Home Renovation in Downtown Vancouver
Transform your Downtown Vancouver home with a renovation team that understands high-rise living, strata compliance, and urban project logistics.
Renovating in Downtown Vancouver means working within the unique parameters of urban high-rise living. Whether you own a condo in Coal Harbour, a heritage apartment near Gastown, or a modern unit in Yaletown, your renovation requires careful coordination with strata councils, adherence to strict noise bylaws, and creative solutions for material delivery and construction access.
QUAY Construction specializes in Downtown Vancouver renovations where planning, communication, and respect for shared living spaces are non-negotiable. We manage the complexity so you can focus on the outcome.
Renovating in Downtown Vancouver: What Makes It Different
Downtown Vancouver presents renovation challenges that don’t exist in single-family neighbourhoods:
Strata Compliance
- Most buildings require strata approval before work begins
- Form B submissions, engineering letters, and deposit requirements vary by building
- Working hour restrictions typically limit construction to weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM
- Elevator booking systems and building access protocols must be coordinated in advance
Logistics and Access
- High-rise construction requires freight elevator reservations and loading bay coordination
- Material deliveries must be scheduled during approved times
- Parking for contractors is often limited or unavailable
- Dust containment and sound mitigation are mandatory in shared buildings
Property Types
- Concrete towers built from the 1960s through today dominate the landscape
- Older buildings may have asbestos, outdated plumbing, or electrical systems requiring specialized handling
- Glass-walled modern condos require careful planning around floor-to-ceiling windows and radiant heating systems
- Heritage conversions near Gastown and Chinatown come with additional permitting considerations
City of Vancouver Permits
- Even interior-only renovations may require permits for plumbing, electrical, or structural changes
- Heritage areas have stricter design guidelines
- Permit timelines can range from 4 to 12 weeks depending on scope
We’ve navigated these requirements across Vancouver’s urban core and know how to keep your project moving without surprises.
Our Renovation Services in Downtown Vancouver
Full Home Renovations
Complete transformations that reimagine your entire living space. We handle everything from layout reconfiguration and mechanical upgrades to finishes and millwork, ensuring your home reflects how you actually live. Our full-home renovations are built around a clear process: discovery, design alignment, and execution with predictable timelines.
Kitchen Renovations
Downtown kitchens are often compact, requiring smart design to maximize function without sacrificing style. We remove walls where structurally possible, upgrade appliances to fit modern expectations, and create storage solutions that work for how you cook and entertain. Every kitchen renovation includes coordination with strata for plumbing and electrical permits.
Bathroom Renovations
From outdated ensuites to powder rooms that need a complete refresh, we handle waterproofing, fixture upgrades, and tile work with precision. Bathroom renovations in high-rise buildings require extra attention to drainage, ventilation, and moisture barriers—details we manage as standard practice.
Condo Renovations
Condo renovations are our specialty. We understand concrete structures, limited working hours, and the need to maintain positive relationships with building management and neighbours. Whether you're updating finishes or reconfiguring your entire floor plan, we bring the experience needed to execute smoothly within a strata environment.
Commercial Renovations
Professional commercial renovations for retail spaces, offices, and mixed-use properties in Vancouver. We coordinate storefront renovations, and workspace transformations while managing business continuity considerations, permitting, and accelerated timelines.
Ready to explore what's possible for your property?
Choosing the right contractor for a Downtown Vancouver renovation isn’t just about quality craftsmanship—it’s about finding a team that understands the realities of working in a dense urban environment with shared buildings, strict rules, and limited access.
Downtown Vancouver homeowners work with QUAY Construction because we treat their projects as partnerships, not transactions. We show up with a clear plan, communicate proactively with strata councils and building managers, and execute without disrupting neighbours or violating building policies. Our clients know what to expect, when to expect it, and what it will cost before we break ground.
Our Approach to Renovations in Downtown Vancouver
Planning
Every project begins with understanding your goals, your building's requirements, and your timeline. We review strata bylaws, assess existing conditions, and identify potential obstacles before presenting a detailed scope and budget.
Budget Alignment
We provide transparent pricing with line-item breakdowns, so you know where your investment is going. Allowances for finishes are clearly outlined, and we work within your budget to prioritize what matters most.
Project Management
Our project managers coordinate trades, schedule material deliveries, and ensure your building's elevator and loading bay systems are booked in advance. We monitor progress daily and adjust schedules proactively to avoid delays.
Communication
You'll receive regular updates on milestones, budget tracking, and any decisions that need your input. We don't disappear mid-project—we stay accessible and responsive from start to finish.
Your Downtown Vancouver Renovation Timeline
Weeks 1-2: Discovery and Documentation
Initial consultation, site assessment, strata document review, and preliminary design discussions. We identify structural limitations, review building-specific requirements, and confirm feasibility.
Weeks 3-6: Approvals and Design
Strata approval submissions, permit applications, and design finalization. This phase includes selecting finishes, confirming fixture specifications, and locking in the project scope and budget.
Weeks 7+: Construction Phase
Demolition, rough-in work for mechanical and electrical systems, installation of new finishes, and final inspections. Timeline varies based on project complexity, but most Downtown Vancouver condo renovations complete within 6 to 10 weeks of construction.
Understanding Renovation Costs in Downtown Vancouver
All pricing reflects the realities of working in Downtown Vancouver: limited site access, strict waste removal protocols, and coordination with strata and building management.
Full Home Renovations: $150,000–$350,000+
Costs reflect the scope of structural changes, quality of finishes, and building-specific challenges like asbestos abatement or outdated mechanical systems.
Bathroom Renovations: $25,000 - $60,000+
Includes waterproofing, tile work, fixtures, vanities, and any necessary plumbing or ventilation upgrades required by code.
