In Vancouver, Burnaby or Coquitlam, talking about money can sometimes feel as taboo as asking someone how much they paid for their house. But at Skön, we believe transparency is the foundation of a good renovation.
Whether you are looking to update a condo in Metrotown or overhaul a detached home in Dunbar, the first question is always the same: How much is this going to cost?
While every home is unique, having a realistic baseline prevents "sticker shock" and helps you plan a project that finishes as beautifully as it starts. Here is a breakdown of home renovation costs in Vancouver and Burnaby for 2025/2026.
1. The "Per Square Foot" Rule of Thumb
Contractors often toss around cost-per-square-foot numbers, but these can be misleading without context. In the current Lower Mainland market, here is what those numbers actually represent for a full-home renovation:
- Cosmetic Refresh ($150 - $200 / sq. ft.): Think painting, new flooring, and swapping out light fixtures and faucets. No walls are moving, and the layout stays exactly the same.
- Mid-Range Renovation ($250 - $350 / sq. ft.): This is the sweet spot for many families. It includes a new kitchen, updated bathrooms, moving some non-load-bearing walls to improve flow, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows.
- High-End Custom ($400+ / sq. ft.): This involves structural changes (removing load-bearing walls), luxury finishes (custom millwork, natural stone), and smart home integration.
Note: In Burnaby, you might find labor rates slightly more competitive than in Vancouver’s West Side, but material costs remain consistent across the region.
2. Kitchens: The Big Ticket Item
The kitchen is the most expensive room to renovate, but it also offers the highest return on investment.
- Budget ($35,000 - $50,000): Keeping the existing layout, refacing cabinets or using IKEA bases with custom doors, and quartz-look laminate or entry-level stone.
- Mid-Range ($60,000 - $90,000): It typically includes custom millwork (essential for maximizing storage in condos), engineered quartz countertops and improved lighting plans.
- Luxury ($100,000+): Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, natural marble or porcelain slabs, intricate lighting, and smart-touch cabinetry.
3. Bathrooms: Small Space, High Density
Don't let the square footage fool you; bathrooms are "trade-heavy" spaces involving plumbers, electricians, tilers, and waterproofers.
- Powder Room Update: $10,000 - $18,000
- 3-Piece Bathroom (Tub/Shower combo): $25,000 - $40,000
- Master "Spa" Ensuite: $50,000+ (Includes double vanities, heated floors, and curb-less glass showers).
4. The "Invisible" Costs (Soft Costs)
This is where many homeowners get blindsided. A healthy budget includes a 15-20% contingency for "soft costs"—the things you have to pay for that aren't hammer-and-nails.
- City Permits: Vancouver’s permit fees are calculated based on the project value (typically 1-2%). Burnaby has a slightly different fee structure but is equally rigorous.
- Design & Engineering: If you are moving walls, you need a structural engineer. If you want a cohesive look, you need a designer.
- Hazmat Testing: If your home was built before 1990 (hello, Vancouver Specials!), WorkSafeBC requires testing for asbestos and lead before demolition. Remediation can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000+.
5. The Design-Build Difference
How do you stop costs from spiraling? The answer lies in the Design-Build model.
In the traditional method (hiring an architect, then finding a builder), the builder often looks at the plans and says, "We can't build this for your budget." You are then forced to pay for a redesign or cut corners.
At Skön, we design to your budget. Because we handle both the creative vision and the construction, we know exactly what materials cost in real-time. We won't draw a $100,000 kitchen if your budget is $70,000. Instead, we will find creative solutions to achieve the look and function you want within the numbers you have.
Planning Your Investment?
A renovation is a major financial commitment, but it’s also an investment in your daily happiness. The key to staying on budget is detailed planning before the first wall comes down.
Curious about what your specific project might cost? Request a Detailed Project Estimate
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