Construction Insights
Practical building knowledge, one topic at a time
Plain-language guides on zoning, costs, permits, building code and building science, written for Vancouver and Burnaby homeowners before they build.
Why read Construction Insights
Our Glossary gives quick definitions and our FAQ answers common questions. Construction Insights goes deeper: what a topic is, why it matters and where it applies to your project.
One topic, done properly
Each article covers a single subject in depth, so you get the full picture instead of a surface summary.
Practical, not theoretical
Written for real projects on real lots in Metro Vancouver, with the local rules and costs that apply.
Updated regularly
New articles are added as rules change and questions come up, so this page keeps growing.
Latest articles
Start with the newest, or pick the topic closest to your project.
New · Building Science & Code
BC Energy Step Code Explained for Vancouver and Burnaby Homeowners
Every new home in BC has to meet an energy and emissions standard before it gets an occupancy permit. Here’s how the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code work, what Burnaby requires, how Vancouver’s own by-law differs, and what it means for your build.
Planning Your Build
Strata-Titling a Duplex or Multiplex in Vancouver and Burnaby
Want each home in your new duplex or multiplex to be owned or sold separately? Here’s how strata titling works in Vancouver and Burnaby, which units can become strata lots, and why timing matters.
Planning Your Build
Geotechnical Reports for a New Home in Vancouver and Burnaby
Before a new home goes up, someone has to confirm the ground can carry it. Here’s what a geotechnical report covers, when Vancouver and Burnaby require one, and what the engineer checks during construction.
Permits & Bylaws
The Building Permit Process in Vancouver and Burnaby, Step by Step
Getting a building permit for a new home in Vancouver or Burnaby follows a clear order of steps. Here’s what to check, which reports you need, how the online application and review work, and what happens once the permit is issued.
Building Science
Passive House in Vancouver: What It Is, What It Takes, and How We Can Build It for You
Passive House homes use up to 90% less heating energy than typical buildings. Here’s what the standard requires, what it means for a home in Vancouver or Burnaby, and how we can help you build the comfortable, efficient home you have in mind.
Permits & Bylaws
Tree Bylaws and Arborist Reports in Vancouver and Burnaby
Mature trees on your lot can shape your new home as much as zoning does. Here’s which trees Vancouver and Burnaby protect, when you need an arborist report, and how replacement trees, fencing and fines work.
Planning Your Build
Demolition Before You Rebuild: Vancouver & Burnaby Rules Explained
Taking down an older house before you rebuild? Here’s how demolition permits, asbestos surveys, recycling deposits, utility disconnections and tenant notice work in Vancouver and Burnaby.
Permits & Inspections
Building Inspections for a New Home in Vancouver and Burnaby
A new home in Vancouver or Burnaby goes through 15 to 20 or more City inspections before you can move in. Here’s what happens at each stage, how inspections are booked, and how to keep them from slowing your build.
Zoning & Planning
Secondary Suites in Vancouver & Burnaby: What Makes a Suite Legal
Planning a suite in your new home? Here’s where legal secondary suites are allowed in Vancouver and Burnaby, the main BC Building Code requirements, and why it’s far easier to design one in from the start.
Working With a Builder
How to Compare Builder Quotes in BC: Fixed Price vs. Cost-Plus
Builder quotes for the same home can look wildly different. Here’s how fixed-price, cost-plus and construction management contracts work in BC, and how to compare allowances, exclusions and terms so you’re comparing like with like.
Costs & Budgeting
Construction Financing in BC: How Draw Mortgages Work for a New Home
A construction mortgage pays out in stages as your new home goes up. Here’s how draws, lender inspections, the 10% holdback and equity requirements work in BC, and how to avoid the cash gap that catches many owners.
Costs & Budgeting
Laneway House Cost in Burnaby (2026): A Realistic Budget Breakdown
How much does a laneway house cost in Burnaby in 2026? A line-by-line budget: construction, site work, design, Burnaby development charges, hydro, plus rents, financing and timelines, from a Burnaby builder.
Zoning & Planning
How Many Homes Can I Build on My Burnaby Lot? (2026 Guide)
Most Burnaby lots that used to allow one house can now hold 3, 4 or even 6 homes. Here is what Burnaby’s R1 zoning allows in 2026, what changed in late 2025, and what it costs to build more than one home.
Planning Your Build
How Long Does It Take to Build a Custom Home in Vancouver or Burnaby? Time and Cost Explained
On a straightforward lot, building a custom home takes about 10 months from foundation to finish. Here is how that time breaks down, stage by stage, and what can add to it.
Warranty & Protection
BC’s 2-5-10 Home Warranty Explained: What Your New Home Is Covered For
Every new BC home built by a licensed builder carries 2-5-10 warranty insurance. Here’s what each layer covers, what it doesn’t, and how to check a home is protected.
Building Guide
Building a Prefab Home in Metro Vancouver: Costs, Permits and Timelines Explained
Prefab homes can be set on your lot in a day, but the permit, site work and foundation decide the budget. Here is how the process works, what it costs and how long it takes.
Zoning & Planning
BC’s New Zoning Rules Explained: What You Can Actually Build on Your Lot Now
BC’s zoning rules now let far more lots qualify for multiple units. Here’s what actually determines how many, the parking change most people miss, and what still depends on your specific city.
Working With a Builder
Construction Management vs. General Contracting: Which Do You Actually Need?
Both services get your project built, but the contracts, cost structure, and control you keep are genuinely different. Here’s how to tell which one actually fits your project.
Zoning & Planning
Duplex vs. Multiplex: Which Makes Sense for Your Vancouver or Burnaby Lot?
BC’s zoning changes opened the door to duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes on lots that used to allow only a single home. Here’s how to think through which option actually fits your property and goals.
Costs & Budgeting
Laneway House Cost in Vancouver: What Actually Drives Your Budget
Laneway house costs vary more than most homeowners expect. Here’s what actually drives the number, so you can budget realistically before you talk to a builder.
Building Code
Fire Stopping and Fire Separation: What Vancouver’s Building Code Actually Requires
Fire separation gets the attention, but fire stopping is what actually protects it at every pipe, cable, and duct passing through. Here’s how the two work together, and why Vancouver’s own building by-law adds an extra layer worth understanding.
Building Code
Fire Separation: Why It Matters and Where It’s Required
Fire separation is one of the most important — and least visible — safety systems in residential construction. Here’s why it matters and where it’s actually required.
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