Expected Costs of a Vancouver Condo Renovation

Kitchen and Bathroom Budget Guide

So you've purchased an older Vancouver condo. The location is great, the price made sense, and the bones are solid. But the kitchen looks like it hasn't been touched since the 1990s, and the bathroom isn't far behind. Or did your home inspector find high moisture readings behind the tiles? It could promote mould growth and be a health hazard.

You're not alone. Thousands of homeowners across the Greater Vancouver Area are in exactly the same position, and the first question almost everyone asks is the same: how much is this condo renovation actually going to cost?

The honest answer is that it depends. But "it depends" isn't very useful when you're trying to plan a budget. This post breaks down what you can realistically expect to spend on kitchen renovations or a bathroom renovation in a Vancouver condo, what drives those renovation costs up or down, and how to set yourself up for a smooth renovation process from the start.

Why Renovations in Vancouver Cost More Than You Might Expect

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada to renovate in. Labour rates here run roughly 20 to 30 percent above the national average, driven by high local demand and a shortage of skilled tradespeople. Material costs have also climbed in recent years, and the city's competitive market means renovation work is rarely in short supply.

On top of that, condo renovation projects come with unique challenges that detached home renovations don't. Before work can begin, you typically need two layers of approval: one from your strata corporation and, in many cases, one from the City of Vancouver. Your strata will have its own bylaws covering everything from work hours and noise restrictions to the type of flooring underlay required. The City requires permits for any work involving plumbing, electrical systems, or structural changes that could affect the building.

In older buildings, there are often surprises hiding behind the walls: outdated wiring that doesn't meet current code, older plumbing that needs replacing, or moisture damage from years of inadequate ventilation. These are common in condos and apartments built before the 1990s, and they add to renovation costs in ways that aren't always visible until demolition begins.

What a Kitchen Renovation Costs in a Vancouver Condo

For a mid-range kitchen renovation in a Vancouver condo, most homeowners spend between $25,000 and $75,000. The average cost tends to be  $35,000 to $50,000 for a well-executed update that includes new cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, and fixtures.

Here's a rough breakdown of where the money goes in a typical condo renovation project:

Custom cabinetry is usually the biggest single line item. Semi-custom cabinetry runs roughly $300 to $600 per linear foot. Fully custom cabinetry can reach $600 to $1,200 or more per linear foot, depending on materials and finish. Beyond aesthetics, well-designed cabinetry also provides custom storage solutions that significantly improve how a functional kitchen works day to day, a key consideration when maximizing space in a smaller condominium.

Countertops vary by material. Quartz is the most popular choice in Vancouver right now for its durability and low maintenance. It's what Koci Renovations installs as standard: 3 cm sealed quartz countertops that are maintenance-free and don't stain. Premium materials like marble or quartzite are available at higher price points.

Electrical work is common in older condos, where a single circuit often powers the entire kitchen. Bringing the electrical up to current code, including dedicated breakers for individual appliances, is required for both safety and resale. It adds to renovation costs, but it's not optional. This type of upgrade can also improve energy efficiency by ensuring appliances run on properly sized circuits.

Labour typically accounts for 35 to 50 percent of the total project cost. Quality craftsmanship from a skilled team takes time, and it's what separates a renovation that holds up for 20 years from one that doesn't.

At Koci Renovations, our average kitchen remodel comes in around $35,000, and we complete projects within 15 working days once materials are on hand. We use locally made custom cabinetry and work from the Benjamin Moore colour chart so you can choose a finish that creates a visually appealing space that's exactly right for your home.

What a Bathroom Renovation Costs in a Vancouver Condo

A standard bathroom renovation in a Vancouver condo generally runs between $20,000 and $45,000, depending on the scope of renovation work and materials selected. More complex projects involving layout changes, premium materials, or enhanced functionality can go higher.

The main cost drivers are:

Tile and waterproofing. Tile selection and coverage area have a big impact on both labour and materials. Proper waterproofing is non-negotiable in a condo, since any water damage can affect the units below you. Modern flooring and tile options can also significantly enhance the space's aesthetics without a dramatic increase in the budget.

