Building Permit Costs (2026)
The City of Vancouver charges permit fees based on construction value. For a typical kitchen renovation ($30,000 construction value), expect a building permit fee of approximately $500–$900, plus a separate plumbing permit ($150–$250) if you are relocating drains or adding a gas line. Structural work — such as removing a load-bearing wall — requires an engineer-stamped drawing ($600–$1,200) in addition to permit fees. Heritage homes with a Category B or C rating require a Heritage Alteration Permit alongside the standard building permit; our team prepares and submits all application documents.
Permit processing in Vancouver currently takes 4–8 weeks for standard residential projects. We recommend initiating permit applications 6–8 weeks before your target construction start.
## Frequently Asked Questions — Vancouver Renovations
**How much does a building permit cost for a kitchen renovation in Vancouver?** For a kitchen renovation with $25,000–$40,000 in declared construction value, a City of Vancouver building permit typically costs $450–$850. If your renovation moves plumbing (e.g., relocating the sink or adding a dishwasher drain), add a separate plumbing permit ($150–$250). Electrical permits for panel upgrades or new circuits are handled directly by your licensed electrician. We provide permit-ready drawings and manage all City submissions on your behalf so you can focus on choosing finishes.
**Do I need strata approval for a renovation in a Vancouver condo?** Yes — virtually every renovation in a strata-titled Vancouver condo requires written strata approval before construction begins. You will need to submit a renovation request including contractor credentials, proof of $5M CGL insurance, a detailed scope of work, and a noise management plan. Many stratas also require a damage deposit ($500–$2,000) and restrict work to 8am–5pm weekdays. Approval typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on when the strata council meets. We prepare and submit all required strata documentation as part of your project.
**Can I renovate a heritage-designated home in Vancouver?** Yes — heritage-designated homes can be renovated, but they require a Heritage Alteration Permit in addition to standard building permits for exterior changes and certain interior modifications. Interior renovations (kitchens, bathrooms) typically have significant flexibility within heritage guidelines. We have successfully renovated character homes throughout Strathcona, Grandview-Woodland, and Shaughnessy — preserving original fir floors, plaster crown moulding, and period millwork while modernizing mechanical systems and adding contemporary finishes behind the scenes.
What We Do
Why Choose Our Vancouver Service
Recent Vancouver Commercial Renovation Project
Real budget, real timeline, real scope from our portfolio.
Vancouver Skin Lab Commercial Renovation
This comprehensive commercial renovation transformed a skin care clinic in Vancouver into a modern, fully accessible professional space. The project spanned 4–5 months with a $345,000–$360,000 investment, covering a complete interior redesign. Key features include optimized recessed lighting for treatment rooms, custom millwork cabinetry for product storage, a fully tiled accessible restroom meeting city accessibility standards, and a welcoming reception area designed to enhance the client experience from the moment they walk in.
- •Customized Cabinet
- •Electrical Work
- •Plumbing Work
- •Venting Work
- •Demolition
Vancouver Projects
Explore our portfolio of exceptional renovation projects across the Lower Mainland.
Vancouver Skin Lab Commercial Renovation
WFH Office Conversion with Black-Frame Glass Partition
Champagne Gold European Luxury Bathroom — West Side Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Renovation in Vancouver
Absolutely. We handle all permit applications for Vancouver renovation projects, including electrical, plumbing, and structural permits. Our team is experienced with City of Vancouver building codes, heritage regulations, and strata requirements. We manage the entire permitting process so you can focus on choosing your finishes while we ensure full compliance.
Kitchen renovations in Vancouver range from $14,000 for a basic refresh to $72,000 for a premium custom kitchen with high-end appliances. A mid-range renovation with quartz countertops, new cabinetry, and updated lighting typically costs $25,000–$40,000. We provide free written quotes with detailed line items so you know exactly what you are paying for.
We serve all Vancouver neighbourhoods including Downtown, Yaletown, Coal Harbour, West End, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Fairview, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, Point Grey, Marpole, Oakridge, South Cambie, East Vancouver, and more. We also handle condo renovations in high-rise buildings throughout the city with full strata coordination.
Timeline depends on the project scope: a bathroom renovation takes 2–4 weeks, a kitchen renovation 3–6 weeks, and a full basement suite 6–10 weeks. Condo renovations may take slightly longer due to strata-mandated construction hours (typically 8am–5pm weekdays). We provide a detailed project schedule before work begins.
Yes. Many Vancouver homes — especially in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Dunbar — have plaster walls and older framing. Our team has extensive experience with pre-war and mid-century homes, including proper demo of lath-and-plaster, structural assessment, and modern finishing while respecting original character.
Absolutely. We work within strata bylaws regularly across Vancouver — from Coal Harbour towers to Fairview walk-ups. We handle strata approval submissions, coordinate building access and elevator bookings, respect quiet hours, and manage noise and dust containment. We carry $5M liability insurance which most stratas require.
We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends to minimize disruption to your business operations. We can phase work to keep parts of your space operational.
Yes, our team is experienced with Vancouver commercial building codes, accessibility requirements, and fire safety regulations. We ensure full compliance with all commercial standards.
Yes, we specialize in tenant improvements (TI) for offices, retail spaces, and restaurants in Vancouver. We work with landlords and property managers on approval processes.
Commercial Renovation in Other Areas
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