A kitchen and bathroom renovation in New Westminster, Burnaby or Coquitlam typically costs $25,000 to $45,000 for a midrange kitchen and $18,000 to $35,000 for a midrange bathroom in 2026. Successful projects start with a site assessment, a clear scope of work, permit and strata checks, and moisture resistant materials suited to Metro Vancouver's climate, followed by 4 to 8 weeks of construction.
Key facts at a glance
- Midrange kitchen: $25,000 to $45,000; midrange bathroom: $18,000 to $35,000
- Kitchen on site work: 4 to 8 weeks; bathroom: 3 to 6 weeks
- Permits usually required for wall removal, plumbing moves, new circuits and gas changes
- Condo and townhome owners need written strata approval
- Recommended contingency: 10 to 15 percent, more for homes built before 1970
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for homeowners, condo owners and landlords in New Westminster and the surrounding Metro Vancouver communities, including Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Delta, Richmond and Vancouver. Whether you own a heritage house in Queen's Park, a condo at Metrotown, a townhome on Burke Mountain or a family home in North Surrey, the same steps lead to a smooth renovation.
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget
Start by listing what is not working today. Common goals include more storage, better lighting, a larger shower, easier cleaning, improved accessibility or preparing a home for sale.
Next, set a realistic budget using 2026 ranges for the Lower Mainland:
- Kitchen refresh: $8,000 to $18,000
- Midrange kitchen renovation: $25,000 to $45,000
- Custom kitchen with layout changes: $45,000 to $80,000 or more
- Bathroom refresh: $8,000 to $15,000
- Midrange bathroom renovation: $18,000 to $35,000
- Custom ensuite: $35,000 to $60,000 or more
Add a 10 to 15 percent contingency, and more for homes built before 1970. Remember to include 5 percent GST and 7 percent PST where it applies to materials and appliances. For a detailed line item breakdown, read how much a kitchen renovation costs in New Westminster.
Step 2: Book a Site Assessment
An accurate renovation price is impossible without seeing the space. During a site assessment, an experienced installer measures the room, checks plumbing, electrical and ventilation, looks for water damage and notes access issues such as stairs, elevators or parking.
At Kits Kitchen, Bath and Floors, our experienced installation professionals visit your home or job site and complete a full site assessment. We then provide an accurate projected cost and a detailed scope of work, so you know what is included before work begins.
Step 3: Design and Select Materials
Design decisions set the look, function and cost of your project. Key selections include:
- Cabinets: Stock, semicustom or custom, in slab, shaker or two tone styles. See the cabinet, countertop and backsplash trends for 2026.
- Countertops: Quartz, quartzite, porcelain slab or laminate
- Backsplash and wall tile: Ceramic, porcelain, zellige style or slab
- Flooring: Luxury vinyl plank, SPC, porcelain tile, laminate or engineered hardwood from our flooring collection
- Plumbing fixtures: Sinks, faucets, toilets, showers and tubs
- Lighting: Pot lights, under cabinet LEDs, pendants and LED mirrors
- Ventilation: Range hoods and humidity sensing bathroom fans. Compare ducted and recirculating range hoods before you choose.
In Metro Vancouver's damp climate, choose moisture resistant materials for wet areas. Porcelain tile and waterproof vinyl suit bathrooms, entries and basements, while quartz countertops resist stains and moisture in kitchens. Our guide to flooring for BC's wet climate compares every option. If you are working with a compact condo kitchen, start with these small kitchen renovation ideas.
Step 4: Check Permits and Strata Approval
Building Permits by City
Cosmetic updates that keep cabinets, fixtures and plumbing in the same locations usually do not require a building permit. Structural changes, wall removal, new plumbing locations, added electrical circuits and gas line changes generally do. Applications go through each municipality's building department:
- New Westminster: City of New Westminster Building Department. Heritage designated properties in areas such as Queen's Park may have extra requirements for exterior changes.
- Burnaby: City of Burnaby Building Department.
- Coquitlam: City of Coquitlam Building Permits and Inspections.
- Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey and Vancouver: Each city has its own building permit process and fee schedule.
Electrical and gas work must be permitted and inspected through the city or Technical Safety BC, depending on the municipality. Your renovation team can confirm what applies to your project.
Strata Approval
If you live in a condo or townhome, the Strata Property Act and your strata bylaws govern renovations. Most strata corporations require a written alteration request before work begins. Expect rules on work hours, noise, elevator bookings, water shutoffs, flooring underlay and waterproofing. Submit your request early, because approvals can take several weeks.
Step 5: Order Materials and Schedule Trades
Order cabinets, countertops, tile and fixtures before demolition. Custom cabinets can take 4 to 8 weeks to produce, and special order tile or fixtures may take longer. Having materials on site before work starts prevents gaps and keeps your project moving.
A clear schedule coordinates demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall, cabinet installation, countertop templating, tile setting, flooring and finishing. Working with one company that supplies and installs cabinets, countertops, tile and flooring reduces handoffs between trades.
