North Vancouver Home Renovation Questions Answered – with Greg Hasler

A builder’s perspective on renovation planning, permits, timelines, and more.

If you’re thinking about updating your North Shore home, you likely have a few home renovation questions – and you’re not alone. At Hasler Homes, we believe in open communication and complete transparency, which is why we’ve put together this builder-backed guide to answer the most common home renovation questions we hear from North Vancouver homeowners. To ensure the information is as accurate and helpful as possible, we sat down with Greg Hasler, owner of Hasler Homes and a trusted North Vancouver renovation contractor.

In this Q&A, Greg shares his practical insights and knowledge developed through years of building and renovating on the North Shore. From renovation planning and permits to contractor selection, here’s a builder’s perspective on what you need to know before starting your project.

Table of Contents:

Renovation Planning
Timeline Q&A
Questions About Contractors
General Home Renovation Questions
Build with Hasler

Renovation timelines are one of the most common concerns for North Vancouver homeowners. How long will the work take? Which parts of the renovation require the most time? And what can you do to help keep the project on schedule? These are home renovation questions we hear often.

In this section, Greg breaks down what to expect so you can plan your renovation with realistic timelines in mind.

How long does a typical renovation take?

Greg explains that a typical North Vancouver home renovation can take anywhere from 6-10 months, depending on the size of the home and the level of detail involved. Larger or more complex renovations naturally take longer, as demolition, structural work, multiple trades, and finishing all add time to the schedule.

Want to know how long your reno will take? Request a free consult with Greg today!

What part of a home renovation takes the longest?

According to Greg, it’s the overall size of a reno that ultimately determines the timeline. But, typically, kitchens and bathrooms take the longest. That’s because these spaces involve multiple trades (plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, tiling, etc.) and finishing details, which add time to the overall schedule. 

How can I keep my reno on time?

Keeping a renovation on schedule is a shared effort between the builder and homeowner that requires clear communication and teamwork. 

Greg emphasizes that timely, efficient decision-making is critical. When homeowners make selections early and stick to the plan (with minimal last-minute changes), it prevents delays caused by waiting on materials, design changes, or trade scheduling.

From the builder’s side, keeping a renovation on time means maintaining clear communication and ensuring the team fully understands the plan. When trades are properly coordinated and the scope is clearly defined, materials can be ordered on time, and work can proceed without unnecessary delays.

At Hasler Homes, we’re known for keeping renovation and custom builds on time and on budget. We do this through clear, open communication, well-coordinated trades, and proactive problem-solving.

Selecting the right renovation contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your project.

In this section, Greg answers common home renovation questions that homeowners have when hiring a renovation contractor in North Vancouver. His answers will help you understand what to look for and what to avoid.

How do I choose the right contractor?

Choosing the right renovation contractor comes down to finding someone you work well with. Greg notes that clear, open communication between the homeowner and builder is key to a successful renovation.

When expectations are aligned and communication is strong, decisions are made more efficiently, and potential issues can be addressed before they become problems. That’s why it’s so important to choose a contractor you feel comfortable communicating with.

For a deeper look at what to consider when hiring a builder, check out our article on how to choose a home builder.

What are good questions to ask a contractor before hiring them?

Greg recommends asking a renovation contractor for referrals and a list of their industry associates.

It’s important to understand the contractor’s history of completed projects and the types of renovations they’ve successfully completed – because when you’re making such a significant investment, a strong track record matters! Speaking with past clients and reviewing previous work will help you evaluate the contractor’s experience, reliability, and ability to see projects through to completion.

If you’re not sure where to start when interviewing potential contractors, here’s a helpful list of questions to ask: Questions to Ask a Home Builder.

How far in advance should I book a contractor?

Greg recommends involving a renovation contractor as early as possible in the planning process. Bringing a contractor on board from the beginning means they can provide referrals to the best architects, designers, and structural engineers and help guide decisions around what’s achievable for your home and budget.

Rather than waiting until your plans are finalized, it’s best to have a contractor involved before submitting drawings to the district. This allows them to review your ideas early and ensure your renovation, or renovation plus addition, is realistic from both a cost and scope perspective.

Want to talk to someone about your home renovation? We’re here to help. Give us a call at 778-688-7846 or schedule a consultation with Greg.

Should I hire Hasler Homes for my renovation? Why?

Yes, absolutely. Here are a few reasons homeowners choose Hasler Homes as their renovation contractor or home builder:

• We build award-winning homes. Explore our completed work in our Project Portfolio.
  
• We have over a decade of experience crafting high-quality, high-performance homes and large-scale renovations across North Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
  
• We’re recognized for our craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail – qualities that define every Hasler Homes renovation and custom built home.
  
• We use a professional-tier project management system to keep renovations organized, efficient, and on track.
  
• We partner with top architects, designers, and industry professionals to ensure every project benefits from trusted expertise and proven experience.
  
• Clear, open communication, transparency, and collaboration are at the core of everything we do, so clients are informed and involved at every stage.
• From early planning through project completion, the team at Hasler Homes works closely with clients to bring their vision to life. We provide thoughtful guidance and proactive coordination of trades and timelines to help keep projects on track, on budget, and aligned with homeowner expectations.

As one of the top renovation contractors and home builders on the North Shore, working with Hasler Homes will ensure your project is smooth, well-managed, executed beautifully, and built to last. But don’t just take our word for it – check out Hasler Homes’ Google Reviews to see what our clients have to say.

Want to learn more about our approach to home renovations? Explore our home building process or book a consultation with Greg to discuss your project.

Home renovations often come with practical questions that don’t always fit neatly into one category. 

In this section, Greg answers general home renovation questions North Vancouver homeowners commonly ask, helping you better understand what to expect throughout the process.

Can I live in my home during a renovation?

Yes, it is possible to live in your home during a renovation. However, Greg notes that, depending on the extent of the renovation, it’s often more beneficial to temporarily move out. Larger or more involved renovations can impact daily routines, access to key spaces, and overall comfort. In many cases, not living in the home allows the work to move more efficiently and reduces disruption for both the homeowner and the renovation team.

What are the most common renovation mistakes homeowners make?

One of the most common renovation mistakes Greg sees is homeowners trying to act as their own contractor. While it may seem like a way to save money, managing trades, schedules, materials, and permits without professional experience often leads to delays, miscommunication, and added costs. A qualified renovation contractor brings coordination, accountability, and expertise to the process, helping ensure the project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Are open-concept layouts still popular?

Yes, open-concept layouts are still very popular in North Vancouver. Greg notes that homeowners continue to value open layouts for their natural light, improved flow, and ability to create more functional, connected living spaces. 

If you’re looking for examples of how open-concept design can work beautifully, take a look at projects like Haven, Brightwater and Valleyhouse, which showcase modern open layouts designed for everyday living.

Is renovating a house worth it?

Yes, renovating a house can be a great option, especially if you want to adapt your home to better suit your needs. Greg explains that a well-planned renovation allows you to improve how your home functions and make the space work for your lifestyle, without having to move. For many North Vancouver homeowners, renovating is a practical way to create a home that truly fits how they live (or want to live).

Hasler Homes specializes in high-quality North Vancouver renovations designed to stand the test of time. Whether you have more home renovation questions or you’re ready to move forward with a reno, Greg Hasler and the team at Hasler Homes are here to help.

Book a Consult with Greg Hasler Today