Looking for home renovation ideas for your North Vancouver property? The most valuable inspiration comes from real projects – actual renovations that show what’s possible for your home! So, instead of offering a generic list of trends, this article highlights house renovation ideas drawn from transformations completed by Hasler Homes right here on the North Shore.
From kitchens redesigned for entertaining to bathrooms reimagined to feel like at-home spas, these are the best home renovation ideas to inspire your next project.
Table of Contents:
Quick Look
Read This Before Renovating
10+ Home Renovation Ideas (with Pictures)
Tips for a Successful Reno
Renovate with Hasler Homes
FAQs
Quick Look: Best Home Renovation Ideas
Want a quick list of the top home reno ideas for North Vancouver properties? Here’s a snapshot of our top recommendations. These house renovation ideas are also among the best renovations to increase home value.
- Open up your floor plan to enhance light and flow.
- Build a custom kitchen designed for cooking and entertaining.
- Design a spa-inspired bathroom for relaxation at home.
- Transform your bedroom into a restful retreat.
- Reimagine your living room for better flow and comfort.
- Create seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
- Update your laundry and mudroom for enhanced efficiency.
- Turn your basement into more livable square footage.
- Renovate your garage or workshop for added function and storage.
- Extend your home with backyard updates.
- Invest in energy-efficient upgrades to lower bills and improve comfort.
- Boost curb appeal and efficiency with exterior home renovations.
What Do You Need to Know Before Renovating in North Vancouver?
Renovating on the North Shore isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making choices that add comfort, value, and longevity to your home. So, before diving into our favourite home renovation ideas, here are the key factors every North Vancouver homeowner should consider when planning a renovation.
Plan for the Future
Smart home renovations aren’t just about how you live today, they’re about how you’ll live 5, 10 or 15 years from now. Will your family grow? Do you want to age in place? Features like open-concept layouts, accessible bathrooms, or multi-purpose rooms will allow your home to adapt to your lifestyle over time and avoid additional costly changes down the road.
Choose Durable Materials
When it comes to home renovations in North Vancouver, durability matters; our damp climate, combined with active family lifestyles, demands building materials and finishes that can handle the weather and daily wear and tear. More durable materials may come with higher upfront costs, but they reduce long-term maintenance. And, when installed by the best home renovation contractors in North Vancouver, they’ll stand the test of time.
Safety and Function First
Many North Vancouver homes were built decades ago and, therefore, need more than cosmetic upgrades. If you have an older home you want to update, structural improvements, upgraded building envelope components, and a modernized layout should be prioritized over aesthetic changes. These updates will ensure safety and comfort and provide the best long-term return on your investment.
Keep Energy Standards in Mind
The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial standard in British Columbia that sets increasing performance requirements for energy efficiency in new buildings, with a goal that all new buildings in B.C. be net-zero ready by 2032.
If your home renovation can align with or exceed current Step Code requirements, you’ll get more than just lower heating bills; you’ll enjoy better comfort, improved indoor air quality, and better resale value.
While not every renovation must fully meet these standards, aiming for high performance (e.g., better insulation, airtight windows, efficient heating/ventilation systems) is a wise investment that pays off over time.
You Get What You Pay For
When it comes to North Vancouver home renovations, cutting corners on materials and/or craftsmanship can lead to higher costs down the road. Choosing high-quality products and an experienced builder costs more upfront, but will ensure your renovation is both beautiful and built to last.
At Hasler Homes, we treat every project with the same care and attention we’d give our own homes, prioritizing craftsmanship, transparency, and long-term value.
Don’t Forget About the Permitting Process
Many renovations in North Vancouver require building permits, and the approval process takes time. Starting early ensures you’re well-prepared and able to begin construction on schedule.
PRO TIP: Hire an experienced, full-service builder. A full-service renovation contractor like Hasler Homes will handle the permitting process for you, simplifying approvals and ensuring your project meets all City of North Vancouver requirements.
10+ Home Renovation Ideas (with Pictures)
So, what are the best home renovation ideas for your home? Here are the renovations we recommend for North Vancouver homeowners.
1. Open Floor Plans
Pictured: Gleneagles Custom Home by Hasler Homes
One of the most popular home reno ideas for homeowners in North Vancouver is creating an open floor plan. Opening up your kitchen, dining, and living areas will improve natural light, enhance sightlines, and make your home feel larger and more connected.
Our recommendations for opening up your floor plan:
- Remove non-load-bearing walls to create a better flow between spaces.
- Use custom millwork or built-ins to define zones (like a media wall or storage), if you want some sense of separation without closing off rooms. See the image above for a real-world example from our previous renovation in North Vancouver.
2. Kitchens Designed for Living
Pictured Kitchen Renovation: Katsura by Hasler Homes
When it comes to house renovation ideas, few projects will deliver more impact than the kitchen. As the central hub of daily life, a kitchen renovation improves function and lifestyle while also being one of the top renovations to increase home value in North Vancouver.
Our top kitchen renovation recommendations:
- Add a large, functional island with prep space and seating to improve workflow and entertaining capacity.
- Incorporate innovative storage solutions, like appliance garages or walk-through pantries, to keep your kitchen efficient and organized.
- Choose durable, high-quality finishes that can withstand day-to-day use and our coastal conditions.
- Create indoor–outdoor flow with sliding doors or pass-through windows that connect seamlessly to decks and patios.
3. Spa-Inspired Bathrooms
Pictured Bathroom Renovation: Lomond by Hasler Homes
Bathroom renovations done right don’t just look good – they improve comfort and function, and add lasting value to your home. As a result, well-designed bathroom upgrades are considered one of the best home renovation ideas to increase home value in North Vancouver.
Our bathroom renovation recommendations:
- Install a curbless walk-in shower with frameless glass, rainfall fixtures, and built-in storage
- Add heated flooring for everyday comfort.
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Incorporate durable, high-quality finishes like natural stone and custom cabinetry.
4. Bedrooms Designed for Rest and Relaxation
Pictured Bedroom Renovation: Lomond by Hasler Homes
Bedrooms are often overlooked in lists of home reno ideas, but upgrading these spaces can significantly improve daily comfort and add long-term value. The best bedroom renovation ideas combine innovative layouts, built-in storage, and thoughtful design to create a room that supports both rest and functionality.
Our top bedroom renovation recommendations:
- Reconfigure your bathroom’s layout to maximize space and improve flow.
- Install custom storage solutions like built-in closets, shelving, or drawers.
- Add a sitting area with a chair, chaise, or window seat to create a relaxing space for unwinding.
- Invest in durable, high-quality finishes like hardwood flooring and custom millwork.
5. Living Room Home Renovation Ideas for Everyday Living
Pictured Living Room Renovation: Katsura by Hasler Homes
The living room is often the most used space in a home, making it one of the best areas to include in your house reno ideas. For North Vancouver homeowners, the best living room renovations focus on functionality first, then add comfort and style, so your home works better for daily life and entertaining.
Our living room renovation recommendations:
- Upgrade your fireplace to serve as a focal point, whether with stone surrounds, custom millwork, or a sleek modern insert.
- Incorporate custom storage or built-ins to keep the space organized while adding style.
- Refresh the space with durable flooring, natural materials, and timeless details that will complement the rest of your home.
6. Indoor-Outdoor Renovations for North Vancouver Living
Pictured Home Renovation: Katsura by Hasler Homes
In North Vancouver, the line between indoors and outdoors doesn’t have to be so defined. With the right design, indoor-outdoor renovations can expand your usable square footage and make your home feel larger, brighter, and more connected to its surroundings.
PRO TIP: When weighing indoor-outdoor home renovation ideas, don’t just think decks and patios. Consider creating a year-round indoor-outdoor living space that will allow you to enjoy the North Shore’s natural beauty in all seasons.
Our recommendations for indoor–outdoor renovations:
- Connect indoor and outdoor living areas with large sliding glass or folding doors.
- Create covered patios or outdoor living areas that can be enjoyed year-round.
- Incorporate durable, weather-resistant finishes designed for North Vancouver’s damp climate.
7. Laundry & Mudrooms that Work
Pictured Laundry Room Renovation: Canyon by Hasler Homes
Laundry rooms and mudrooms may not be the most glamorous spaces, but they’re among the most useful. Therefore, including them in your renovation plans can enhance organization, reduce clutter, and simplify everyday routines.
PRO TIP: The best laundry room and mudroom home renovation ideas focus on storage, durable finishes, and layouts that can handle heavy use while adding long-term value to your home.
Our recommendations for laundry and mudroom renovations:
- Maximize storage with custom cabinetry, shelving, or pull-out hampers to keep essentials organized and easily accessible.
- Add practical features like a folding counter or a utility sink to improve functionality.
- Choose durable finishes, such as tile or waterproof flooring, that can withstand heavy use and North Vancouver’s damp climate.
- Consider a multipurpose design by combining your laundry space with mudroom storage for added convenience.
8. Basements For Everyday Use
Pictured Project: Belmonte Custom Home Media Room by Hasler Homes
Basements are often underutilized, but with the right design and features, they can become one of the most valuable parts of your home. For North Vancouver families, the best basement house renovation ideas focus on creating a welcoming space for relaxation, wellness, and/or entertainment.
Our top recommendations for basement renovations:
- Create a family rec room or media lounge with built-in storage, soundproofing, and comfortable seating for movie nights or gatherings.
- Design a wellness space, such as a home gym or yoga studio, to bring fitness and relaxation into your home.
- Add a guest or in-law suite with a flexible layout and private bathroom to comfortably host family members.
- Incorporate specialty features like a wine cellar or bar to elevate entertaining and make use of cooler basement conditions.
9. Workshop & Garage Home Renovations
Pictured Renovation Project: Primrose by Hasler Homes
For many North Vancouver homes, the garage or workshop becomes a catch-all space – somewhere to store everything from seasonal equipment to tools. But with the right planning and design, these areas can do much more. For example, innovative garage home renovation ideas can transform underused square footage into organized storage, hobby space, or even a year-round extension of your living area.
