Commercial Renovation Vancouver
Commercial & residential projects completed
Years in Metro Vancouver construction
Permits handled City of Vancouver
Commercial renovation done differently
Commercial renovation is a different discipline from residential work. Landlord coordination. Strata building requirements. City of Vancouver commercial permits run on a different track than residential. Business continuity expectations, your clients don’t stop coming because your walls are being rebuilt.
Arani Construction has completed commercial renovation projects across Metro Vancouver, from ground-floor retail fit-outs in Yaletown to full office remodels in Mount Pleasant and restaurant renovations along the West Broadway corridor. We understand how commercial spaces are built, what their tenants need, and how to deliver a finished product that actually functions as a business environment, not just a construction project that got completed and Home Renovation Richmond.
One project manager. One fixed-price contract. One team that shows up accountable every morning.
01
Minimal business disruption
We schedule demolition, noisy trades, and disruptive work around your operating hours. Phased construction allows partial occupancy so your business keeps running while we work.
02
Commercial permit expertise
City of Vancouver commercial permits involve separate tracks from residential fire separations, accessibility compliance, occupancy classifications, and BCBC requirements. We manage all of it.
03
Fixed-price contracts
Commercial clients can't run a renovation with open-ended invoicing. We issue line-item fixed-price proposals. Changes require written approval before any work proceeds. No surprises.
04
Project manager on-site daily
A dedicated project manager not a site supervisor checking in twice a week is present throughout your commercial renovation. You have direct access and same-day responses.
05
Landlord & strata coordination
Vancouver commercial spaces are often in strata buildings with their own renovation requirements. We prepare and submit the full documentation package so you don't have to manage the building relationship.
06
Premium commercial finishes
The finish quality in your commercial space signals something to every client who walks in. We source and install materials that look premium on day one and hold up to commercial-grade daily use.
We know Vancouver commercial space
Vancouver’s commercial renovation market is not generic. Each district has its own character, its own building stock, and its own specific Commercial Renovation Vancouver requirements. The ground-floor retail in a heritage Gastown building has different structural constraints than a concrete tower floor-plate in downtown’s central business district. A Kitsilano restaurant renovation involves different neighbourhood dynamics than a clinical office fit-out in Mount Pleasant’s tech corridor.
We have completed commercial projects across Vancouver’s most active business districts. That direct experience knowing which permit application goes to which department, which building types hide HVAC surprises, and where contractor parking requires coordination, makes your renovation go smoother than it would with a contractor learning your neighbourhood for the first time.
Downtown Vancouver
Office towers · Class A fit-outs
Yaletown
Premium retail · Hospitality
Mount Pleasant
Tech offices · Creative studios
Kitsilano
Boutique retail · Clinics
West Broadway
Restaurants · Medical offices
Gastown / Strathcona
Heritage buildings · Loft offices
Commercial renovation work we deliver in Vancouver
01
Modern office renovations
Open-plan reconfiguration, private office builds, boardroom upgrades, server room compliance, ergonomic layout redesign, and acoustic treatment for Vancouver tech and professional services firms.
02
Retail tenant improvements
Landlord coordination, storefront upgrades, custom millwork and display systems, lighting design, flooring, and brand-aligned interiors for retailers from Kitsilano boutiques to Yaletown flagship stores.
03
Restaurant remodels
Full kitchen renovation, dining room transformation, bar build-outs, accessibility compliance, hood and ventilation upgrades, and Health Authority-compliant finishes for Vancouver's food and beverage operators.
04
Commercial interior upgrades
Phased interior refreshes for occupied commercial spaces new flooring, lighting, partitions, and finishes delivered on a schedule that keeps your business running throughout construction.
Commercial renovation services
Every service below is available as a standalone scope or as part of a comprehensive commercial renovation. All work is delivered under a single fixed-price contract, coordinated by one project manager, from permit application to occupancy sign-off.
