building permits Archives - Flipside Homes

8 common home renovation myths

17 01, 2020

8 common home renovation myths

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2019-12-17T16:11:55-08:00January 17th, 2020|Renovation Tips|

There are a number of home renovation myths that are floating around. While some of them are benign, others can lead to big trouble if you believe them. That is why you need to read this myth-busting blog before starting any Vancouver home renovation. Vancouver home renovation myths… busted! 1. Permits are optional This is one of the most dangerous Vancouver home renovation myths out there. That is because people can start their renovations thinking they do not need permits when nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, you always need to have permits. These are not optional – and not getting them could lead to fines or Stop Work Orders. 2. Whatever money I spend on remodels I will get back when I sell Not all remodels add value or enough value that you will get the

What not to do during your Vancouver home renovation

16 08, 2019

What not to do during your Vancouver home renovation

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2019-05-27T17:32:20-07:00August 16th, 2019|Renovation Tips|

A Vancouver home renovation can be exciting and fun. It is a chance to give your home a facelift and make it feel new. On the other hand, renovations can go horribly wrong. The best way to avoid the latter situation is to know what not to do. That is why, today, we are tackling what you should never do during your home renovation. Twelve things not to do during your Vancouver home renovation 1. Hire a contractor without vetting them You have to put a lot of trust in the contractor who handles your Vancouver home renovation. Given that, it is important to make sure you get the right person to handle the job. The only way to ensure that is to properly vet the contractors you are considering. Research them, look at portfolios, and check references. While this

The best ways to transform your basement during your home renovation in Vancouver

19 07, 2019

The best ways to transform your basement during your home renovation in Vancouver

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2019-06-26T17:23:47-07:00July 19th, 2019|Renovation Tips|

Do you have an unfinished or under-utilized basement? A home renovation in Vancouver is the perfect time to change that! With a single renovation, you can turn your basement into a fully functioning part of your home. Here are just a few of the ways you can make your basement work for you… Nine ways to transform your basement during your home renovation in Vancouver 1. Create a second living room View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha Morgan🏹 (@the.white.arrow) on Jan 19, 2019 at 8:30am PST A second living room can be a great use of your basement space. You can add a comfortable couch and some recliners. If you want a TV, it is easy to put one in. Then, if you have family members who want to watch different shows, there are

The 13 questions to ask before hiring a Vancouver home renovation team

18 01, 2019

The 13 questions to ask before hiring a Vancouver home renovation team

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2018-09-23T21:54:40-07:00January 18th, 2019|Renovation Tips|

Hiring a Vancouver home renovation team is a major commitment. These are the professionals who will shape your home and bring your vision to life. They should guide you through the renovation process, including helping you acquire the proper permits and making sure that all of the work is done safely. Given everything they will be responsible for, it is vital to pick the right Vancouver home renovation team. But how do you do that? Start by asking your Vancouver home renovation team these 13 questions 1. What is your background and what areas do you specialize in? You want to ensure that your Vancouver home renovation team is experienced. This is both in general and in relation to the work you are having done. For example, if you are looking to turn your current home into a passive house,

When do you need a permit for your Vancouver home renovation?

29 06, 2018

When do you need a permit for your Vancouver home renovation?

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2018-06-20T13:10:45-07:00June 29th, 2018|Renovation Tips|

It can be hard to know when you need a permit for your Vancouver home renovation. City permitting departments often give confusing or contradictory answers, leaving homeowners lost in the process. That is why we at Flipside Homes have put together a list of when you do, and do not, need permits for your Vancouver home renovation. Keep in mind, the information below pertains to renovation permits in the City of Vancouver. Other cities in the area have their own permitting requirements. Check with your local building department, or your renovation project manager, to make sure you have accurate information. When you do need a permit for your Vancouver home renovation? There are three different permit situations you can find yourself in where you need permits for your Vancouver home renovation. 1. You need a trade permit In this first

How to choose the right neighbourhood for your investment property

8 06, 2018

How to choose the right neighbourhood for your investment property

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2018-05-22T11:47:13-07:00June 8th, 2018|Investment Properties|

When home hunting, renters and buyers tend to look at the neighbourhood that appeals most to them. However, when shopping for an investment property, there are a certain set of qualities to look for in the neighbourhood where you will buy in order to get the best return on your investment. What you should look for in a neighbourhood for your investment property 1. What does this neighbourhood offer? If you plan on renting out or flipping a property, amenities could be the factor that makes or breaks a deal. Therefore, you want to make sure you look into what each neighbourhood has to offer. Think about what would appeal to the kind of renter or buyer you are hoping to attract. For example, if you are purchasing an investment property by a university, you want to look amenities that

Renovating a home with a secondary suite – What you need to know

2 02, 2018

Renovating a home with a secondary suite – What you need to know

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2018-01-22T11:18:53-08:00February 2nd, 2018|Renovation Tips|

Secondary suites have become all the rage in Vancouver, partly in response to the city’s skyrocketing housing prices. However, renovating your home to include a secondary suite can be a complicated process. Before you undertake such a renovation, it is important to consider what is required - and decide if a secondary suite is right for you. Legal versus illegal secondary suites While there are many illegal secondary suites in the city, we do not suggest taking this route. Instead, we encourage you to focus on creating a legal secondary suite, protecting yourself against costly fines and renovations down the road. If you have already bought a home with a secondary suite and have discovered it is illegal, there are options available to you. Before taking any action though, it is best to call a professional for advice about how

Do you need a building permit for your Vancouver home renovation?

4 11, 2017

Do you need a building permit for your Vancouver home renovation?

By Vaughn at Flipside Homes|2017-10-24T13:44:41-07:00November 4th, 2017|Renovation Tips|

Many of our Vancouver home renovation clients don’t realize that their reno might require a building permit from the city where their home is located. Before planning your renovation, you may want to get familiar with the types of building permits that apply to renovations in your city. Applying for permits can be confusing and time-consuming for homeowners who haven’t been through the process, which is why we help with this aspect of a renovation. However, building permits add to the cost of a renovation and can affect the timeline. Do you need a building permit for your Vancouver home renovation? Here’s how to know. Renovation building permits for Greater Vancouver The City of Vancouver has easy-to-understand guidelines on their website for people to know whether they need a permit for their renovation. In general, you need a permit for: