Kitsilano Home Renovation Contractor
Heritage & Character Home Specialists
QUAY Construction delivers expert home renovations in Kitsilano, Vancouver’s most architecturally diverse West Side neighbourhood. From heritage Craftsman bungalows built in the 1910s to modern strata condos, we specialize in renovations that respect Kitsilano’s character while modernizing your home for 21st-century living. Serving Kitsilano homeowners since 2019, we navigate heritage permits, strata bylaws, and narrow-lot construction challenges other contractors avoid.
Expert Home Renovations in Kitsilano
QUAY Construction brings planning-first renovation expertise to Kitsilano homeowners. Whether you’re updating a heritage character home, modernizing a West Side condo, or reconfiguring a Craftsman-era house, we manage every detail from permits to final walkthrough. Our process is built on transparent communication, realistic timelines, and quality execution.
Renovating in Kitsilano: What You Need to Know
Kitsilano’s diverse housing stock—from heritage character homes to modern strata condos—requires specialized renovation knowledge and careful planning.
Property Types:
- Heritage homes (1900s–1940s) often need heritage permits and careful handling of original plaster, knob-and-tube wiring, and structural limitations
- Post-war homes typically require electrical panel and plumbing system upgrades
- Strata properties require Form B approval, insurance certificates, and strict adherence to working hours (typically 8am–5pm weekdays)
Permits & Logistics:
- City of Vancouver permits required for structural, plumbing, and electrical work
- Narrow streets require coordinated material delivery and waste management
- Vancouver noise bylaws: weekdays 7am–8pm, Saturdays 9am–8pm, no Sundays/holidays
We handle all permitting, strata coordination, and site logistics to keep your renovation on schedule.
Our Renovation Services in Kitsilano
Kitsilano Home Renovations
Complete transformations that respect your home's original character while modernizing layout, systems, and finishes. We handle structural changes, electrical and plumbing upgrades, insulation improvements, and interior reconfiguration. Ideal for heritage homes needing foundation-to-roof renewal or families outgrowing dated layouts.
Kitsilano Kitchen Renovations
Functional kitchen updates designed for how you cook and gather. We reconfigure layouts for better flow, upgrade electrical for modern appliances, and coordinate millwork, countertops, and finishes. Projects include permit management, structural assessment for wall removal, and coordination with trades.
Kitsilano Bathroom Renovations
Full bathroom overhauls from layout changes to fixture upgrades. We handle waterproofing, plumbing relocations, tile work, and ventilation improvements. Projects include ensuite additions, aging-in-place modifications, and multi-bathroom renovations coordinated to minimize disruption.
Kitsilano Condo Renovations
Strata-compliant condo transformations managed from Form B submission to final inspection. We navigate building rules, coordinate elevator bookings, manage noise restrictions, and work within tight timelines. Our process includes clear communication with property management and neighbours.
Kitsilano Basement Renovations
Transform unfinished or outdated basements into functional living space. We manage moisture mitigation, ceiling height considerations, egress window requirements, and mechanical system integration. Projects include creating secondary suites, entertainment areas, home offices, and additional bedrooms while ensuring code compliance.
Kitsilano Commercial Renovations
Professional space transformations for retail, office, and mixed-use properties in Kitsilano's commercial corridors. We manage commercial permits, accessibility requirements, fire code compliance, and business continuity planning. Experience includes restaurants, professional offices, and retail spaces requiring minimal operational disruption.
Ready to explore what's possible for your Kitsilano property?
Our Approach to Renovations in Kitsilano
Planning & Discovery
Every project begins with a detailed consultation. We assess your property's condition, discuss your goals, review site constraints, and identify potential challenges. This planning phase establishes realistic budgets and timelines before work begins.
Budget Alignment
We provide transparent cost breakdowns and build contingency planning into every estimate. No surprises. You'll understand where your investment goes and receive regular budget updates throughout construction.
Permits & Strata Coordination
We manage all City of Vancouver permit applications, engineering requirements, and inspections. For strata properties, we handle Form B submissions, insurance coordination, and ongoing communication with property management.
Project Management
A dedicated project manager oversees your renovation from start to finish. We coordinate trades, manage schedules, handle site logistics, and ensure quality control at every phase. You'll know who's on site, when, and why.
Communication
Regular updates keep you informed without overwhelming you. Weekly progress reports, photo documentation, and responsive communication mean you're never left wondering about your project's status.
Your Kitsilano Renovation Timeline
Week 1-2: Discovery & Planning
Initial consultation, site assessment, preliminary design concepts, and budget framework development.
Week 3-6: Design Development & Permitting
Finalized plans, material selections, permit applications submitted to City of Vancouver, and scheduling.
Week 7+: Construction Phase
Demolition, structural work, systems installation, finishing, and final inspections. Duration varies by project scope.
