Strata-approved condo renovations in Vancouver
We prepare the strata paperwork, plan around the building’s rules and build the renovation, so approval is not the part that holds you up.
Strata renovations in Vancouver: quick answers
Short answers to the questions we hear most.
- What does a Vancouver strata need before a renovation?
- Most Vancouver stratas ask for a written renovation request, proof of insurance and a WorkSafeBC clearance, and set rules on flooring, work hours and elevator use. Some also ask for an indemnity agreement, a hazmat report or a renovation inspector. QUAY prepares the application for you.
- How long does strata approval take?
- It depends on the building. On our Yaletown kitchen expansion the strata approved the request in October 2024 and work started in November 2024.
- What do strata renovations cost?
- Real QUAY condo budgets: three North Vancouver units at $30,000, about $51,000 and about $72,000 before GST; a move-in renovation near Science World at about $58,000 + GST; a West End two-bedroom at about $178,000 + GST.
- Do you test for hazardous materials?
- Yes, where the building or the age of the suite calls for it. On one North Vancouver project the strata required a hazmat report and a renovation inspector, and abatement before demolition added about $2,700.
In a condo, the strata comes first
Every strata has its own bylaws and paperwork, and most require approval before any demolition. Getting the application right, and planning flooring, work hours and elevator bookings around the building’s rules, keeps the project on schedule.
QUAY Construction handles the strata process as part of every condo renovation, from the alteration request to the final clean of the hallways.
Back to condo renovations in VancouverThe strata side of a renovation
The paperwork and building rules are planned before the first wall comes down.
Alteration requests
The written renovation request with scope, drawings and schedule, prepared for the strata or property manager.
Insurance and WorkSafeBC
Proof of insurance and WorkSafeBC clearance letters supplied with the application.
Hazmat testing
Testing before demolition, with results shared with the strata and abatement planned if needed.
Indemnity agreements
Indemnity agreements and neighbour notices where the building asks for them.
Acoustic flooring specs
Underlay specifications that meet the building’s sound rules. See condo soundproofing.
Building logistics
Elevator bookings, hallway and suite protection, work hours and debris removal.
A Yaletown kitchen, planned around the strata
For this Yaletown condo, QUAY prepared the strata renovation request and the strata approved it in October 2024. The building required laminate flooring with an acoustic underlay rated IIC 73 and STC 72, and limited elevator bookings to four-hour windows.
The kitchen came in at about $43,000 + GST, with the bulkhead removed and a double-sided peninsula. See the project.
A typical Vancouver strata checklist.
Requirements vary by building, but these come up on most of our condo projects.
- Written renovation request describing the scope and schedule
- Proof of insurance and a WorkSafeBC clearance
- Flooring and underlay specifications, often with minimum sound ratings
- Work hours and elevator bookings set by the building
- Hazmat report before demolition in some buildings
- Indemnity agreement and neighbour notices in some buildings
- Renovation inspector visits where the strata requires them
More in our guide to Vancouver condo renovation guidelines.
Strata-approved projects with real budgets.
Completed QUAY condo renovations, with the strata side of each.
View Renovation ProjectsThree North Vancouver condos
One owner, three units in the same highrise: $30,000, about $51,000 and about $72,000 before GST. Strata paperwork, hazmat report and renovation inspector handled.
Condo near Science World
Strata alteration application approved, then a move-in renovation of both bathrooms, counters, ceilings and paint: about $58,000 + GST, June to July 2022.
West End two-bedroom
Strata alteration request and indemnity agreement, then a full renovation for resale: about $178,000 + GST, about seven weeks on site in 2024.
West End sub-penthouse
Strata alteration application, hazmat testing and neighbour notices before demolition: about $188,000 + GST, completed May 2024.
Approved by the strata. Finished in the details.
Finishes chosen to meet building rules without giving up on the design.
One condo. One accountable team.
Planning, pricing, approvals and construction are coordinated through one renovation process rather than managed as isolated pieces.
One Point of Contact
Design, trades, materials and scheduling are coordinated by QUAY, so you are not managing separate contractors or chasing updates.
Fixed-Price Proposal
Scope and pricing are established before construction so you know what is included and what the renovation is expected to cost.
Plan Before Construction
Approvals, materials, trades and sequencing are settled before demolition starts.
365-Day Warranty
Our workmanship is backed by QUAY's 365-day We-Fix-It-Free warranty after project completion.
Local service. Across the region.
We renovate condos and townhomes throughout Vancouver and the surrounding municipalities.
All service areasClear before construction. Organized through completion.
Each stage is defined before the next begins so decisions, approvals and trades stay connected.
Discovery Call
We discuss the suite, your priorities and timeline, and ask for the strata bylaws and any renovation rules.
On-Site Consultation
We review the suite, the building’s requirements, testing needs and logistics like elevators and parking.
Strata Application
We prepare the renovation request, insurance, WorkSafeBC clearance and any specs or agreements the strata asks for.
Construction
Work follows the approved scope, the building’s hours and bookings, with hallway and suite protection throughout.
Plan the renovation. Understand the investment.
Condo renovation cost is driven by scope and building requirements.
Our real condo budgets range from $30,000 for a cosmetic refresh to about $188,000 + GST for a full sub-penthouse. Building requirements such as hazmat testing and abatement can add to the cost, which is why we confirm them before pricing and give you a fixed-price proposal before construction begins.
Strata renovation questions answered
Do I need strata approval to renovate my condo?+
For most renovations, yes. Check your strata bylaws; most Vancouver buildings want a written request before demolition.
Who prepares the strata application?+
QUAY does, as part of the project: the request, insurance, WorkSafeBC clearance and any specs or agreements the building asks for.
Can I remove a wall in my condo?+
Often, if it is a non-structural partition and the strata approves it. We check what is behind the wall first.
Why do stratas ask for acoustic underlay?+
Hard floors carry footstep noise to the suite below, so many buildings set minimum sound ratings. One Yaletown building required IIC 73 and STC 72.
Does strata approval add time?+
It adds a step before construction, which is why we prepare the application during design so it does not delay the start.
Does QUAY Construction provide a warranty?+
Yes. Completed work is backed by our 365-day workmanship warranty.
Planning a condo renovation?
Tell us about your home, your priorities and when you'd like to renovate. We'll help you determine the right next step.