Home renovation costs in North Vancouver can vary, ranging from cost-effective cosmetic upgrades to expensive full-house renovations.
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How Much Does It Cost To Do A Home Renovation In North Vancouver
Planning a home renovation project in North Vancouver can feel overwhelming at first, with so many decisions to make and budgets to consider.
However, with the right contractor and information, transforming your home can be an exciting journey that adds tremendous value to both your property and lifestyle.
Our article breaks down the four main types of home renovations popular in North Vancouver, providing realistic cost ranges for each to help you make more informed decisions when building (or reimagining) your dream home.
Understanding Different Types Of Home Renovations
Here is a quick overview of four different types of home renovation projects:
| Type | Key features may include: | Typical cost | Best for |
| Cosmetic renovation | • New flooring • Updated kitchen/bathroom • Paint refresh • New doors, plumbing, and lighting | $120–$180/sq. ft.; $50,000–$275,000 | Updating appearance while keeping the existing layout |
| Full-home renovation | • “Down to the studs” • New electrical and plumbing • Structural changes to enlarge a living space • New doors and windows | $200–$275/sq. ft.; $100,000+ | Modernizing the entire house with layout changes |
| Addition/expansion renovation | • Largest type of home renovation project • Major renovation work: addition of new space (500+ sq. ft.) | $80,000-$200,000+; price varies according to size/complexity | Growing families |
| Basement renovation | • Popular home renovation in Canada • Panel upgrades • Firewall separation • Structural alterations | $150–$250/sq. ft.; $100,000–$150,000+ | Generating rental income; living space for older children |
Now that we’ve briefly covered different types of home improvement projects, let’s explain each in more detail.
1. Cosmetic Renovation: Details & Costs
Think of a cosmetic renovation as giving your home a stylish makeover without changing much of the current layout. This type of renovation focuses on updating surfaces, finishes, and fixtures to create a fresh, modern look while keeping the existing framework and layout intact.
A typical cosmetic reno includes:
- New flooring on the main and upper floors
- Interior designer expertise to create cohesive living areas
- Kitchen revamps with new cabinetry, countertops, flooring, plumbing, and appliances
- Bathroom upgrades with new plumbing, tiles, and painting
- Fresh coat of paint throughout the entire property (both internal and external)
- Updated light fittings and fixtures
This home design upgrade is perfect if you love your home’s layout but want to modernize its appearance and improve functionality. You’ll be amazed at how drastically your space can transform with quality finishes and minor revamps!
Cost
You can expect to pay roughly $50,000 to $225,000+ for a complete cosmetic reno in an average-sized North Vancouver home (± 1,500 sq. ft). However, the final price tag depends on the project scope and the quality of materials you choose. Here’s a rough price breakdown:
- New flooring (1,500 sq. ft.): $10,500 to $18,000+
- Bathroom remodel: $20,000 to $30,000+
- High-end kitchen renovation: $100,000+
Timeframe
Cosmetic renovations are generally the quickest, taking around 2-8 weeks to complete.
2. Full Home Renovation: Details & Costs
A full house renovation, often described as “down to the studs”, is exactly what it sounds like – we strip the entire house back to its basic structural framework and rebuild everything inside. This comprehensive overhaul allows for full redesign and modernization of the property.
This type of home renovation typically involves:
- Removal of interior drywalls
- Full electrical system replacement and panel upgrades
- Plumbing upgrades/replacements
- Structural modifications to create additional living area/s
- Kitchen and/or bathroom renovations
- New insulation for energy efficiency
- Complete HVAC system installation
- New windows, doors, and flooring – both interior and exterior
This option is often chosen when a home’s layout no longer works for an individual’s or family’s lifestyle, when major building systems (electrical, plumbing, etc.) need replacement, or when older properties need a complete upgrade. This investment is substantial, but the result is essentially a brand-new home that’s perfectly tailored to your needs.
Cost
Full house renovation costs can vary depending on the property’s size, project complexity, and finishing touches chosen. As an estimate for an average-sized home in North Vancouver (±2,000 sq. ft.), homeowners can expect to pay:
- Basic renovation: $200,000 to $400,000
- Mid-range renovation with quality finishes: $400,000 to $600,000
- High-end renovation with premium finishes: $600,000+
Timeframe
Full house renovations typically involve major work and structural changes, taking anywhere from 4-8 months to complete. It’s recommended to include a 10-15% buffer in your budget for these types of renovations to account for weather, material lead times, and any unexpected circumstances that could delay the project.