Kitsilano Renovation Cost Guide 2026
Renovation costs in Kitsilano are 15–25% higher than Vancouver averages due to heritage permit requirements, challenging site access, and the age of housing stock. Heritage homes often reveal hidden issues — foundation problems, outdated wiring, asbestos-containing materials — that increase budgets. Below are updated 2026 cost ranges based on actual Kitsilano projects.
What Affects Renovation Costs in Kitsilano?
• Heritage Status: Heritage Alteration Permits add $5,000–$15,000 in fees and consultant costs
• Building Age: Pre-1940 homes require electrical panel upgrades ($3,000–$8,000), plumbing replacement ($8,000–$15,000), and often foundation work ($15,000–$50,000+)
• Strata Requirements: Form B approvals, elevator bookings, noise restrictions, and working hour limitations add project management complexity
• Site Access: Narrow streets require crane lifts for material delivery ($2,000–$5,000), dumpster permits, and coordinated deliveries
• Hidden Conditions: Asbestos abatement ($5,000–$20,000), knob-and-tube wiring removal ($8,000–$15,000), termite damage repair
Kitchen Renovation Costs — Kitsilano 2026
Standard Kitchen Update — $55,000–$90,000
Includes: Stock or semi-custom cabinets, laminate or quartz countertops, mid-range appliances, vinyl or laminate flooring, basic lighting, painting. Assumes no layout changes or structural work.
Full Kitchen Renovation — $90,000–$150,000
Includes: Custom cabinets, quartz or granite countertops, high-end appliance package, hardwood or tile flooring, recessed lighting, electrical panel upgrade if needed, some plumbing relocation. May include minor wall removal.
High-End Kitchen Transformation — $150,000–$250,000+
Includes: Premium custom cabinetry, marble or exotic stone countertops, professional-grade appliances, extensive plumbing and electrical upgrades, structural modifications for open-concept layout, custom millwork, heated flooring, architectural lighting design. Common in heritage homes requiring systems replacement.
Bathroom Renovation Costs — Kitsilano 2026
Standard Bathroom Update — $28,000–$48,000
Includes: New toilet, vanity, basic tile work, standard fixtures, waterproofing, ventilation upgrade. Assumes existing layout maintained.
Full Bathroom Renovation — $48,000–$80,000
Includes: Complete demolition, layout reconfiguration, custom tile work, frameless glass shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, heated flooring, upgraded ventilation, plumbing relocations.
Primary Ensuite Creation — $80,000–$135,000+
Includes: Adding new bathroom to existing bedroom, all plumbing installation, high-end fixtures, large format tile, steam shower or soaker tub, custom millwork, designer finishes. Common in heritage home renovations.
Full Home Renovation Costs — Kitsilano 2026
Cosmetic Renovation — $200,000–$350,000
Maintains existing layout, updates kitchens and bathrooms, refinishes floors, repaints throughout, upgrades lighting and fixtures, minor electrical and plumbing improvements.
Comprehensive Renovation — $350,000–$600,000
Includes structural changes, complete systems replacement (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), layout reconfiguration, new windows, insulation upgrades, multiple bathroom and kitchen renovations, flooring replacement throughout.
Heritage Restoration & Modernization — $600,000–$1,000,000+
Includes Heritage Permit requirements, foundation underpinning or replacement, complete systems replacement, heritage feature restoration (original trim, windows, exterior cladding), modern additions respecting heritage character, seismic upgrades, energy-efficiency improvements. Typical for Class B heritage homes or severely deteriorated character properties.
Condo Renovation Costs — Kitsilano 2026
Kitchen & Bathroom Update — $45,000–$85,000
Updates within existing footprint, strata-compliant work, coordinated with building requirements.
Full Condo Transformation — $85,000–$160,000+
Includes layout changes, kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring replacement, electrical upgrades, Form B approval management, and adherence to strata timelines and noise restrictions.
Basement Renovation Costs — Kitsilano 2026
Finishing an Unfinished Basement — $80,000–$130,000
Framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical, HVAC integration, basic bathroom, recreational space. Assumes adequate ceiling height and dry conditions.
Legal Secondary Suite Creation — $130,000–$220,000+
Includes separate entrance installation, full kitchen, bathroom, laundry, egress windows, soundproofing, electrical panel upgrade, and permits. May require exterior excavation.
Heritage Home Basement Development — $150,000–$300,000+
Often requires foundation underpinning to reach code-minimum ceiling height (6’6”), structural reinforcement, waterproofing, electrical panel replacement, and full mechanical systems. Heritage basements typically have 5’6”–6’2” ceilings, making this one of the most expensive upgrades.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Kitsilano Renovations
• Pre-Construction Planning: Prevents change orders that add 10–25% to project costs
• Permit Coordination: Submitting complete permit applications avoids re-submission fees and delays
• Material Selection Timing: Ordering long-lead items early prevents rush charges
• Scope Definition: A clear scope prevents expensive mid-project additions
• Contingency Planning: Budget 15–20% for heritage homes, 10–15% for post-war homes
Relevant Renovation Experience
QUAY Construction has completed residential renovations across Vancouver’s West Side, including projects involving heritage home restorations, multi-level condo renovations, and complex structural work in older buildings.
