Condo Renovation near Science World
A move-in renovation for a new owner: both bathrooms rebuilt, new quartz counters and backsplash in the kitchen, popcorn ceilings removed, new lighting and window coverings, and fresh paint through a 1,000 sq. ft. condo, finished in about six weeks.
- Two bathrooms
- Kitchen countertops
- Popcorn ceiling removal
- Paint and lighting
Project story
A new owner, a tight timeline and a smart budget
The owner had just bought this condo a few minutes from downtown, near Science World, and wanted it fully refreshed before moving in. The kitchen cabinets were in good shape, so we kept them and put the budget where it showed: new quartz countertops and backsplash, a workstation sink and a matte black faucet.
Both bathrooms were fully renovated. The ensuite tub came out for a built-in shower with a custom glass enclosure, and the main bathroom got a new tub, white subway tile, a grey shaker vanity and matte black trim. Around them, we removed the popcorn ceiling, added new light fixtures in the bar, dining and hallway areas, installed roller blinds and painted the whole suite.
Because finishes were selected in a two-week design phase before demolition, the construction itself ran in about six weeks.
What we did
- Kept the existing kitchen cabinets
- New quartz countertops (upgraded to 3 cm) and backsplash
- New workstation sink and matte black faucet
- Ensuite: tub replaced with a built-in tiled shower and custom glass enclosure
- Ensuite: new vanity, toilet, mirror, floor and wall tile
- Main bathroom: new tub and trim, subway tile surround, vanity, toilet and mirror
- Matte black shower and tub fixtures
- Popcorn ceiling removal throughout
- New light fixtures in the bar, dining and hallway areas
- Roller window coverings
- New baseboards in the bathrooms
- Paint throughout and final clean
Video walk-through
Watch the finished condo
Filmed the week the project wrapped in July 2022: the refreshed kitchen, the two new bathrooms and the smooth, freshly painted ceilings.
Watch “Condo Bathroom Renovation Vancouver: Main Bath & Ensuite” on YouTube →
Cost
What this condo renovation cost
About $58,000 + GST
The signed contract was about $53,900 before GST. During the design phase, the owner chose about $4,400 in upgrades, including a different kitchen sink, toilets, tile, a thicker 3 cm countertop and window coverings, for a total of about $58,200 before GST.
Keeping the existing kitchen cabinets is what kept this project in the five figures. The money went into the two bathrooms and into the finishes that change how the whole suite feels: smooth ceilings, new lighting and paint.
- Ensuite renovation: about $16,300
- Main bathroom renovation: about $12,200
- Kitchen countertops, backsplash, sink and faucet: about $9,400
- Popcorn removal, lighting, blinds and paint: about $16,000
- Owner-selected upgrades: about $4,400
- Interior design coordination: included
Photos
Explore the finished condo
How it ran
Strata approval first, then six weeks on site
We filed the strata alteration application and the owner signed the strata agreement before work began, and we posted the notice of project for neighbours. Selections were finalized in a two-week design phase, so materials were ordered before demolition.
Demolition took two days. Countertops were measured the first week and installed in week three, while both bathrooms moved through plumbing rough-in, waterproofing, tile and drywall.
Timeline
- May 2022: proposal signed, design and selections
- Strata alteration application approved
- June 2: demolition (two days)
- June: bathroom rough-ins, waterproofing and tile; countertops installed June 21
- Late June to early July: popcorn removal, lighting, paint and blinds
- July 12, 2022: complete
Keep exploring
Related QUAY pages
See more of our condo work, or read how condo budgets come together in Vancouver.
Condo renovations in Vancouver
How QUAY plans and builds full condo renovations, from strata approval to handover.
Condo renovation services →Popcorn ceiling removal
How we remove popcorn ceilings in occupied and empty condos, and what it costs.
Popcorn ceiling removal →What a condo renovation costs
Real ranges for Vancouver condo kitchens, bathrooms and full-suite projects.
Read the cost guide →FAQ
Condo refresh questions
Straight answers from this project's contract, schedule and invoices.
How much did this condo renovation near Science World cost?
About $58,200 before GST: a signed contract of about $53,900 plus about $4,400 in finish upgrades the owner chose. It covered two bathroom renovations, new kitchen countertops, backsplash, sink and faucet, popcorn ceiling removal, new lighting, roller blinds and paint throughout.
How long did it take?
About six weeks on site, from June 2 to July 12, 2022, after a two-week design and selection phase.
Can I keep my kitchen cabinets and just replace the countertops?
Often, yes. These cabinets were in good condition, so we kept them and installed new quartz countertops, backsplash, sink and faucet for about $9,400 before GST. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to update a condo kitchen.
Can you replace a condo bathtub with a walk-in shower?
Yes. In this ensuite we removed the tub and built a tiled shower with a custom glass enclosure. Strata approval is usually needed for bathroom work because it involves plumbing and waterproofing.
Is popcorn ceiling removal worth doing during a condo renovation?
It is easiest when the suite is already empty and protected for other work. Here it was done alongside the bathrooms and paint, so the whole condo was finished with smooth ceilings at once.
Just bought a condo and want it done before you move in?
We handle the design, strata paperwork, millwork and every trade, managed start to finish by one QUAY team.