Step 6: Demolition and Rough In
Demolition removes old cabinets, tile, fixtures and flooring. This is when hidden problems appear, especially in older New Westminster and Burnaby homes. Common discoveries include:
- Water damage and rot under sinks, tubs and toilets
- Knob and tube or outdated wiring
- Galvanized or corroded plumbing
- Uneven or damaged subfloors
- Missing or undersized ventilation
- Materials that may contain asbestos in homes built before 1990, which must be tested before disturbance
Once problems are fixed, plumbing and electrical rough in takes place, followed by inspections if permits are required.
Step 7: Installation and Finishing
This is where the new kitchen or bathroom takes shape:
- Waterproofing membranes and backer board in showers and wet areas
- Cabinet and vanity installation
- Countertop templating and installation, usually 1 to 2 weeks after cabinets
- Tile floors, shower walls and backsplash
- Flooring installation
- Fixtures, lighting, hardware and appliances
- Paint, trim and caulking
Experienced installers use the right equipment and methods to create durable, long lasting results. For bathroom design ideas, explore the bathroom renovation trends New Westminster homeowners are choosing in 2026.
Step 8: Final Walkthrough
Before the project closes, walk through the space with your renovation team. Check that doors and drawers close smoothly, grout and caulking are clean, fixtures work properly and all items in the scope of work are complete. Keep product warranties and care instructions in one place.
Renovation Timelines
- Kitchen renovation: 4 to 8 weeks on site, 8 to 16 weeks from first meeting to completion
- Bathroom renovation: 3 to 6 weeks on site, 6 to 12 weeks from first meeting to completion
- Kitchen and bathroom together: 6 to 10 weeks on site
Permits, strata approvals, custom cabinets and hidden repairs can extend these timelines.
Local Renovation Considerations by Community
New Westminster
New Westminster's housing ranges from 1890s heritage homes in Queen's Park to modern condo towers along the Quay and newer townhomes in Queensborough. Older homes often need electrical and plumbing upgrades, while condos require strata approval and acoustic flooring underlay.
Burnaby
Burnaby has many high rise condos around Metrotown, Brentwood and Edmonds, along with postwar and 1970s detached homes. Condo kitchens benefit from compact, space saving designs, while detached homes often open kitchens to living areas.
Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam
Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam include established family neighbourhoods, newer townhomes on Burke Mountain and condos near Coquitlam Centre. Larger kitchens with islands and family bathroom upgrades are common projects.
Port Moody
Port Moody homes near the waterfront and Suter Brook often feature open concept kitchens where cabinets, countertops and flooring must flow into living spaces.
Surrey, Langley and Vancouver
From North Surrey and Langley family homes to Vancouver character houses and condos, the same planning steps apply, with each city's permit process and strata rules.
How to Choose the Right Renovation Company
- Ask for a site assessment and a written scope of work, not just a quick number
- Confirm insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage
- Review photos of completed kitchens and bathrooms in your area
- Ask who manages scheduling and trades
- Understand the payment schedule and what is included in the price
- Choose a team that listens to your vision and communicates promptly
Common Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting demolition before materials arrive
- Skipping a contingency budget
- Ignoring ventilation in bathrooms
- Choosing non waterproof flooring for wet areas
- Forgetting strata approval
- Changing the design after work begins
Why Homeowners Choose Kits Kitchen, Bath and Floors
Kits Kitchen, Bath and Floors is a trusted kitchen, bathroom and flooring company based in Sapperton, New Westminster, serving communities across the Lower Mainland. Our experienced installation professionals provide a full site assessment, an accurate projected cost and a clear scope of work. Our trained experts use the right equipment to deliver durable results, and we work hard to make every home a happy place for our clients. Visit our showroom at 131 Columbia Street East, New Westminster, to see our range of cabinets, countertops, tile and flooring.
We serve New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Langley, Surrey, White Rock and Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I renovate my kitchen and bathroom at the same time?
Renovating both at once can save time and money on permits, plumbing and scheduling. It is more disruptive, so many homeowners plan temporary kitchen and bathroom arrangements during the project.
How much does a kitchen and bathroom renovation cost in Burnaby?
Most midrange projects in Burnaby cost $25,000 to $45,000 for a kitchen and $18,000 to $35,000 for a bathroom. Condo projects may cost less, while custom work in detached homes costs more.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Coquitlam?
Replacing fixtures, tile and vanities in the same locations usually does not need a building permit. Moving plumbing, removing walls or adding electrical circuits generally requires one.
Can I live in my home during a renovation?
Yes, most homeowners stay in their home. Plan for a temporary kitchen area and an alternate bathroom, and expect dust and noise during demolition.
How do I find a renovation contractor near me in New Westminster?
Look for a local company that offers a site assessment, a written scope of work, photos of completed local projects, insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, and a showroom where you can see materials.
Book Your Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Consultation
Ready to start your renovation? Call Kits Kitchen, Bath and Floors at 604 545 KITS (5487) or fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you promptly to book your site assessment.