Investment Guide

Transparent Pricing

1 OUR APPROACH

No Surprises. No Hidden Costs. Just Honest Numbers.

At LJH Construction, we believe every homeowner deserves to understand what their project will cost before committing to anything. That's why we provide detailed, itemized estimates — not vague ballpark figures — so you can make informed decisions at every stage.

Our pricing reflects years of refining processes, supplier relationships, and trade partnerships in Metro Vancouver since 2009. You're paying for predictability, accountability, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a trusted team that has delivered over 500 projects.

Every project is unique. The ranges below reflect typical Metro Vancouver market rates for the scope and quality level LJH delivers. Your free consultation will produce a precise, scope-specific estimate at no obligation.

Get a Free Estimate
500+
Award-Winning Projects Delivered
  • Detailed itemized estimates — not ballparks
  • Fixed-price contracts available
  • No cost surprises at project end
  • All permits and engineering included
  • Transparent change-order process
  • 2-year workmanship warranty included
2 INVESTMENT GUIDE

Cost, Value and Financial Return by Project Type

The following figures are estimated ranges based on current Greater Vancouver construction and real estate trends as of 2026. Actual costs and returns vary depending on property size, site conditions, design complexity, municipality regulations, material selections, and market conditions.

New Construction

Custom Single-Family Home

$650,000 – $1,500,000+
$325–$450+ per sq. ft. (standard)  ·  $900K–$1.5M+ luxury and high-end
  • Demolition and site preparation
  • Permit and city fees included
  • Architectural and engineering drawings
  • Utility upgrades and connections
  • Landscaping allowance
  • GST and contingency managed
Rental Income Potential
$4,500 – $7,500+/month
$54,000–$90,000+ annually  ·  +$1,800–$3,000/mo with legal suite  ·  New build market value $1.6M–$2.1M+
Get a Custom Home Quote
Secondary Suite

Laneway House

$280,000 – $550,000+
~$400–$600+ per sq. ft.  ·  Greater Vancouver 2026
  • Site access and servicing
  • Utility connection and upgrades
  • Full interior fit-out and finishing
  • All permits and city approvals
  • Independent entrance and living space
  • Typical payback: 8–15 years
Rental Income Potential
$1,900 – $4,200+/month
$28,000–$50,000+ annually  ·  Property value increase: $250K–$500K+
Get a Laneway Quote
Secondary Suite

Garden Suite

$280,000 – $550,000+
~$400–$600+ per sq. ft.  ·  No lane access required
  • Site servicing and excavation
  • Structural design and engineering
  • Municipality approvals and permits
  • Full detached living space
  • Family-friendly layouts
  • Full interior finishing
Rental Income Potential
$2,200 – $3,800/month
$26,000–$45,000+ annually  ·  Property value increase: $250K–$450K+
Get a Garden Suite Quote
Renovation

Major Renovation and Legal Suite

$200,000 – $600,000+
Legal basement suite addition: +$80,000–$180,000+
  • Structural modifications
  • Mechanical and electrical upgrades
  • Kitchen, bathrooms and flooring
  • Open-concept layout changes
  • Legal secondary suite
  • Full permit management
Legal Suite Rental Potential
$1,800 – $3,000/month
$21,000–$36,000+ annually  ·  60–85%+ of costs recovered through resale
Get a Renovation Quote
Multi-Unit Development

Small-Scale Multi-Unit (SSMUH)

Contact for Estimate
Duplex  ·  Triplex  ·  Fourplex  ·  Multiplex  ·  Up to 6 units
  • BC provincial densification compliance
  • Multiple rental income streams
  • Multiple saleable units
  • Full structural and engineering
  • All permits and approvals managed
  • Maximum land productivity
Gross Rental Income Potential
$80,000 – $180,000+/year
15–20%+ projected profit margins  ·  ~30–40% operating expenses on gross revenue
Discuss Your Project
3 ALWAYS INCLUDED

What Every LJH Project Includes

Unlike contractors who quote low and add costs later, our estimates include everything required to complete your project to LJH's standard of quality. No line-item surprises at the end.

