One of the most confusing parts of planning a renovation is figuring out whether you need a permit. Homeowners across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver search this question every single day — and getting it wrong can lead to delays, fines, or even having to redo completed work.

Aftermath Contracting has handled thousands of renovations in the region, and here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand when a permit is and is not required.

When You Do Need a Permit

In most municipalities across Greater Vancouver (excluding Langley & Surrey), you need a permit for renovations that change the structure, safety, or major systems of your home.

Here are the...

Whether you're in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, or West Vancouver, the cost of renovating your home in 2025 depends on several important factors. With material prices, labour demand, and building standards constantly shifting, homeowners want clear, realistic answers—not guesswork.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you understand what you can expect and how Aftermath Contracting makes the process transparent from day one.

What Impacts Renovation Costs in 2025?

1. Size & Scope of the Project

A small bathroom update costs far less than a full home remodel. The more demolition, rebuilding, plumbing, electrical, and finishing involved, the higher the investment...

Homeowners search for this topic constantly — and for good reason. Small issues can turn into major repairs if ignored. Whether you’re living in an older home or a newer build, regular maintenance is the key to keeping everything safe, efficient, and valuable.

Here are 10 of the most common early-warning signs homeowners should never ignore — and how Aftermath Contracting can help fix them before they turn into costly headaches.

1. Cracks in Walls or Floors

Tiny cracks might seem harmless, but they can mean:

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  Foundation shifting

  
  


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  Moisture problems

  
  


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  Structural stress

  
  

If the cracks keep spreading, it’s time to get an expert to inspect the situation before structural damage gets e...

In cities like Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver, homes are beautiful, but many are aging—fast. And while people focus on cosmetic upgrades like new flooring or fresh paint, the real value comes from safety improvements that protect the home long-term.

Here are the 7 most overlooked home safety upgrades homeowners rarely think about—but absolutely should in 2025.

1. Upgrading Old GFCI Outlets

Most homes older than 10–15 years have outdated outlets that don’t offer modern shock protection.
New GFCI and AFCI outlets prevent:

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  Electrical fires

  
  


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  Shock risks

  
  


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  Overloads from modern appliances

  
  

This is one of the smartest low-cost safety upgrades.

2. Rei...

Renovating your home should feel exciting—not overwhelming. But for many homeowners across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver, the renovation process becomes stressful fast: unreliable contractors, hidden costs, slow timelines, and poor communication.

That’s why more homeowners are turning to Aftermath Contracting, the local team known for transparency, quality, and finish-ready results you don’t have to “fix again later.”

No More Guessing — You Get Clear Communication From Day One

Most renovation issues start with poor communication.
Aftermath Contracting solves this with:

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  Upfront, accurate estimates

  
  


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  Daily progress updates

  
  


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  Direct...

As housing prices continue to climb across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver, more homeowners are choosing to expand their current homes instead of moving. Home additions have become one of the most practical, value-boosting renovations in the region — giving families more space, more functionality, and more long-term equity.

At Aftermath Contracting, we’ve seen a massive rise in homeowners wanting smarter, modern, custom-built additions that transform their lifestyle and increase their resale value.

Why Home Additions Are in Such High Demand

1. Housing Prices Continue to Rise

Buying a bigger home in the Lower Mainland isn't always realistic. Home add...

Most homeowners don’t realize this, but mold doesn’t start as a major problem — it starts as something small you barely notice. A faint smell. A patch behind a dresser. A bit of moisture around a window.
But once mold begins spreading, it never stops on its own, and it always becomes more expensive, more damaging, and more dangerous the longer you wait.

At Aftermath Contracting, we specialize in catching and eliminating mold before it becomes a disaster. Here’s why acting early makes all the difference:

✅ 1. Early Mold Signals Are Easy to Miss

It often starts with:
• Musty or damp smell
• Condensation on windows
• Minor discoloration on walls
• Slight...

When water damage hits, every minute counts. What starts as a small leak or an unexpected flood can quickly turn into a major problem—weakening structures, growing mold, and ruining valuables. That’s why speed is the most important factor in any restoration job. And it’s exactly why Aftermath Restoration is built around rapid response and immediate action.

The Hidden Costs of Waiting

Water doesn’t stay still. It spreads, it soaks, and it destroys. The longer the delay, the worse the damage:

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  Drywall absorbs moisture fast, leading to warping and crumbling.

  
  


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  Floors swell and buckle, especially hardwood.

  
  


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  Mold starts developing within 24–48 hours, turning a simple cleanup ...

Basement floods are one of the most stressful disasters a homeowner can experience. Beyond the standing water, the hidden damage, moisture buildup, and health risks can quickly turn a minor event into a major crisis. In Vancouver, where heavy rainfall and drainage issues are common, fast and professional flood restoration is essential. That’s where Aftermath Contracting steps in—bringing expertise, speed, and proven systems to restore properties safely and efficiently.

What Actually Happens After a Basement Flood?

A flood isn’t just “water in the basement.” It triggers a chain reaction of problems:

1. Water Soaks Into Building Materials

Drywall, insulation, flooring...

A house fire is one of the most devastating events a homeowner can experience. Even small fires leave behind smoke damage, harmful residues, and structural issues that make a home unsafe to return to. In Vancouver, where many homes have older electrical systems and dense neighbourhood layouts, professional fire restoration is essential for safety and long-term protection.

Aftermath Contracting provides reliable, expert fire damage restoration that helps homeowners rebuild quickly, safely, and with confidence.

Understanding the Real Impact of Fire Damage

Fire damage isn’t just charred walls or burnt belongings. It affects your home in ways that require trained specialists:

1. Smoke & Soot T...