Building in Vancouver

Vancouver has the most complex building environment in the Lower Mainland. Longer permit timelines higher step code requirements and heritage considerations make experience essential. We know how to navigate it.

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We’re a Certified Licensed Home Builder with BC Housing, trusted across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for quality craftsmanship and transparent service.

What to Know About Building in Vancouver

Vancouver operates under a different building code than surrounding municipalities with higher step code requirements for energy efficiency. Permit timelines are the longest in the Lower Mainland—expect 6-9 months for approvals. The city has two distinct building environments: West Side with older heritage homes and higher-end rebuilds and East Van which has become an up-and-coming area where people with money are buying and renovating.

Many homes are 100+ years old which means dealing with outdated plumbing wiring and potential heritage designations.

Local Considerations and Challenges

Access is a real challenge in Vancouver. Parking for trades materials delivery and site logistics require planning especially in denser neighbourhoods. Heritage homes come with city requirements that dictate what can and can't be changed.

Older homes often have knob-and-tube wiring galvanized pipes that have eroded and other systems that need full replacement—not just updating. The city reviews every detail thoroughly which is why permits take so long.

Cost of Building in Vancouver

Vancouver's higher step code adds to build costs but delivers a more energy-efficient home. Land values mean renovation often makes more sense than buying elsewhere. Heritage requirements can add complexity and cost.

Tight lot access and parking limitations can affect trade scheduling and material delivery logistics. Despite the challenges Vancouver remains where our most discerning clients build.

What our client say

Read More Reviews
I cannot say enough good things about the working with Vibe Design Build. They carefully listened to our vision and designed solutions customized for our lifestyle and our needs, all within our budget. Extremely professional from the consultation to the completion.
Carolyn Marine
Home Owner
I suggest Vibe Design Build, more specifically if you want custom work completed. They carried out our vision perfectly, often got in touch with us and managed to do the renovations within time frame as well while staying on budget. The team members are very educated and highly trusted. Their work is simply fabulous!
Brad Hays
Home Owner
With the help of Vibe Design Build, we managed to transform traditional-looking spaces into modern and functional parts loved by our entire family. From the kitchen and bathrooms onward, in all aspects of the media room and recreation rooms, they consistently exceeded expectations. Two thumbs up!
James Landry
Home Owner
I want to mention that Vibe Design Build did a great job with our kitchen remodel. They have been part and parcel of our budget offering us creative designs and finishes. Professionalism was highly vested in both the project managers and contractors and they were a fun-loving team. Very satisfied with the end product.
Jorge Cross
Home Owner
Working with Vibe Design Build on our home renovation in Vancouver was an absolute pleasure. The team's creativity from idea generation to finalization was commendable. Their use of modern 3D rendering technology allowed us, as clients, to visualize our future home with clarity. It was a fantastic experience overall!
Peter Adams
Home Owner
Vibe Design Build streamlined our entire home renovation project. Their team provided expert guidance in design choices and ensured sensible deadlines were met. The crew was knowledgeable, polite, and maintained a tidy workspace. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. Highly recommend!
Herbert Jolly
Home Owner
From initial design concepts to the final touches, Vibe Design Build exceeded all our expectations with their professionalism and top-notch craftsmanship throughout our renovation. It was a seamless, end-to-end quality experience. True to its name, Vibe transformed our house from drab to fab.
Trula Brink
Home Owner
In the previous week, the best choice was made by family members and me to hire Vibe Design Build for our home renovation. We held job interviews with several companies and Vibe has proven to be the latter of what we are looking for. Not only the drawings which they provided were so much elegant, but they were also customized to our requirements. The expert teams successfully accomplished the mission which was really tough to implement We all just witnessed our dream to be a reality. At every stage: from the first consultation to the stage performance, the process came to me as a unique manner. I Wholeheartedly endorse Vibe Design Build as the best choice for your renovations because of their carefree and top-notch service.
Fred Lugard
Home Owner
The designers were very professional because both their drawings were intricate and they inclined toward our desires. The specialist crews combined evoking our dreams and turning them into a charming atmosphere. Since the first contact into the post-walk through scene every step was something personal. You may find Vibe Design Build to be your perfect match whether you are an amateur or an experienced renovator aiming for a stress-free and flawless journey.
Joseph Hubbard
Home Owner
After interviewing many contractors for our bathroom remodel, I decided to proceed with Vibe Design Build because my choice was made in terms of their detail consciousness and excellent reviews. And the results are fantastic. The work is completed right on time, very professional and of course exceeding our expectations. Indeed, they should to the people demanding superb service.
Melissa McKee
Home Owner
We're absolutely thrilled with the incredible transformation that Vibe Design Build brought to our Vancouver home. From the initial planning stages to the flawless execution, they surpassed our lofty expectations every step of the way. Our house has transcended from a mere dwelling into a true embodiment of our dreams and aspirations. Hats off to the entire team for their outstanding work!
Elena Foster
Home Owner
It sounds like Vibe Design Build truly delivered exceptional service and exceeded your expectations during your home renovation project. Their ability to creatively solve problems while maintaining high standards and keeping costs in check is commendable. It's great to hear that you now have a beautiful and functional home to enjoy for years to come thanks to their expertise. If you ever need further assistance or recommendations in the future, feel free to ask!
Gezephi Buthelezi
Home Owner
It sounds like you made a well-informed decision in choosing Vibe Design Build for your home renovation project. Finding a contractor who aligns with your vision and has the necessary skills and expertise is crucial for the success of any renovation endeavor. It's great to hear that Vibe Design Build stood out during the interview process and ultimately proved to be the perfect fit for your family's needs. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
George Koontz
Home Owner
Our kitchen needed some renovations and Vibe Design Build did a beautiful job. They started with a revision to the layout which included a beautiful design, then suggested we put in modern appliances, custom cabinets, and a big island. Now the room is great for cooking and having people over. They paid great attention to detail and were very good at planning and execution.
Dana Colton
Home Owner
Since using Vibe Design Build, our basement has become a fantastic game room. Along with inviting seats, they installed a bar and a pool table. For gatherings of all kinds, it has become the place to be. I am astounded by their ingenuity and professionalism. I would recommend it without hesitation.
Pearl Scroggins
Home Owner

Who's Building in Vancouver

West Side clients are typically affluent homeowners doing high-end renovations or tearing down older homes to build new. East Van attracts a mix—young professionals families and investors buying character homes and modernizing them.

Both areas see heritage renovations second story additions and full custom builds. Clients here expect quality and are willing to invest in doing things right.

FAQs

How long do permits take in Vancouver?

Vancouver has the longest permit timelines in the Lower Mainland. Expect 6-9 months for approvals. We expedite pre-construction work so you're ready to build as soon as permits come through.

What's the step code in Vancouver?

Vancouver has higher step code requirements than surrounding municipalities. This means stricter energy efficiency standards which adds to build cost but results in a better-performing home.

Do you work with heritage homes?

Yes. Many Vancouver homes have heritage value or are in heritage areas. We understand the city's requirements and know how to renovate while respecting character elements where required.

What's the difference between East Van and West Side?

West Side is more established with higher land values and often involves heritage homes or knockdown rebuilds. East Van is up-and-coming with more renovation activity and a mix of home styles.

Do you handle Vancouver's permit process?

Completely. We manage all city submissions and approvals. Vancouver's process is complex but we know what they're looking for and how to move things forward.