Contracting
Budget Heating is a licensed general contractor offering the full spectrum of residential construction and renovation services, from in-house design and permit management through to final finishing. If you are legalizing a basement suite, building a laneway house, renovating a kitchen, or tackling structural work like underpinning or foundation repair, we manage every trade and every detail under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide design services?
Yes, Budget Heating offers in-house design services. We work with your existing plans or develop new ones, providing practical input on layout optimization, material selection, and buildability. We can also coordinate with structural engineers and other specialists when required. You do not need to hire a separate designer for most renovation and suite projects.
What is involved in legalizing a basement suite in BC?
Legalizing a basement suite in BC involves meeting BC Building Code requirements and obtaining a secondary suite permit from your municipality. Key requirements include: minimum ceiling height of 1.95m (6'5" in most areas), egress windows in all sleeping rooms (minimum 0.35m² opening area), a separate entrance, fire separation between the suite and the main dwelling (typically 5/8" Type X drywall on the ceiling and walls), interconnected smoke and CO alarms, a dedicated electrical sub-panel, separate heating and ventilation, and plumbing that meets current code. We assess your existing basement, identify what upgrades are needed, handle the permit application, and complete all required work through to final inspection and approval.
Can you build a laneway house on my property?
Yes. We design and build laneway houses (detached accessory dwelling units) from the ground up. We handle site assessment, design, engineering coordination, permit applications, foundation, framing, all mechanical systems, and finishing. Laneway homes in Metro Vancouver are subject to specific zoning bylaws that vary by municipality, we are familiar with the requirements in Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, Richmond, and other Lower Mainland cities.
What is underpinning and when is it needed?
Underpinning is the process of lowering the basement floor to increase ceiling height. It is commonly needed when legalizing a basement suite that does not meet the minimum 1.95m ceiling height requirement. The process involves excavating beneath the existing foundation footings in sections, pouring new concrete to extend the foundation depth, and then lowering the floor slab. It is a structural process that requires engineering sign-off and permits.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A typical kitchen renovation takes four to eight weeks depending on scope. Minor cosmetic updates may take two to three weeks, while a full gut renovation with layout changes takes six to eight weeks. We provide a detailed project schedule before work begins.