01
Office Renovations
From single-floor office remodels to multi-floor corporate renovations. Open-plan reconfiguration, private offices and focus rooms, boardrooms with AV integration, kitchen and lounge areas, accessible washrooms, and full mechanical and electrical upgrades. We work within occupied buildings and schedule disruptive work outside business hours when required. All City of Vancouver commercial permits managed end-to-end.
02
Retail Renovations
Custom retail fit-outs and renovation work that puts your brand in the space. We work with established retailers and new tenants storefront improvements, display systems, custom millwork, lighting design, flooring, delineated service areas, and Point-of-Sale station builds. All retail renovation work in Vancouver is completed with landlord approval and City permit where required. We coordinate both processes.
03
Restaurant Renovations
Full restaurant renovation and remodel services kitchen redesign, commercial hood and ventilation, Health Authority-compliant finishes, bar build-outs, dining room transformation, patio construction, and accessibility upgrades. Vancouver's restaurant renovation requirements involve multiple permit streams (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and sometimes liquor control). We manage every track so you can focus on your opening.
04
Tenant Improvements
Turnkey tenant improvement build-outs for new commercial tenants taking possession of shell or semi-improved space. We take your lease drawings and convert them into a finished, occupied, permitted commercial space. Experience working with landlords and property managers across Vancouver's major commercial building owners. Tenant improvement allowance management available as part of our project management service.
05
Commercial Interior Remodeling
Interior renovation for clinics, medical and dental offices, professional services firms, creative studios, co-working spaces, and financial services offices. We understand the specific requirements of different commercial occupancy classes accessibility compliance, finish standards, acoustic separation for confidential uses, and infection control requirements for healthcare environments.
06
Custom Commercial Build-Outs
Purpose-built commercial interiors designed from the ground up for your specific business. Custom millwork, branded feature walls, specialised storage and workflow systems, trade-specific infrastructure. We work with architects, interior designers, and brand consultants or we bring all three capabilities in-house. From concept drawings to permit submission to occupation, we own the complete outcome.
What a commercial renovation actually delivers
Functional workspaces that improve productivity
An office designed around how your team actually works collaborative zones, focus spaces, proper acoustic separation, ergonomic layouts measurably affects productivity. We design commercial interiors that support your specific workflow, not generic open-plan defaults.
Modernised interiors that convert clients
A dated commercial interior signals something to every client who walks in. A renovated space right materials, right lighting, right spatial flow signals competence, quality, and permanence. For retail and hospitality especially, the space is part of the product.
Energy efficiency built into the renovation
Commercial energy costs in Vancouver are significant. Renovation is the right time to upgrade LED lighting with occupancy controls, improve insulation, and integrate HVAC systems that reduce monthly operating costs. We advise on CleanBC commercial rebates as part of our project planning.
Increased property and lease value
For building owners and investors, a well-executed commercial renovation increases the market value and rental potential of the space. Tenant-improved space commands higher lease rates and attracts higher-quality tenants.
Our commercial renovation clients
Business Owners
Owner-occupiers renovating their own commercial space. Full project scope, design-build coordination, operating during construction.
Property Managers
Managing renovations on behalf of building owners. Tenant coordination, landlord approvals, common area upgrades.
Commercial Tenants
New tenants taking possession of raw or semi-improved space. TI build-outs, landlord coordination, permit management.
Investors & Developers
Upgrading commercial assets for sale or lease. Scope optimisation for maximum return, high-quality finishes on budget.
“We understand that your renovation budget is a business investment, not a home improvement. Every decision we recommend is filtered through that lens.”
Pedram Arani Founder, Arani Construction
Our renovation process
01
Consultation
We visit your Vancouver commercial space, review your business goals, lease obligations, and renovation vision. Free. No obligation.
02
Site Assessment
Structural review, mechanical and electrical evaluation, building management coordination, and identification of permit requirements.
