How Much Does a Whole House Renovation Cost in Burnaby, BC? Real 2026 Project Budgets

Reno Stars has completed full-home renovations across Burnaby in 2025 and 2026, from Metrotown condos to east Burnaby detached houses. Based on those real projects, a complete whole-house renovation in Burnaby costs $150,000–$650,000+ in 2026, depending on size and scope. Here is the full breakdown.

How Much Does a Whole House Renovation Cost in Burnaby? The Short Answer

A whole-house renovation in Burnaby, BC costs $150,000–$650,000+ in 2026. Smaller condo whole-home remodels start around $150,000–$250,000. Larger detached houses with structural changes and full mechanical updates typically run $350,000–$650,000 or more. Every price on this page comes from Burnaby-area projects Reno Stars completed in 2025–2026.

Burnaby Whole-House Renovation Cost by Size and Type

Home Type	Typical Size	2026 Cost Range	What's Included
1-bedroom condo	550–750 sq ft	$150,000–$250,000	Kitchen, bathroom, flooring, paint, trim
2-bedroom condo/townhouse	900–1,200 sq ft	$200,000–$380,000	Kitchen, 2 bathrooms, flooring, millwork, paint
3-bedroom townhouse	1,400–1,800 sq ft	$280,000–$450,000	Full kitchen, 2–3 bathrooms, flooring, doors, paint
3–4 bedroom detached house	2,000–2,800 sq ft	$380,000–$650,000+	Kitchen, 2–3 bathrooms, flooring, millwork, exterior updates

What Drives Cost Up in a Burnaby Whole-House Renovation?

Three factors push Burnaby whole-house costs above comparable projects in neighbouring cities:

• Strata approvals: Burnaby has a high concentration of townhouse and condo complexes managed by strata councils. Each structural or common-element change requires strata approval, adding 4–12 weeks and $2,000–$8,000 in administrative and consultant costs. Reno Stars manages the full strata submission process as part of the project.
• Age of housing stock: Many Burnaby homes — particularly in East Hastings, Burnaby Heights, and Metrotown — were built 1960–1985. These homes often need full electrical panel upgrades (100A to 200A, $4,000–$9,000), re-piping ($6,000–$15,000), and asbestos remediation ($3,000–$12,000 in pre-1990 homes) before cosmetic work can begin.
• Permit requirements: Burnaby's building department requires permits for any structural change, bathroom addition, or kitchen layout modification in detached houses. Permit costs in Burnaby run $3,500–$12,000 for a whole-house project, depending on scope.

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

Burnaby Room-by-Room Renovation Costs

Room / Scope	Low End	Mid Range	High End
Kitchen (full gut)	$35,000	$55,000–$75,000	$90,000+
Primary bathroom	$18,000	$28,000–$42,000	$55,000+
Second bathroom	$14,000	$22,000–$32,000	$42,000+
Living/dining room	$8,000	$15,000–$25,000	$35,000+
Master bedroom	$6,000	$12,000–$20,000	$28,000+
Full flooring (all levels)	$12,000	$22,000–$35,000	$50,000+
Electrical panel upgrade	$4,000	$6,000–$9,000	$12,000+
Full repiping	$6,000	$10,000–$15,000	$20,000+

How Long Does a Whole House Renovation Take in Burnaby?

A whole-house renovation in Burnaby takes 4–10 months from permit submission to final handover. Condo and townhouse projects run 4–7 months (strata approval adds 1–3 months). Detached house projects run 6–10 months (permits, structural work, and older-home remediation extend the timeline). Reno Stars provides a detailed project schedule at the quote stage so you know exactly what happens each week.

Burnaby Neighbourhoods and Cost Variations

Renovation cost varies by Burnaby neighbourhood due to housing type, age, and accessibility:

• Metrotown / Central Burnaby: Mostly high-rise condos and townhouses. Whole-unit remodels are common. Condo strata rules govern all work. Projects here typically run $150,000–$380,000 for a full unit.
• Burnaby Heights / North Burnaby: Mix of 1960s–1980s houses and small apartment blocks. Pre-1990 homes frequently need asbestos assessments. Detached house projects typically $350,000–$600,000.
• East Burnaby / Edmonds: More single-family homes, often on larger lots. More structural and exterior work. Typical detached-house projects run $380,000–$650,000+.
• Brentwood / Gilmore: Rapidly redeveloping area with newer construction and newer condos. Strata complexity is lower; project timelines are shorter. Whole-unit remodels typically $150,000–$320,000.

Browse Reno Stars' Metrotown renovation projects and Burnaby kitchen renovations to see real local work.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole House Renovations in Burnaby

Do I need a permit for a whole-house renovation in Burnaby?

Yes, for any structural change, bathroom addition, or kitchen reconfiguration in a detached house in Burnaby. Condo and townhouse work also requires strata approval before permits can be applied for. Reno Stars handles both the strata submission and the municipal permit application as part of the project management fee.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Burnaby specifically?

A full kitchen gut renovation in Burnaby costs $55,000–$75,000 on average in 2026, based on Reno Stars' completed projects. High-end finishes (custom cabinetry, professional-grade appliances, stone countertops) push costs to $90,000 or more. Basic kitchen refreshes (cabinet refacing, new countertops, updated lighting) run $25,000–$40,000.

What is the biggest cost surprise in Burnaby whole-house renovations?

Electrical panel upgrades are the most common surprise. Many Burnaby homes built before 1985 still have 100-amp panels. A 100A-to-200A upgrade is required before adding modern appliances, electric vehicle chargers, or expanded lighting — costing $4,000–$9,000 and often adding 2–3 weeks to the schedule. Reno Stars includes a pre-construction electrical assessment in every whole-house quote.

Does Burnaby's strata approval process add significant time?

Yes. For strata-titled properties (condos and townhouses), strata approval typically adds 4–12 weeks to a project timeline. The process requires detailed drawings, contractor insurance certificates, and sometimes a formal residents' meeting vote. Reno Stars has completed dozens of strata-approved renovations in Burnaby's condo and townhouse complexes and manages the entire process for homeowners.

Are renovation costs higher in Burnaby than other Metro Vancouver cities?

Burnaby's costs are comparable to Vancouver and North Vancouver, and slightly below West Vancouver for equivalent scope. They run 5–10% higher than Surrey or Delta for comparable project types, primarily due to permit and strata complexity. The cost premium is offset by Burnaby's strong resale market — a well-renovated Burnaby home commands a significant premium at sale.