Condo Renovations: $60,000–$150,000+
Covers updates to flooring, paint, lighting, and select rooms without major structural changes or layout reconfigurations.
Kitchen Renovations: $40,000–$100,000+
Price depends on cabinetry selection, appliance upgrades, countertop materials, and whether walls are being moved or plumbing relocated.
Relevant Renovation Experience
QUAY Construction has completed residential renovations across Vancouver’s urban neighbourhoods, including high-rise condos, heritage buildings, and modern concrete towers. We’ve worked in Coal Harbour, Yaletown, the West End, and throughout Vancouver’s downtown core, managing projects that require strata coordination, tight timelines, and respect for shared living environments.
Our experience includes full-home transformations, kitchen and bathroom updates, and cosmetic renovations in buildings with varying ages, construction types, and regulatory requirements. We understand the difference between renovating a 1970s concrete tower and a brand-new glass high-rise, and we adjust our approach accordingly.
We don’t claim to have completed a specific project in your building unless we have—but we bring the depth of experience needed to handle whatever your Downtown Vancouver renovation requires.
Why Choose QUAY Construction for Your Downtown Vancouver Renovation
We Understand Strata Environments
Most contractors treat strata compliance as an afterthought. We treat it as a critical part of project planning, ensuring approvals are secured, insurance is in place, and building rules are followed without exception.
We Manage Urban Logistics
From freight elevator scheduling to waste bin coordination and material deliveries during narrow time windows, we handle the details that make or break a smooth renovation in a high-rise building.
We Communicate Clearly and Consistently
You'll never wonder where your project stands. We provide regular updates, respond promptly to questions, and keep you informed of progress, challenges, and next steps throughout the entire renovation.
Serving Downtown Vancouver and Surrounding Vancouver Neighbourhoods
QUAY Construction serves homeowners throughout Vancouver, including:
Downtown | Yaletown | Gastown | West End | Kitsilano | Killarney | Oakridge | Sunset | Strathcona | Marpole | Kerrisdale | Victoria-Fraserview | West Point Grey | Renfrew-Collingwood | South Cambie | Shaughnessy | Dunbar-Southlands | Grandview-Woodland | Hastings-Sunrise | Kensington-Cedar Cottage | Mount Pleasant
Our familiarity with Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods means we bring relevant experience to every project, regardless of property type or renovation scope.
Renovation Services by Downtown Vancouver Sub-Area
Coal Harbour’s modern glass towers and waterfront condos require contractors experienced with radiant heating systems, floor-to-ceiling windows, and buildings with rigorous strata oversight and limited construction windows.
Yaletown’s converted warehouses and contemporary condos present unique challenges, from exposed brick and concrete ceilings to strict noise ordinances in mixed-use buildings where residential and commercial spaces coexist.
The West End’s mix of heritage low-rises and aging concrete towers often requires asbestos testing, plumbing upgrades, and sensitivity to buildings with long-term residents who expect minimal disruption during renovation work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need strata approval to renovate my Downtown Vancouver condo?
In most cases, yes. Even cosmetic renovations may require strata approval if they involve changes to plumbing, electrical systems, or anything visible from common areas. We review your building’s bylaws during the discovery phase and handle all submission requirements on your behalf.
How long does it take to get permits for a Downtown Vancouver renovation?
Permit timelines with the City of Vancouver typically range from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the scope of work. Projects involving structural changes, mechanical upgrades, or heritage properties may take longer. We submit permits early in the process to avoid construction delays.
What are the working hour restrictions in Downtown Vancouver buildings?
Most strata councils limit construction to weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM, with no work permitted on weekends or statutory holidays. Some buildings have stricter rules. We confirm these restrictions before scheduling and build timelines around them.
Can you move walls or change the layout in a concrete high-rise?
In many cases, yes—but it depends on whether the walls are structural or simply drywall partitions. Concrete buildings often have columns and shear walls that cannot be removed, but interior layouts can frequently be reconfigured with proper engineering and permits. We assess feasibility during the discovery phase.
How do you handle material deliveries and construction access in a high-rise?
We coordinate freight elevator bookings, reserve loading bays, and schedule deliveries during approved times. All materials are staged to minimize trips and disruption. Our team works within your building’s access protocols and communicates directly with property management to ensure smooth operations.
What if my building requires an engineering letter or additional insurance?
We provide all necessary documentation, including engineering letters, liability insurance certificates, and any strata-required deposits or bonds. These are standard requirements in Downtown Vancouver, and we have established relationships with engineers and insurers to expedite the process.
How much does a typical condo renovation cost in Downtown Vancouver?
Costs vary widely based on scope, finishes, and building-specific challenges. A cosmetic update may start around $60,000, while a full kitchen and bathroom renovation with layout changes can exceed $150,000. We provide detailed estimates during the discovery phase so there are no surprises.
Do you work with interior designers or architects?
Yes. If your project requires design services beyond our in-house capabilities, we collaborate with trusted architects and designers who understand the constraints of Downtown Vancouver renovations.
Trusted by Vancouver Homeowners
This was my first home renovation experience, and I couldn’t be more glad I went with Matin and Quay Construction.
Aaron Marskell
I had a short timeline with limited hours the building would allow work to be performed, but they got it done.
Melissa Carr
The renovation was completed very quickly and to a gold standard in the level of detail in the finishings. I am very happy with the result.
Meigan Quan
Join the homeowners who chose a planning-first approach
Ready to Start Your Downtown Vancouver Renovation?
QUAY Construction brings the planning, experience, and execution your Downtown Vancouver home deserves. We handle the complexity of strata compliance, urban logistics, and permit coordination so your renovation moves forward on schedule and within budget.
Let’s discuss your vision, review your building’s requirements, and create a clear plan to transform your space.