Describe the exact changes first. Then ask the City, strata and responsible trades or professionals which approvals and records apply.
01 / RENOVATION CHECK
Write a facts-only project description
Start with the address, building type, current room, intended demolition, wall changes, fixture replacements or moves, plumbing work, electrical work, ventilation, heating, accessibility goals and any known damage. Attach existing and proposed plans where useful. Mark uncertain conditions as unknown. A precise description lets City staff, strata and trades answer the actual proposal rather than a vague bathroom update question, and it creates a common basis for every estimate.
02 / RENOVATION CHECK
Use the current City renovation page
The City of Vancouver's renovation page provides a current starting point and a table of examples. It distinguishes some replacement work from changes such as moving plumbing, electrical lines or walls. Do not treat the examples as a permit decision for every bathroom. Review the live page, follow the applicable route and contact the Development and Building Services Centre when the proposal or property conditions are unclear. Save the date and source used for the decision.
03 / RENOVATION CHECK
Check plumbing permit questions
The City's plumbing permit page says a permit is needed to install, change or upgrade part of a plumbing system and lists limited repair or same-location replacement examples that do not need one. It also explains who may apply, subject to stated exceptions. Compare that current guidance with the actual fixture, drain, vent and supply work. Ask the responsible plumbing party to identify the permit applicant, inspections and final record rather than assuming the general contractor or owner handles them.
04 / RENOVATION CHECK
Check electrical permit questions
The City's electrical permit page says most electrical work requires a permit and lists specific exceptions. Bathroom projects may affect lighting, receptacles, switches, fans, heating or new loads. Record each change and ask the responsible electrical party to confirm the permit, applicant, inspections and any drawings or load information required. Do not infer an exception because an item looks small. Use the current City page and actual property conditions, especially in multi-unit buildings.
05 / RENOVATION CHECK
Route building and structural changes
Wall removal or addition, structural alteration, new openings, fire-resistance changes, accessibility work and changes to building systems may require building review. Identify them on the plan and ask the City or qualified reviewer what documentation applies. Do not label a wall non-load-bearing or a floor safe to cut without evidence. If the scope changes after demolition, stop the affected work and update approvals before covering or building on an unreviewed condition.
06 / RENOVATION CHECK
Review strata documents and written approval
For a strata property, obtain the current plan, bylaws, rules and alteration process. Identify common-property or shared-system questions, insurance requirements, contractor documents, deposits, work hours, access, protection, shutdowns and neighbour notices. BC legislation provides a legal framework and standard bylaws, but the actual building documents and proposed alteration control the practical review. Preserve the written approval and every condition, then incorporate those conditions into the scope and schedule.
07 / RENOVATION CHECK
Track applications, inspections and conditions
Create a register for each City or strata item with the responsible applicant, submission date, reference number, required documents, status, conditions, inspection stage and final record. Link each condition to the affected contract line and schedule activity. A permit applied for is not the same as a permit issued, and an issued permit may still require inspections or finalization. Do not start dependent work based only on an expected processing time or verbal assumption.
08 / RENOVATION CHECK
Update the file when the scope changes
Hidden conditions, product substitutions, owner decisions or revised layouts can change the approved work. Record the proposed change, why it arose, cost and schedule effect, responsible technical review and whether City or strata approval must be amended. Obtain the required written decision before proceeding. At closeout, keep the final plans, permits, inspections, strata correspondence and approved changes together so the property record reflects what was actually completed.
These official sources provide municipal, legal or workplace-safety context for the subjects they address. They do not approve this property, determine hidden conditions or replace current property-specific review.
City of Vancouver — Renovate a Home · City of Vancouver — Plumbing Permit · City of Vancouver — Electrical Permit · BC Laws — Strata Property Act
Sources reviewed September 22, 2026. Confirm the current page, property facts and proposed work before making a permit, strata or construction decision.