Dedicated project manager
Permit and city fees — all municipalities
Architectural and engineering drawings
All trade coordination
Demolition and site preparation
Utility upgrades and connections
GST and contingency planning
2-year workmanship warranty
LJH Construction quality craftsmanship
4 COST FACTORS

What Affects Your Final Investment?

Every project is priced on its specific scope and conditions. These four factors have the greatest impact on your final number.

01

Project Scope and Size

The square footage being renovated or built, the number of rooms, and the complexity of structural changes are the primary cost drivers. Larger scopes with multiple trades running simultaneously increase coordination and material costs.

02

Finish Level and Materials

Premium cabinetry, custom millwork, stone countertops, heated tile, and designer fixtures add to the budget significantly compared to builder-grade finishes. LJH helps clients find the right balance for their goals and investment level.

03

Site Conditions and Access

Older homes may have knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, or asbestos that must be addressed before renovation work begins. Tight site access, lane parking restrictions, and occupied-home logistics also factor into cost.

04

Permit and Engineering Requirements

Structural changes, additions, heritage work, and house lifts require engineering reports, soil testing, and City approvals. LJH manages this process in-house, ensuring costs are transparent and timelines are protected.

5 THE PROCESS

From First Call to Final Quote

Our process is designed to give you a precise, written estimate with no pressure — before you make any commitment.

1

Free Consultation

A 45–60 minute conversation with our project team to understand your goals, timeline, and budget parameters. In-home or video call.

2

Site Visit and Scoping

We visit your home to document site conditions, take measurements, and identify any structural or mechanical considerations that affect the estimate.

3

Itemized Estimate

You receive a detailed written estimate broken down by trade and line item. No vague numbers — you'll see exactly what you're paying for.

4

Review and Refine

We walk through the estimate together, answer every question, and adjust scope or finishes until the project fits your vision and budget precisely.

6 FAQ

Pricing Questions Answered

Straight answers to the most common questions we hear about renovation costs in Metro Vancouver.

Ask Us Anything
Yes — completely. Our consultation, site visit, and written estimate cost you nothing. We believe you should have full information before making any decision. There is no pressure to sign, and no follow-up timeline is imposed on you.
They reflect actual completed LJH projects in Metro Vancouver. However, every home is different. The ranges are wide because scope, finish level, and site conditions vary significantly. Your project estimate could fall anywhere within — or outside — these ranges depending on your specific goals.
Yes. Once scope and finishes are finalized and signed off, we offer fixed-price contracts for most project types. This means your final invoice matches the contract price — change orders are only issued when you request changes to the agreed scope.
Yes — laneway and garden suites consistently rank among the strongest long-term real estate investments available to homeowners in Metro Vancouver. A well-designed unit can add $250,000–$500,000+ to property value while generating $28,000–$50,000+ in annual rental income. With typical payback periods of 8–15 years and continued rental demand, the financial case is strong for most properties that qualify.
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) refers to BC's provincial zoning changes that now allow increased residential density — duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and multiplexes up to six units — on many traditionally single-family lots. Whether your lot qualifies depends on its size, municipality, and zoning classification. LJH Construction can review your property and walk you through what's possible under current regulations at no cost.
Yes. Permit fees and the cost of managing the permit process with the City of Vancouver (or relevant municipality) are included in your estimate. We handle all applications, inspections, and approvals — you don't have to deal with the city directly.
In some cases, yes. For items like appliances or plumbing fixtures that you purchase independently, we can adjust the estimate accordingly. However, LJH's trade pricing and supplier relationships typically offer competitive rates, and we warranty all materials we supply. We'll discuss this during the estimate review.
7 GET STARTED

Ready to Know Exactly What Your Project Will Cost?

Book a free, no-pressure consultation with LJH Construction. We'll listen to your vision, visit your home, and deliver a detailed written estimate — at no cost and no obligation.

Disclaimer: All construction costs, rental estimates, timelines, and market values are approximate figures based on Greater Vancouver market conditions as of 2026. Actual costs and returns may vary depending on municipality requirements, design selections, financing conditions, market fluctuations, and site-specific factors. Land acquisition costs are not included and remain one of the largest financial variables in Greater Vancouver. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice.