Retail Renovations Vancouver
Tenant Improvements, Store Fit-Outs & Retail Build-Outs
QUAY Construction delivers retail renovations in Vancouver for store owners, franchises, and landlords who need clear scope, fast timelines, and code-compliant execution.
From boutique renovations and retail fit-outs to full store build-outs, we manage planning, permits, and construction so your business can open on schedule.
Licensed • Insured • WorkSafeBC Covered • Permits Managed
Retail Renovation Contractor in Vancouver You Can Rely On
Retail renovations fail when scope is unclear, permits are missed, or timelines slip. Our planning-first process prevents delays and costly rework.
With QUAY, you get:
Clearly defined scope before construction starts
Realistic schedules with milestone tracking
Permit planning and inspection coordination
One accountable project manager
Clean jobsite standards and predictable communication
We regularly work in occupied retail spaces, shopping centres, and time-sensitive environments across Vancouver.
Retail Renovation FAQs — Quick Answers
How much does a retail renovation cost in Vancouver?
Retail renovation costs typically range from $80–$180 per sq ft. High-end fit-outs or full build-outs can exceed $250+/sq ft, depending on HVAC, electrical, fire-life safety, and finish level.
How long does a retail renovation take?
Most retail renovations take 6–12 weeks once scope and permits are approved. Timelines depend on inspections, custom millwork lead times, and whether the store remains open during construction.
Do retail renovations require permits in Vancouver?
Yes. Permits are often required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire-life safety, accessibility, or occupancy changes. Retail renovations may also require approvals from the City of Vancouver building department depending on scope and occupancy changes. We identify permit triggers early and manage approvals.
What is a retail fit-out or tenant improvement?
A retail fit-out (tenant improvement) adapts a leased space to your brand and operations, including layout changes, finishes, mechanical upgrades, and code compliance.
Retail Renovation Services in Vancouver
Retail Tenant Improvements
Layout changes, partitions, lighting, finishes, and mechanical coordination to meet lease and landlord requirements.
Retail Store Renovations
Modernizing existing stores with minimal disruption, improved customer flow, and upgraded finishes.
Retail Build-Outs
Complete store build-outs including permits, inspections, and final turnover for new retail spaces.
Occupied Retail Renovations
Phased construction, off-hours scheduling, dust and noise control to keep your business running.
Our Planning-First Retail Renovation Process
01 Discovery & Site Review
We assess your space, brand goals, constraints, and opening timeline.
02 Scope & Budget Clarity
Inclusions, exclusions, priorities, and long-lead items are defined upfront.
03 Permits & Compliance
We manage drawings, permit applications, and inspection scheduling.
04 Construction & Trade Coordination
Sequenced trades, protected spaces, and controlled timelines.
05 Walkthrough & Closeout
Punch list completion and clean handover.
Retail Renovation Costs in Vancouver
Light refresh: $80–$120 / sq ft
Typical retail renovation: $120–$180 / sq ft
High-end fit-out / build-out: $180–$250+ / sq ft
Main cost drivers include HVAC upgrades, electrical capacity, fire-life safety requirements, millwork, and after-hours work.
Vancouver-Specific Retail Renovation Considerations
Retail renovations in Vancouver often involve:
Landlord and property management approvals
Fire-life safety and sprinkler modifications
Accessibility and code compliance
Tight delivery windows in dense areas
After-hours or phased construction
We plan around these constraints before construction begins.
Retail Renovations Across Vancouver Neighbourhoods
We complete retail renovations across Vancouver, including:
Also serving Metro Vancouver: Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coquitlam, Surrey, and more.
Other Commercial Renovation Services in Vancouver
Retail Renovation FAQs – Vancouver
How much does it cost to renovate a retail store in Vancouver?
Retail renovation costs in Vancouver typically range from $80–$180 per sq ft. High-end retail fit-outs or full build-outs can exceed $250+/sq ft, depending on HVAC, electrical upgrades, fire-life safety requirements, and finish level.
How long does a retail renovation take?
Most retail renovations take 6–12 weeks once scope, drawings, and permits are approved. Timelines vary based on inspections, custom millwork lead times, and whether construction happens while the store remains open.
Do retail renovations require permits in Vancouver?
Yes. Permits are often required when work involves electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinklers, accessibility upgrades, or occupancy changes. Retail spaces almost always trigger inspections. Permit planning should happen before construction begins.
What is a retail fit-out?
A retail fit-out (tenant improvement) is construction work that adapts a leased space to a retailer’s brand and operations. This includes layout changes, finishes, lighting, mechanical upgrades, and code compliance required by landlords and the City of Vancouver.
Can you renovate a retail store while it’s open?
In many cases, yes. Retail renovations can be phased, scheduled after hours, or isolated by zones to reduce disruption. Noise control, dust protection, and coordination with mall or property management are critical.
What are the biggest mistakes in retail renovations?
Common mistakes include unclear scope, underestimating permit timelines, ignoring fire-life safety requirements, and ordering millwork too late. These issues cause delays and budget overruns. Planning-first construction helps prevent them.
What’s included in a retail renovation quote?
A retail renovation quote typically includes project management, demolition (as scoped), trade coordination, construction work, and permit/inspection coordination. A clear quote outlines what’s included and excluded to avoid surprises.
Do you handle landlord and mall approvals?
Yes. We coordinate documentation, drawings, insurance, WorkSafeBC requirements, and approvals required by landlords, strata councils, or shopping centre management.
5-Star Client Reviews
I’m very happy with the results of the work done by Matin and his team at Quay Construction. I had a short timeline with limited hours the building would allow work to be performed, but they got it done. Matin was extremely responsive, cooperative, and committed to making sure that I was happy with the work.
Dr. Melissa Carr
Acupuncture Clinic
I recently had the pleasure of working with Quay Construction for the set up of my retail shop. From start to finish, their team was professional, efficient, and truly exceeded my expectations. What impressed me the most was their strong emphasis on project management and their unwavering commitment to adhering to timelines and deadlines.
Gregory Mah
Retail Store
We regularly complete retail renovations for Vancouver businesses and support projects coordinated through our Google Business Profile, including consultations, site visits, and ongoing project communication.
Ready to Renovate Your Retail Space in Vancouver?
If you want a retail renovation in Vancouver that’s properly scoped, permit-aware, and managed end-to-end, let’s talk.