LARGE RENOVATIONS

Renovate Your Vancouver Home

Most homes reach a point where updating one room at a time stops being enough. The layout was drawn for how families lived decades ago, so walls sit in places that no longer make sense and rooms go unused no matter how well they're finished.

A large renovation is the opportunity to address the whole house at once and shape it around the way you actually live today. By Design Construction has been renovating homes across Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Vancouver for more than 15 years, and Bobby Purba personally runs every project from the first walkthrough through final inspection.

You'll always know what's happening, what's coming next, and exactly who to call. Book a free consultation and we'll walk your home together to talk through what's possible.

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Modern kitchen with taupe cabinetry, white countertops, gas cooktop, and wood slat divider. Greater Vancouver.

Bright kitchen renovation featuring wood cabinets, stone countertops, and open storage, Greater Vancouver - Optimized.

Bathroom with freestanding tub, marble tiled walls, built-in shower niches, and large window + Greater Vancouver - o

Renovated living room with white brick fireplace, open dining area, and bright modern finishes + Greater Vancouver -

Renovated entryway with modern staircase, black railings, wood flooring, and paneled walls + Greater Vancouver - opt

How much does a large home renovation cost in Vancouver?

Large renovations in Greater Vancouver typically fall between $200,000 and $700,000+. Where you land inside that comes down to how much of the house changes:

Light whole home refresh, $200K to $350K ($175 to $225 per square foot). Cosmetic updates plus targeted system upgrades. Not a full rebuild.
Signature whole home renovation, $350K to $700K ($225 to $300 per square foot). This is our core target: opening up the floor plan, kitchen, bathrooms, windows, mechanical systems, and envelope upgrades.
Estate renovation or deep energy retrofit, $700K+ ($300 to $450+ per square foot). Full gut, insulation, windows, heat pump and AC, stucco and envelope, extensive reconfiguration.

Treat those as planning ranges rather than quotes. They're built from actual By Design project costs on completed and budgeted Greater Vancouver homes, and your final investment depends on your municipality, site conditions, engineering, servicing, finish selections, permit requirements, and scope.

The per-square-foot figures cover construction. They exclude GST, financing, and abnormal site conditions.

Do I need a building permit for a large renovation?

Yes. Structural changes, additions, envelope work, and alterations to plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems all require a building permit, and Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Vancouver each run their own process on their own timelines.

Permitting on a project this size commonly takes several months, which is why it belongs in your schedule from day one rather than showing up as a surprise. We prepare the application, coordinate the drawings and engineering, and manage the back-and-forth with the city.

Do I have to move out during the renovation?

For a remodel at this scale, usually yes. When the work touches most of the house, including the kitchen, the bathrooms, the heating system, and often the roof or exterior walls, an empty house is safer, faster, and less expensive to build in.

Some homeowners phase the project to stay in part of the house, and we'll price that option honestly, including the added time and cost it carries. Most decide the shorter schedule is worth the temporary move.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Nina D.

I would confidently recommend Bobby Purba and the By Design Construction Team to homeowners looking to explore renovation, custom home, duplex, or laneway house projects. Bobby is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to construction, development, zoning, permits, timelines, and project planning. He does a great job of helping homeowners understand what may be possible with their property while providing realistic expectations from the start. What stands out most is Bobby's ability to simplify what can often feel like a complicated process. He takes the time to educate homeowners, answer questions, and help them make informed decisions with confidence. Professional, responsive, and easy to talk to, Bobby is a great resource for anyone considering a future building or renovation project.

Nancy G.

I highly recommend Bobby Purba and the By Design Construction Team. Bobby does an excellent job helping homeowners understand their options when it comes to custom homes, renovations, duplexes, and laneway homes. He clearly explains what can realistically be built, what the costs may look like, how long approvals could take, and how to reduce risk before construction begins. His knowledge of zoning and permitting, combined with his organized approach to construction, makes the entire process much easier and more predictable for homeowners and Realtors alike.

Eric R.

Bobby Purba is a trusted resource for clients exploring Custom Home, Duplex, and Multiplex opportunities. He offers clear, practical guidance on zoning, timelines, budgeting, and project feasibility, helping clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. His structured and straightforward approach creates a seamless path from initial feasibility and planning through to construction..
I truly enjoyed working with him and will highly recommend him going forward!

Jewan B.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Bobby Purba and the By Design Construction Team and would confidently recommend them to homeowners and Realtors. Bobby is very knowledgeable when it comes to custom homes, renovations, duplexes, and laneway projects. He helps homeowners understand what’s possible on their property while outlining realistic costs, timelines, zoning considerations, and permit expectations from the beginning. What stands out most is Bobby’s ability to simplify the process and help clients make informed decisions with less risk. His structured approach helps move projects through permits and construction efficiently while maintaining strong communication throughout the process.

Brian V.

OUR EXPERTISE

Why Work With Us?

By Design Construction has spent more than 15 years building across Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Vancouver, with work spanning large renovations, custom homes, duplexes, laneway homes, and small multiplex projects. That breadth matters more than it might first appear, because it means we can look at your property and tell you honestly which of those paths it's genuinely suited for. Bobby Purba handles the zoning review, the feasibility numbers, and the permit applications himself, then runs the build from excavation through your final walkthrough. You'll work with one person who stays accountable for the project from the first conversation to the last.

CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING PROJECTS

Home Renovations in Vancouver, Burnaby, & North Vancouver

By Design Construction

Renovate Your Vancouver Home

Frequently Asked Questions About Large Renovations

How much does a large home renovation cost in Vancouver?

Do I need a building permit for a large renovation?

Do I have to move out during the renovation?

What Our Clients Are Saying

Why Work With Us?

Building Across Greater Vancouver

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