New fixtures and lighting. Upgrading to modern fixtures and improving lighting are two of the most cost-effective ways to enhance functionality and create a fresh, modern feel in an older bathroom. New fixtures don't always require plumbing changes, which helps keep costs manageable.

Plumbing. Keeping fixtures in their existing locations saves money. Moving a shower or toilet in a condo typically adds $5,000 to $12,000 to the budget because it requires opening the slab, pulling permits, and coordinating multiple trades. Smart planning at the design stage, working with expert designers to optimize smart layouts, can help you get the most out of your new space without costly structural changes.

Access and logistics. Condo renovations take more coordination than house renovations. Elevator bookings, restricted work hours, and strata requirements all add time and handling costs that aren't a factor in detached homes. An experienced contractor will minimize disruption to you and your neighbours throughout the process.

As with kitchens, older condos often reveal plumbing or electrical issues once walls open. Building a 10-15% contingency into your budget is a good idea for any renovation project.

The Strata and Permit Process: What to Expect

Before any renovation work begins on a Vancouver condo, most projects require written approval from your strata corporation. This is separate from and in addition to any City of Vancouver building permits.

Your strata will typically want to see a renovation application, a project timeline, material specifications (especially for flooring), contractor credentials, and proof of insurance. Allow at least a month from the date of application to your proposed start date. Some stratas also have restrictions on maximum project duration.

City of Vancouver permits are required when work involves plumbing alterations, electrical work, or structural changes. Skipping permits isn't worth the risk: unpermitted work can trigger fines and stop work orders, force you to undo completed renovations, and create complications when you eventually sell the property. Unpermitted work is one of the reasons why the insurance claims are declined. In the apartment building, the damage could be done to the neighbour’s units as well. For example, a leaking bathroom could easily damage a couple of floors below you.

Working with an experienced contractor who understands the strata approval process and handles permit applications on your behalf makes a significant difference. It keeps the renovation process moving and reduces the chance of delays. A good contractor will also complete a final walkthrough with you before considering the project done, so any outstanding items are caught and resolved before you move back in or start using the newly renovated space.

What Actually Drives Your Final Number

A few key areas have the most influence on where your condo renovation cost lands within these ranges:

The condition of the existing space. Older condos may have wiring, plumbing, or hazardous materials that need to be addressed before cosmetic work can begin. This is the most common source of budget surprises, and it's exactly why an on-site assessment matters.

Layout changes. Keeping plumbing and electrical in their current locations is one of the most effective ways to manage renovation costs. Moving things around is expensive and permit-intensive. Smart planning from the start, with input from expert designers, can help you improve functionality without a major layout overhaul.

Material selections. The difference between mid-range and premium materials adds up quickly across cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and appliances. A skilled team and a clear budget conversation up front will help you make the right call on each line item.

Space optimization. In a smaller condo, smart layouts and custom storage solutions do a lot of the heavy lifting. The goal is to create living spaces that feel open and functional, not just upgraded. This is where quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design really pay off.

Your location in the city. Downtown Vancouver and the West End typically have higher labour costs than areas like East Vancouver or North Vancouver, partly due to parking and building access challenges across the Greater Vancouver Area.

Ready to Get a Free Quote?

Online cost guides, including this one, can give you a useful starting range for your condo renovation. But the only way to know what your specific project will cost is to have someone walk through the space with you.

At Koci Renovations, we offer free on-site consultations and provide detailed, accurate quotes tailored to your space, goals, and budget. We don't believe in ballpark numbers that fall apart once renovation work begins. Every condo renovation project gets a clear scope and a realistic timeline before anything is committed to. Our goal is to make the whole experience as stress-free as possible, from the first conversation through to the final walkthrough.

If you've recently purchased an older Vancouver condo and are thinking about updating the kitchen or bathroom to create the modern, functional home you've been imagining, we'd be glad to talk through what's possible.

Book a free consultation

Koci Renovations offers condo renovation services for homeowners across North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby and Deep Cove. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom renovations for condos and homes throughout the Greater Vancouver Area.