Retail Renovation Costs in Metro Vancouver 2026: Real Prices for Shops, Restaurants, Salons and Clinics

A retail renovation in Metro Vancouver costs $25,000 to $750,000 or more in 2026, depending on scope, permit requirements, and the condition of the space when you take possession. Reno Stars has completed tenant improvement projects across Metro Vancouver — from a 600 sq ft bubble tea shop in Richmond to a 3,000 sq ft dental clinic in Burnaby. This guide breaks down what businesses actually paid, with real project references.

What Does a Retail Renovation Cost in Metro Vancouver?

The short answer: most retail fit-outs fall between $100 and $400 per square foot, before any structural work. A small 500 sq ft boutique could cost $50,000–$120,000. A mid-size 1,500 sq ft restaurant or clinic typically runs $150,000–$400,000. Large 3,000+ sq ft build-outs can reach $750,000+.

These figures include demolition, electrical, plumbing, finishes, and professional project management — but not rent, design fees paid to a separate design firm, or your inventory stock.

Retail Renovation Cost by Business Type

Business Type	Typical Size	Cost Range (2026)	Key Cost Drivers
Hair salon / nail bar	600–1,200 sq ft	$80,000–$180,000	Plumbing for basins, ventilation, mirrored stations
Food & beverage / restaurant	800–2,500 sq ft	$200,000–$550,000	Kitchen equipment, grease trap, health authority permits
Medical / dental clinic	1,000–3,000 sq ft	$250,000–$750,000	Medical-grade ventilation, plumbing, compliance inspections
Retail boutique / shop	400–1,500 sq ft	$50,000–$200,000	Display fixtures, flooring, lighting, signage permit
Bubble tea / coffee shop	400–800 sq ft	$80,000–$180,000	Commercial hood, plumbing, food-safe surfaces
Warehouse retail / big-box	2,000–5,000 sq ft	$200,000–$600,000	Structural, racking, loading dock, electrical upgrade

What Drives the Price Up?

• Permit complexity: A simple cosmetic refresh may only need a building permit. Adding a commercial kitchen or changing the use of a space requires a change of use permit, which adds 4–8 weeks and $5,000–$20,000 in fees.
• Structural work: Removing a load-bearing wall, adding a mezzanine, or reinforcing flooring for heavy display cases can add $30,000–$100,000+ to a project.
• Mechanical systems: Installing or upgrading HVAC, grease traps,负压通风, or medical-grade air extraction can cost $40,000–$150,000 on its own.
• Existing condition: If the space has never been a retail use (raw shell), budget an extra $30–$80 per sq ft for base building systems.
• After-hours work: If you need construction done outside business hours to avoid disrupting adjacent tenants, add 15–25% to labour costs.

Timeline by Project Type

Project Type	Typical Timeline
Cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures only)	2–6 weeks
Standard salon or boutique fit-out	6–12 weeks
Restaurant or cafe with new kitchen	12–20 weeks
Medical or dental clinic (with compliance)	16–28 weeks
Large retail build-out or change of use	20–36 weeks

A Real Project: TeaByDo Bubble Tea Shop, Richmond

Reno Stars completed a complete tenant improvement for a 700 sq ft bubble tea shop in Richmond. The scope included demolition of the previous tenant's build-out, new commercial kitchen plumbing, a Type-1 commercial hood, food-safe wall and floor finishes, and custom millwork for the tea brewing and drink preparation stations. The project completed on time and passed Fraser Health inspection without a re-inspection. Reno Stars managed all permit applications and coordinated directly with Fraser Health on the behalf of the owner.

Project details: TeaByDo Bubble Tea Shop Renovation — Richmond

A Real Project: Dental Clinic, Burnaby

A 2,200 sq ft dental clinic renovation in Burnaby included the installation of six dental operatories, a sterilization room with负压通风, new HVAC systems meeting CSD requirements, and full ADA-compliant washroom upgrades. The project required coordination with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC (CDSBC) inspectors at three stages during construction. Reno Stars handled the entire permit and inspection process on behalf of the clinic owner.

Project details: Dental Clinic Renovation — Burnaby

Planning a retail renovation? Get a free, no-obligation quote from Reno Stars. We offer transparent pricing, milestone-based payments, and project management from permit application through final inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retail Renovations

Do I need a permit for a retail renovation in BC?

Yes, in most cases. Any work that changes the use of a space, adds plumbing, modifies structural elements, or involves a commercial kitchen requires a building permit from your municipality. Change-of-use permits are required when a space transitions from one occupancy classification to another — for example, from office to retail, or from residential to commercial. The permit process adds 4–8 weeks to your project timeline. Reno Stars handles the permit application process for clients as part of our standard project management scope.

How long does a retail tenant improvement take?

A straightforward cosmetic renovation of an occupied retail unit takes 2–6 weeks. A new restaurant with a commercial kitchen typically requires 12–20 weeks from permit submission to final inspection. A dental or medical clinic requiring health authority compliance can take 16–28 weeks. Large warehouse retail build-outs with structural work run 20–36 weeks. These are realistic timelines based on Reno Stars' 2024–2026 project history in Metro Vancouver.

What is a change of use permit and do I need one?

A change of use permit is required when you convert a space from one occupancy type to another — for example, converting a former warehouse into a restaurant, or an office into a medical clinic. It requires a registered architect or engineer to assess the building's fire safety, accessibility, and structural systems against the new use. If your space was previously a retail unit and you are opening another retail business in the same configuration, you may not need a change of use — only a standard building permit for the construction work itself. Your contractor should confirm the applicable requirements with the municipal building department before you sign a lease.

How much does it cost to renovate a restaurant in Metro Vancouver?

A restaurant renovation in Metro Vancouver in 2026 typically costs $200,000 to $550,000 for an 800–2,500 sq ft space with a full commercial kitchen. Key cost factors include the installation of a commercial exhaust and makeup air system ($40,000–$80,000), grease trap installation ($8,000–$25,000), health authority-approved food-safe wall and floor finishes ($15,000–$40,000), and any structural modifications to accommodate kitchen equipment. A fast-casual café with a simple coffee bar and limited kitchen can come in at $80,000–$180,000. A fine-dining restaurant with a full commercial kitchen, walk-in cooler, and bar build-out typically costs $400,000 to $750,000+. These figures include general contractor fees, permits, and project management — but not design fees, equipment purchase (if separate from the construction contract), or liquor licensing fees.

Can I do a retail renovation while staying open for business?

Partial renovations can be done in phases to allow continued operation, though this adds cost and complexity. A phased approach — completing one section while keeping the rest open — typically adds 20–30% to labour costs due to restricted work hours and the need to maintain clean separation between construction and occupied areas. For some businesses, especially restaurants and personal services, partial operation during construction is not practical due to noise, dust, and safety requirements. Reno Stars can help you plan a phased renovation that minimizes revenue disruption, or advise you on whether a full closure is the more cost-effective option.