Our experience includes:
- Character home renovations requiring heritage permit navigation and structural reinforcement
- Strata-governed projects in wood-frame and concrete buildings with strict approval processes
- Foundation and structural upgrades in homes built before modern seismic codes
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations requiring extensive plumbing and electrical system updates
- Aging-in-place modifications and accessibility improvements
We bring this experience to every Kitsilano project, anticipating challenges specific to the neighbourhood’s housing stock and regulatory environment.
Heritage & Character Home Renovation in Kitsilano
Kitsilano contains one of Vancouver’s largest concentrations of heritage and character homes built between 1900-1940. These properties—including Craftsman bungalows, Edwardian homes, and Vancouver Specials—require specialized renovation approaches that balance historical preservation with modern functionality.
Our Heritage Renovation Process:
Heritage Assessment & Permit Planning
We begin with a comprehensive heritage assessment, identifying which original features must be preserved and which can be modified. For Class B heritage properties, we coordinate Heritage Alteration Permit applications with the City of Vancouver, working with heritage consultants when required. We document existing conditions through measured drawings and photographs to satisfy Vancouver Heritage Commission requirements.
Structural Evaluation for Historic Homes
Pre-1940 homes often have foundation issues, knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, and insufficient insulation. We conduct structural engineering assessments before renovation begins, identifying load-bearing walls, foundation reinforcement needs, and seismic upgrade requirements. This prevents costly surprises during construction.
Period-Appropriate Materials & Techniques
We source period-appropriate materials including original-style trim, historically accurate paint colors, and traditional cladding materials. Our restoration work includes repairing original plaster walls, refinishing heritage wood floors, restoring stained glass windows, and matching existing millwork profiles. We work with specialty suppliers who understand Vancouver’s architectural history.
Modern Systems Integration
Heritage homes need updated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation systems. We integrate these modernizations invisibly, running new services through existing cavities, upgrading electrical panels to 200-amp service, replacing galvanized plumbing with copper or PEX, and improving insulation without compromising wall thickness. All work meets current BC Building Code while preserving exterior character.
Heritage Restoration Projects We’ve Completed:
1910 Craftsman bungalow: Full interior reconfiguration with heritage permit approval, preserving original exterior cladding and wraparound porch
1920s character home: Foundation underpinning, knob-and-tube electrical replacement, heritage window restoration
1930s Edwardian conversion: Multi-suite to single-family conversion with Heritage Commission approval
Serving Kitsilano & 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline depends on scope and permit requirements. A full kitchen renovation typically takes 6–8 weeks after permits are issued. Full home renovations range from 3–6 months. Heritage permits or strata approvals can add 4–8 weeks to the pre-construction phase. We provide realistic timelines during initial consultation.
Most renovations require City of Vancouver permits—especially projects involving structural changes, plumbing, electrical, or gas work. Cosmetic updates like painting or flooring may not need permits. Heritage homes may require additional approvals. We assess permit requirements during planning and manage all applications.
We begin every condo project by reviewing strata bylaws and obtaining Form B approval. This includes submitting renovation plans, insurance certificates, and construction schedules to your strata council. We coordinate elevator bookings, adhere to noise restrictions, and communicate with property management throughout the project.
Yes. We have experience with heritage-designated properties and character homes requiring special approvals. We work with heritage consultants when needed, navigate Vancouver Heritage Commission requirements, and ensure renovations meet conservation standards while achieving your functional goals.
Your consultation includes a property walkthrough, discussion of renovation goals, preliminary budget discussion, identification of potential structural or code issues, review of permit and strata requirements, and a realistic timeline estimate. This consultation is the foundation of our planning process.
Central Lonsdale has a higher concentration of heritage-designated properties and mid-century homes requiring specialized renovation approaches. The neighbourhood’s established character, narrow lots, and proximity to Lonsdale Avenue commercial district create unique access and parking considerations. We factor these elements into every Central Lonsdale project plan.
Yes. We regularly work on Central Lonsdale’s character and heritage-designated homes. This includes managing Heritage Alteration Permit applications, coordinating with District of North Vancouver heritage planning staff, and sourcing period-appropriate materials when required. Our experience with older building systems ensures updates meet current code while preserving architectural character.
Trusted by Kitsilano 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 Kitsilano Renovation?
Quality renovations begin with thorough planning. Book a consultation to discuss your project, review your property’s specific requirements, and receive a clear path forward.
Our process starts with understanding your goals—not pushing a sale. We’ll assess your space, discuss realistic budgets and timelines, and answer every question about renovating in Kitsilano.