Our workshop and garage renovation recommendations:
- Maximize storage with custom shelving, built-in cabinets, or overhead racks.
- Boost curb appeal instantly by painting or replacing your garage door.
- Add a work zone in your garage, with a workbench and tool storage, to support hobbies or projects.
10. Backyard Renovations that Extend Your Living Space
Pictured Backyard Renovation Project: Edgemont by Hasler Homes
Your backyard can be much more than grass and a fence! With the right backyard home renovation ideas, you can turn it into a place for entertaining, relaxing, or even working from home. In North Vancouver, where outdoor living is part of the lifestyle, investing in your backyard not only improves daily life but also adds long-term value to your property.
Our top recommendations for backyard renovations:
- Build a new patio or deck to create a defined space for dining or entertaining.
- Design a separate office or studio in the backyard for a quiet, dedicated workspace or creative retreat.
- Add covered areas, like pergolas or awnings, so you and your family can enjoy your backyard.
- Create an outdoor cooking area with space for a BBQ or pizza oven, a bar fridge, etc.
11. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Pictured Renovation: Katsura – Awarded Built Green Gold
Energy-efficient renovations lower utility bills, enhance comfort, improve indoor air quality, and increase resale value. In North Vancouver, aligning with the BC Energy Step Code also helps future-proof your home, as building standards move toward net-zero by 2032.
Our recommendations for energy-efficient house renovation ideas:
- Improve insulation and air-tightness to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Upgrade windows and doors with triple-pane glass and insulated frames to reduce heat loss and drafts.
- Invest in high-performance heating and cooling systems for efficient year-round comfort.
Want to make your home more efficient?
Hasler Homes specializes in building energy-efficient and Net Zero homes. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your energy-efficient renovation.
12. Exterior Home Renovation Ideas That Boost Curb Appeal
Pictured Exterior Home Renovation: Evelyn
Your home’s exterior makes the first impression, and it’s often where smaller upgrades can have the biggest impact. But thoughtful exterior renovations don’t just improve curb appeal; they can also enhance the durability, efficiency, and long-term value of your North Vancouver home.
Our top recommendations for exterior renos:
- Upgrade your driveway or walkways with new paving, stone, or concrete finishes for a polished look and safer access.
- Refresh siding or cladding to modernize your home’s appearance and improve energy efficiency.
- Replace exterior doors and windows to boost both curb appeal and insulation.
- Install a new garage door or paint the existing one to instantly update your home’s façade.
Tips for a Successful Home Renovation
Even the best home renovation ideas will only succeed with the proper planning and execution. The following tips will help ensure your house renovation goes smoothly and delivers the results you’re looking for.
- Work with an experienced local builder. Choose a renovation contractor, like Hasler Homes, who is familiar with City of North Vancouver permitting, zoning, and BC Step Code requirements. This local expertise will help you avoid delays and ensure your project is built right – the first time.
- Prioritize communication. Clear, ongoing communication with your builder helps keep your renovation project on time, on budget, and aligned with your vision. For best results, make sure you hire a home renovation company in Vancouver, BC with strong communication skills.
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Set aside a contingency fund. In older North Vancouver homes, concealed surprises are common. Therefore, it’s important to have some money set aside for unexpected challenges.
A TIP FROM HASLER: We recommend having a renovation contingency fund of 20% to 30% of your budget. - Think long-term. Make decisions with the future in mind, whether that means energy efficiency, family growth, or aging in place.
Transform Your Home with Hasler Homes
At Hasler Homes, we combine award-winning craftsmanship, family-first values, and a proven commitment to transparency. We treat every home as if it were our own – delivering clear communication, trusted guidance, and homes that are built to last.
Ready to transform your home? Contact Hasler Homes today to start planning your renovation with a team you can trust.
FAQs About Home Renovation Ideas
Do I need a permit for my renovation in North Vancouver?
In most cases, yes – especially if your renovation involves structural work (like removing walls), upgrading windows/doors, altering plumbing/electrical, or expanding your home.
Both the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver require permits for many types of residential renovations and additions. Learn more here – City of North Vancouver Permits.
PRO TIP: If you work with a full-service builder like Hasler Homes to bring your home reno ideas to life, we will take care of the application process for you with the help of the design team.
Will my renovation project need to meet the BC Energy Step Code?
No, in most cases, renovations don’t need to meet the BC Energy Step Code. That said, if your home renovation idea is so extensive that your updated home qualifies as a new build, then the Step Code will apply.
Even if it’s not required, enhancing your home’s efficiency to meet or exceed the Step Code can reduce energy bills, improve comfort and indoor air quality, and boost resale value. Therefore, at Hasler Homes, we recommend implementing high-performance building materials and features.
Are there rebates for energy upgrades in North Vancouver?
Yes, several programs offer rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.
For example, the CleanBC Better Homes & Home Renovation Rebate Program and BC Hydro’s Home Renovation Rebate Program provide rebates for building envelope upgrades, including insulation upgrades and window and door improvements.
Important to Note: Be sure to check your eligibility ahead of time, as requirements and deadlines may change.
