Renovate a house

Steps to renovating your home

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  Step 1: Review the regulations and requirements

  Before you start construction, determine if you need a building permit and review the regulations and requirements for your renovation.

  A. Determine if you require permit or other approvals for your renovation 

  You DON'T need a building or trade permit for	You DO need a building and trade permit for
  Replacing fixtures, cabinets, and flooring Painting the interior of your home Carrying out non-structural maintenance or minor repairs to the exterior of your home	Moving interior walls and partitions Moving existing plumbing, electrical, or gas lines Installing new plumbing, electrical, or gas lines Making structural repairs or changes that are specifically allowed by your zoning Creating new spaces (rooms, basements, attics, etc.) that are specifically allowed by your zoning Creating most new "hard" landscaping features, such as fences or retaining walls

  Unsure if you need a permit and/or approvals for your renovation?

  Contact the Development and Building Services Centre at 604-873-7611 and describe your proposal.

  B. Research what is required in doing a home renovation

  • ​Review the energy requirements and available energy rebates for home renovations
  • If you are changing the exterior of your home and/or creating a new space:
    • Find out what zone your property is in
    • Know what is allowable for development in your zone: review the regulations for your zone

  Have you considered the benefits of retaining your character house?

  • Find out how you can retain your character house
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  Step 2: Engage a designer and contact City staff

  To ensure that your project proceeds as smoothly as possible, it is important that certain details are reviewed and approved prior to proceeding with a formal application for a building permit.

  A Create a plan and a budget

  Review the Canadian Homebuilders' Association's recommended steps External web site, opens in new tab to plan and budget your project.

  A. Engage a design professional

  Depending on the scale of your project, a renovation can be complicated. We recommend that you engage with a qualified design professional and/or contractor to navigate this process. View a sample of an acceptable drawing package PDF file (4 MB)

  B. Contact City staff

  Certain property attributes and regulations can add complexity to the standard approval process. City staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance on your proposal at any time.

  You may request feedback and guidance on your proposed renovation project:

  • By email: permitquestions@vancouver.ca
  • By phone: 604-873-7611
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  Step 3: Submit your permit application

  You will be given direction on how to submit your permit application based on the review and advice provided to you from City staff under step 2.  

   Certain factors related to your site, City bylaws, or your proposal details may require different steps than the steps listed below.

  A. Submit application

  Before you begin your application, refer to the application submission checklist PDF file (167 KB). It will provide you with the required information needed to submit an application.

  Submit application:

  • Fill out a permit form PDF file (126 KB)
  • Submit your application based on the direction provided to you by City staff

   To have your application accepted, provide all of the required documentation and plans and have the permit fees paid.

  B. Review application

  Following a detailed review of the submitted plans and documents by various staff teams, we will:

  • Provide you with a list of any items to be addressed before a permit can be issued
  • Book a meeting with you to discuss and confirm how to address these items
  • Issue your permit
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  Step 4: Begin construction, get trade permits, and book inspections

  Once your building permit has been approved and issued, you can begin work on your home renovation and get the required trade permits and book inspections.

   If you need to make any change to the work approved in the permit, please contact the Development and Building Services Centre. Changes must be reflected on the approved plans and are subject to additional fees.

  A. Apply for trade permits

  Most house renovations will require separate trades permits, which are typically submitted by the trades contractor hired by the general contractor:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Fire sprinkler
  • Gas

  B. Request inspections

  All work completed will need to be inspected at various stages of construction.

  Get more information and book an inspection

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  Step 5: Complete your home renovation

  Once a final inspection of the permitted work has been approved, we consider the project complete. 

  We do not require an occupancy permit for a single-family home, but you or your contractor may want to get an occupancy permit for other reasons.

  Learn more and apply for an occupancy permit

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