03
Design & Planning
Architectural drawings, space planning, material specifications, and a detailed fixed-price proposal. You approve everything before we submit to the City.
04
Permits & Approvals
City of Vancouver commercial permit application, landlord or strata approval coordination, Health Authority if required. All managed end-to-end.
05
Construction
On-site project manager daily. Trades scheduled around your business operations. Weekly progress updates. Immediate notification of any changes.
06
Final Walkthrough
City occupancy inspection. Punch list resolved. All trade warranties, permit documentation, and maintenance notes handed over. Your space, ready for business.
What makes a commercial contractor worth trusting
Transparent, fixed-price contracts
Every commercial proposal from Arani Construction is line-item detailed. You know what every trade costs before we start. If the scope changes for any reason you review and approve a written change order before a single hour of work proceeds. No open invoicing. No surprises at billing.
Reliable project timelines
We schedule your commercial renovation to hit the dates that matter to you lease start, opening day, client event. Our project manager builds a milestone schedule at the contract stage and holds every trade accountable to it. When issues arise, you're notified immediately not after the delay has already compounded.
Skilled, licensed tradespeople
We never use unlicensed trades on commercial projects. Every electrician carries a Journeyman ticket. Every plumber is Red Seal certified. Commercial work in the City of Vancouver is inspected at multiple stages your building and your licence depend on the work being done right the first time.
Safety and site professionalism
Commercial job sites in occupied buildings are managed to a higher standard than residential sites. Our crews maintain clean, contained work areas, respect building management protocols, adhere to noise bylaws and operating hour restrictions, and carry full WorkSafeBC COR-level compliance throughout every project.
Premium commercial materials
We specify materials for commercial use not residential products installed in commercial spaces. LVT flooring with commercial wear ratings. Surfaces that meet Vancouver fire code requirements. Hardware built for high-frequency use. What you see in your proposal is exactly what gets installed. We don't substitute materials after signing.
End-to-end permit management
City of Vancouver commercial permits involve development permits, building permits, trade permits, and sometimes concurrent streams with Vancouver Coastal Health or the BC Safety Authority. Arani Construction manages every permit application, tracks approvals, schedules inspections, and delivers your permit documentation package at project close.
Commercial renovation FAQs
How much does a commercial renovation cost in Vancouver?
Commercial renovation costs in Vancouver typically range from $80 to $300+ per square foot depending on the space type, scope of work, and finish level. A basic office refresh new flooring, paint, lighting, and minor partitioning runs $80–$120 per square foot. A full tenant improvement build-out from shell space runs $130–$200 per square foot. High-end hospitality, medical, or premium retail renovations with extensive millwork, mechanical upgrades, and custom finishes typically range $200–$350 per square foot.
These ranges include all labour, materials, permits, and project management. The biggest cost variables are: the existing condition of the space (shell vs. semi-improved vs. previously occupied), the extent of mechanical and electrical work required, and the quality of finishes specified. Arani Construction provides a detailed fixed-price proposal after a free site assessment you’ll know the complete number before committing to anything.
Do I need permits for a commercial renovation in Vancouver?
Yes. Most commercial renovations in the City of Vancouver require a building permit from the City’s Development, Buildings and Licensing department. This includes any work involving structural changes, new partitioning that creates fire separations, electrical upgrades, plumbing alterations, HVAC modifications, or changes to a space’s occupancy classification.
Commercial projects often require concurrent permit streams a building permit plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits each with their own inspections. Restaurant renovations may also require coordination with Vancouver Coastal Health. Arani Construction manages the complete permit process for all commercial projects, including permit drawings, submission, revision responses, and inspection scheduling. You don’t need to interact with City permit staff at any stage.
How long does an office renovation take in Vancouver?
An office renovation in Vancouver typically takes 4–10 weeks of construction time, depending on the size of the space and scope of work. A targeted interior refresh (flooring, lighting, paint, minor partitions) can be completed in 3–5 weeks. A full gut renovation involving structural changes, full mechanical and electrical upgrade, and new millwork typically takes 8–14 weeks.