3. Addition Renovation: Details & Costs
Sometimes the best solution isn’t changing what you have, but rather adding room to create the home of your dreams. Addition and extension renovations involve expanding your home’s layout or adding new levels to accommodate your growing needs.
Popular extensions include:
- Ground-level extensions from the front, side or rear of the property
- Second-storey additions for growing families (e.g. bedrooms, home offices, etc.)
- Garage conversions or new garage construction
Extensions significantly increase your property’s market value and square footage. In North Vancouver, where lot sizes are generally smaller than those in West Vancouver, additions offer an excellent way to gain space while staying in the neighbourhood you love!
Cost
These renovations are the largest renovation investment, with costs typically ranging from $100,000+. Again, the final price depends on several factors such as house size, project complexity, and materials used.
- Ground-level additions (500-800 sq. ft.): $80,000 to $100,000+
- Second-storey addition: $150,000 to $200,000+
- Garage conversions: $80,000+
Timeframe
Extensions generally take 3-6 months to complete, but the exact duration depends on the project’s size and complexity. Larger, multi-storey additions or those with complex designs may take longer than simpler ground-level additions. Factors such as permits, material availability, and weather conditions can also influence the timeline.
4. Basement Suite Renovation: Details & Costs
Adding a basement suite has become increasingly popular among North and West Vancouver homeowners. With housing costs continuing to rise, basement suites offer the perfect opportunity to generate rental income or provide independent living space for adult children or aging parents.
A legal basement suite development generally includes:
- Convert basements into energy-efficient spaces
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Firewall separation between units
- Kitchen and bathroom installation
- New windows, doors, flooring, and painting
- Installation of separate heating and utility systems when necessary
- Building permits that are required to ensure compliance and safety
To create a legal basement suite in North Vancouver, you must meet specific requirements and obtain inspection and approval permits. These specifications include proper egress windows, a dedicated entrance, fire-rated drywalling, adequate lighting, and ventilation.
Cost
On average, the price of a basement renovation project is roughly $35-$150/sq.ft, depending on the project scope. Here is a guideline:
- Light refresh (cosmetic): $20,000 to $35,000+
- Mid-range renovation: $60,000 to $90,000+
- Full custom basement reno: $100,000 to $160,000+
Timeframe
A basement renovation takes roughly 4-8 weeks to complete, depending on weather, material lead times, and project scope.
Factors To Consider For Home Renovations In North Vancouver
When deciding which type of renovation suits your needs, consider these key factors:
- Long-term plans: Are you planning to stay in your home for many years, or will you sell within the next few years?
- Current market conditions: Understanding the return on your investment (ROI) helps justify renovation expenses.
- Family needs: How is your space currently working (or not working) for your lifestyle, routines, and needs?
- System conditions: Are your electrical, plumbing, and heating systems nearing the end of their useful life?
- Temporary living arrangements and/or storage: Have you budgeted for accommodation rentals and storage should you need to move out of the property while construction is underway?
- Budget and finance: What renovation makes the most sense in your financial situation?
By considering these factors carefully, you are more informed to make confident decisions and get the most out of your home renovation and budget. For professional help, speak to the Goldcon Construction team today.
FAQs
What does renovating a house involve?
Depending on the scope of your home improvements, renovation work might involve stripping down the house, building new structures, and adding new elements such as windows, doors, flooring, electrical fixtures, and plumbing.
What type of home renovation offers the best return on investment?
Several types of home renovations offer the best return on investment (ROI) for homeowners:
- Kitchen upgrades recoup about 75-100% of their cost
- Bathroom renovations offer nearly 75-100% ROI
- New flooring offers around 50-75% ROI
Can home renovations be DIY projects?
While many homeowners may consider DIY home renovations, it’s strongly advised to use professional general contractors to ensure compliance and expert finishes, especially when it comes to major work.
Do I require building permits for home renovations?
Yes, home renovations generally require building permits or planning permission, especially when structural modifications, additions, or major alterations are involved.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: a complete rundown on the costs of four different types of home renovations that are most popular in North Vancouver & West Vancouver.
Whether you’re considering small projects, such as cosmetic upgrades, or a complete basement overhaul, there is a renovation approach that meets your needs and budget.
The key to a successful home renovation is careful planning, realistic budgeting and working with experienced professionals who understand your vision.
If you’re ready to explore how a home renovation can transform your living space while providing excellent long-term returns, contact Goldcon Construction, North Vancouver’s local building expert.
