Location
Building in Burnaby
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Building in Burnaby
Burnaby offers a middle ground—close to Vancouver with more reasonable permit timelines and surprisingly less competition. From post-war bungalows in Deer Lake to modern builds near Brentwood there’s variety here.
What to Know About Building in Burnaby
Burnaby is BC's third largest city sitting between Vancouver and the eastern suburbs. Two SkyTrain lines run through it connecting neighbourhoods like Metrotown Brentwood and Lougheed to downtown Vancouver and beyond. Permit timelines run 2-8 weeks depending on project complexity—significantly faster than Vancouver.
The city has been updating their R1 District regulations and now requires applications to meet zoning bylaw provisions in their entirety. Housing stock varies dramatically—you'll find well-maintained post-war homes alongside modern redevelopments often on the same street. The urban centres at Metrotown Brentwood and Lougheed are undergoing significant development adding density and amenities.
Local Considerations and Challenges
Burnaby's mix of housing ages means project complexity varies significantly by neighbourhood. Deer Lake and Upper Deer Lake have many custom-built homes on larger lots with proximity to parks and the arts district. Brentwood has transformed into a vibrant urban centre with excellent transit—great for clients who want accessibility.
Capitol Hill and Burnaby Heights offer character homes with views. Some hillside properties have specific requirements worth understanding early. The city takes unpermitted work seriously and will enforce bylaws—important to know if buying a property with potential unauthorized renovations. Engineering pre-applications typically take about 15 business days for review before you can submit for building permit.
Cost of Building in Burnaby
Burnaby offers a middle ground on costs—more accessible than Vancouver but still well-located. Faster permit timelines reduce pre-construction carrying costs. Development and amenity cost charges are collected when building permits are issued.
Areas like Deer Lake command premiums—custom homes there often sell for $2-5M+—while other neighbourhoods offer more accessible entry points. The city's R1 zoning changes have created new opportunities for small-scale multi-unit housing which may affect land values and development potential.
Who’s Building in Burnaby
Burnaby attracts a diverse mix. Young families and professionals want proximity to Vancouver without the price tag. Students and faculty gravitate toward areas near SFU and BCIT. Brentwood and Metrotown draw buyers who want urban amenities and transit access.
Deer Lake attracts those seeking custom homes near green space and cultural amenities. Throughout the city you'll find post-war homes being maintained by long-time residents alongside modern redevelopments—testimony to residents wanting to stay in their neighbourhoods for life. Clients here typically want contemporary updates modern layouts and efficient use of space.
FAQs
How long do permits take in Burnaby?
Burnaby permit timelines run 2-8 weeks depending on complexity. Engineering pre-applications take about 15 business days. Much faster than Vancouver’s 6-9 month process.
What neighbourhoods are best for custom builds in Burnaby?
Deer Lake and Upper Deer Lake offer larger lots near parks and cultural amenities. Capitol Hill and Vancouver Heights have character homes with views. Brentwood appeals to those wanting urban amenities. Each area has distinct character and typical home styles.
Is there less competition for builders in Burnaby?
Surprisingly yes. Many builders focus heavily on Vancouver or go further east to the Valley. Burnaby sits in a sweet spot that’s somewhat overlooked which can work in clients’ favour.
What types of homes are common in Burnaby?
Burnaby has significant variety—post-war bungalows from the 60s and 70s modern redevelopments townhomes and high-rise condos near transit hubs. Detached home renovations and rebuilds are common throughout established neighbourhoods.
How do Burnaby’s building codes compare to Vancouver?
Burnaby follows standard BC Building Code without Vancouver’s elevated step code requirements. The city has been updating R1 zoning regulations so requirements have evolved recently—we stay current on what’s needed for compliance.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
"After years of dreaming, Vibe Design Build created a hillside retreat that takes our breath away daily. The floor-to-ceiling windows, cantilevered balcony, and infinity pool make the most of our spectacular views. Their innovative design ideas turned a tricky site into our perfect paradise."
"Working with Vibe Design Build on our custom home was an outstanding journey from start to finish. They took the time to understand our goals and transformed them into a beautifully practical design. The open, airy interiors, clever use of natural light, and thoughtful layout brought our dream home to life in a way that exceeded expectations. We couldn't be happier with the results."
"After consulting with several firms, we chose Vibe Design Build to handle the restoration of our mid-century modern home in West Vancouver—and we couldn't be happier. Their dedication to honoring the original architecture while enhancing livability stood out from the start. They carefully revived our terrazzo flooring and flawlessly connected it with newly installed heated concrete extensions. The custom walnut cabinetry they built felt tailor-made for our space, blending effortlessly with our existing décor. The real game-changer was replacing the solid back wall with full-height glass panels, which opened up stunning views of the backyard and brought in an abundance of natural light. Many visitors assume our home was restored by heritage specialists, but it was Vibe Design Build that brought this vision to life from start to finish."
"When we purchased our West End condo, it was outdated and lacked character. Vibe Design Build turned it into a stunning modern space. They redesigned our 1,800-square-foot layout, opening it up to maximize natural light and create a functional dining area where none seemed possible. The custom kitchen island with a waterfall quartz countertop became the focal point of our home. Their clever storage solutions throughout the unit resolved all our clutter issues. Most importantly, they were incredibly patient in helping us choose finishes and fixtures, guiding us through every decision without ever rushing us, even when we changed our minds several times."
"As an interior designer, I had very specific requirements for the renovation of my Kitsilano home. Vibe Design Build stood out by understanding my vision of blending Japanese minimalism with West Coast contemporary style. The cedar ceiling details and custom room dividers, inspired by shoji screens, were crafted with incredible precision. When unexpected water damage was discovered, their team swiftly adjusted the plan to ensure the aesthetic remained flawless and the project stayed on track. The heated concrete floors in the master bathroom, accented with river stones, have been a favorite feature that draws admiration from all visitors."
"After consulting with multiple firms, we ultimately chose Vibe Design Build to renovate our mid-century modern home in West Vancouver — and it was absolutely the right decision. From day one, their commitment to honoring the original character of the home while integrating thoughtful modern upgrades was clear. They did a stunning job reviving our original terrazzo floors and seamlessly extending the space with heated concrete additions. Their custom walnut built-ins were expertly crafted to complement our existing furniture. One of the most impactful changes was replacing the solid rear wall with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows — it completely transformed the space, flooding it with natural light and connecting the interior with our backyard. Many visitors assume we hired a specialist in heritage renovations, but all the credit goes to Vibe Design Build. They managed every detail with care and precision."