Permit approval from the City of Vancouver for commercial projects currently averages 4–8 weeks for straightforward office renovations. Complex projects involving structural work or occupancy changes can take longer. Total timeline from contract signing to occupancy for a typical office renovation in Vancouver runs 10–18 weeks. We provide a milestone schedule at the proposal stage so you can plan your move-in date accurately.
Can the business stay open during a commercial renovation?
In many cases, yes — with proper phasing. For office renovations, we typically sequence work zone by zone so a portion of your office remains operational throughout construction. This extends the project timeline but eliminates the need to vacate entirely. We schedule demolition, noisy trades, and disruptive mechanical work outside your business hours and on weekends when required.
For retail and hospitality renovations, whether you can remain open depends on the renovation’s scope. A phased interior upgrade while serving customers is feasible for some retail environments. A full gut renovation of a restaurant kitchen is not. We assess the feasibility of occupied renovation at the site assessment stage and design the project phasing around your specific business requirements. Our goal is always to minimise revenue disruption alongside the construction scope.
What types of commercial spaces does Arani Construction renovate?
Arani Construction completes commercial renovations across a wide range of space types: professional offices and corporate environments, retail stores and boutiques, restaurants and cafés, medical and dental clinics, beauty and wellness studios, co-working spaces, industrial and warehouse renovations, and mixed-use commercial-residential buildings.
We serve commercial clients across Metro Vancouver with a particular depth of experience in the City of Vancouver Downtown, Yaletown, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano, West Broadway, and Gastown. If you’re unsure whether your commercial space falls within our scope, call us at (604) 537-1753 and we’ll give you an honest assessment within one business day.
What is a tenant improvement (TI) and how does it work?
A tenant improvement (TI) is a renovation completed by a new commercial tenant to customise a leased space for their specific use. This might involve building out partitions, adding a kitchen or breakroom, installing custom millwork, upgrading mechanical systems, or completing a full interior fit-out from shell or semi-improved condition.
TI projects typically involve a Tenant Improvement Allowance (TIA) from the landlord a contribution toward renovation costs negotiated as part of the lease. Arani Construction has experience working within TIA frameworks, coordinating landlord approval processes, and building out spaces within the constraints of commercial lease agreements. We can work from architect or interior designer drawings, or provide the design-build capability ourselves.
Does Arani Construction handle restaurant renovations in Vancouver?
Yes. Restaurant renovation is one of our specialised commercial services. Restaurant projects in Vancouver involve more regulatory complexity than most commercial renovations building permits, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, commercial kitchen hood permits, and Vancouver Coastal Health sign-off for food service facilities. We have experience navigating all of these streams concurrently to minimise delays to your opening date.
Our restaurant renovation work covers: full commercial kitchen redesign and rebuild, dining room transformation and acoustic treatment, bar and service counter construction, accessible washroom compliance, patio construction, liquor licence compliance considerations, and brand-aligned interior finishes. If you’re planning a restaurant renovation in Vancouver whether a first-time build-out or a full remodel of an existing operation contact us for a free consultation.
How do I choose a commercial renovation contractor in Vancouver?
When selecting a commercial renovation contractor in Vancouver, look for: a valid BC Residential Builder Licence or general contracting licence, WorkSafeBC registration and current clearance letter, demonstrated experience with commercial projects specifically (not just residential), and a clear contract format that specifies fixed pricing, a detailed scope of work, and a milestone timeline.
Ask specifically about their experience with City of Vancouver commercial permits commercial permits are a separate competency from residential permits and require different drawings, trade coordination, and inspection management. Arani Construction has completed commercial renovation projects across Vancouver since 2013. We are licensed, WorkSafeBC certified, and manage the complete permit process for every commercial project. Call us at (604) 537-1753 or fill out our contact form to start a conversation about your project.
- Start Your Project