Major Renovation
Major Renovation
At MCS, we see the entire house as one connected project, not a series of disjointed rooms. Our team manages everything under one roof: design coordination, permits, scheduling, trades, and construction. The result isn’t just a renovated home, it’s a home that feels brand new, crafted with consistency, durability, and care. Read more about the story of the homeowners in Burnaby Gamma Ave and their Full house transformation.
Our Approach to Whole Home Renovations
At MCS, we see the entire house as one connected project, not a series of disjointed rooms. Our team manages everything under one roof: design coordination, permits, scheduling, trades, and construction. The result isn’t just a renovated home, it’s a home that feels brand new, crafted with consistency, durability, and care. Read more about the story of the homeowners in Burnaby Gamma Ave and their Full house transformation.
FAQ
How much does a full home renovation typically cost?
The cost of a whole home renovation depends on the size of the house, the scope of changes, and the level of finishes you choose. In Metro Vancouver, most full-home renovations fall into the six-figure range, typically between $150,000 and can reach up to a $1M+.
Do I need an architect or designer first, or do you handle that?
It depends on the scope of your renovation. If there are structural changes, an architect is essential, their drawings are required for permits and engineering. For design, we strongly recommend working with a professional. A designer brings consistency to the project, ensuring layouts, finishes, and details all come together seamlessly.
At MCS, we offer full design services, but we’re also happy to collaborate with your chosen designer. Either way, having design in place before construction starts leads to a smoother process, fewer surprises, and a more cohesive finished home.
At MCS, we offer full design services, but we’re also happy to collaborate with your chosen designer. Either way, having design in place before construction starts leads to a smoother process, fewer surprises, and a more cohesive finished home.
Can I change the layout of my home, or am I limited by structure?
Yes, layouts can often be changed, but it all depends on the drawings and what the structure allows. Safety always comes first, which means assessing load-bearing walls, existing systems, and in some cases coordinating with strata for approvals. With the right planning and professional guidance, layouts can be reconfigured to improve flow and functionality while keeping your home safe and compliant.
How long will a full home renovation take?
A full home renovation has two phases: planning and construction. The planning stage, which includes design, drawings, and permits, often takes around 2 months. The construction stage typically takes another 2-3 months, depending on the size of the home and the scope of work.
On average, you should expect about 5-6 months total from first drawings to final handover. At MCS, we create a realistic schedule before work begins and provide weekly updates so you always know where things stand.
On average, you should expect about 5-6 months total from first drawings to final handover. At MCS, we create a realistic schedule before work begins and provide weekly updates so you always know where things stand.
Do I need to move out during the renovation?
For a full home renovation, moving out is strongly recommended. It’s more cost-efficient and time-efficient to complete everything at once rather than in phases. Living in the home during major construction adds complexity, slows down the schedule, and increases costs.
By moving out, the work can progress faster, trades have full access, and your day-to-day life isn’t disrupted by dust, noise, and limited space. In the long run, it saves you both time and stress.
By moving out, the work can progress faster, trades have full access, and your day-to-day life isn’t disrupted by dust, noise, and limited space. In the long run, it saves you both time and stress.
What’s your pricing model for a major renovation?
We do offer two models:
Fixed Price Model:
Under the fixed-price contract model, we will agree to complete a project for a set price. This model is often chosen when project details, scope, and deliverables are clearly defined from the start. In a fixed-price contract, the total cost is agreed upon before the project begins. This cost is typically based on a detailed estimate of the work to be done, including labor, materials, and overheads.
Cost Plus Contract Model:
We use a cost-plus contract model in major home renos. This means you pay for the actual cost of your project—such as materials, labor, and overhead—plus a contractor’s fee. The fee can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total costs, and it covers our expertise, project management, trades vetting, coordination and quality control.
This model is especially suitable for custom renovations, where the scope may evolve as the project progresses. It allows for flexibility, ensures transparency in expenses, and makes it easier to prioritize quality and premium materials without being limited by a rigid budget.
Fixed Price Model:
Under the fixed-price contract model, we will agree to complete a project for a set price. This model is often chosen when project details, scope, and deliverables are clearly defined from the start. In a fixed-price contract, the total cost is agreed upon before the project begins. This cost is typically based on a detailed estimate of the work to be done, including labor, materials, and overheads.
Cost Plus Contract Model:
We use a cost-plus contract model in major home renos. This means you pay for the actual cost of your project—such as materials, labor, and overhead—plus a contractor’s fee. The fee can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total costs, and it covers our expertise, project management, trades vetting, coordination and quality control.
This model is especially suitable for custom renovations, where the scope may evolve as the project progresses. It allows for flexibility, ensures transparency in expenses, and makes it easier to prioritize quality and premium materials without being limited by a rigid budget.
Ready to Reimagine Your Entire Home?
From layout changes to full-scale upgrades, we make major renovations manageable and rewarding.