Launch Burnaby New Single-Family Home Construction Business Today
This page shows how to start a Burnaby-based business in New Single-Family Home Construction (NAICS 236115)—excluding for-sale builders. It offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching your venture, including the six essential requirements, where to obtain permits, and a realistic look at costs and timelines to keep your project on track.
You’ll learn what those six requirements cover, from business setup and local permitting to insurance, safety planning, and contracts. We break down how to handle permits from Burnaby’s planning department, estimate upfront costs (permits, design, insurance), and map a reasonable timeline from pre-construction through building inspections to occupancy so you can plan with confidence.
Burnaby’s growing market and easy access to Metro Vancouver make it a strong fit for single-family construction. With steady demand, solid trades, and clear local rules, you can build a rewarding business here. This page shows how the city permits and timelines fit your six requirements and keep you moving forward.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is BC Residential Builder Licence. This license is legally required to build and certify new single-family homes in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate as a residential builder without it. It is non-negotiable—obtain the licence before you start work, and keep it active with any renewals or updates.
Mandatory operational requirements: health, safety, and permits. In BC, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is mandatory for all employers, so you must set up coverage for your crew and follow safety rules, training, and reporting. In addition, you will need to secure the necessary local building permits and inspections from Burnaby as you progress through the construction, ensuring codes and zoning are followed and inspections are completed.
Business registration & tax: start with a Business Number (BN) from the federal government to handle taxes and payroll. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register your BC Business Name. You’ll also arrange GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold or if you want to reclaim credits, and set up payroll deductions if you have employees.
Next steps and encouragement: begin by confirming the BC Residential Builder Licence requirements and process with the regulator, then line up WorkSafeBC coverage and Burnaby permits. Open the BN and register your BC business name, and arrange GST/HST and payroll accounts with the CRA. Take it one step at a time—these foundations will help you start the project smoothly and stay compliant.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a new single-family housing construction (except for-sale builders) in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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BC Residential Builder Licence RequiredLicence required for general contractors, developers, and building envelope renovators constructing new residential homes in British Columbia Apply through BC Housing Licensing & Consumer Services. New licence application: $600. Annual renewal: $500. Per-unit registration: $40/home. Must complete qualifying training. Owner-builder authorization: $425. Processing: 2-4 weeks for complete applications. Contact: 604-646-7050 or 1-800-407-7757.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your new single-family housing construction (except for-sale builders):
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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The Labour Mobility Deduction (LMD), enacted via Bill C-241, provides tradespeople and indentured apprentices in construction with a personal income tax deduction of up to $4,000 per year for eligible temporary relocation expenses. The worker must temporarily relocate more than 150 km from their ordinary residence within Canada for at …
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$50M two-year initiative (2024–2026) delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. Provides repayable contributions to businesses and non-repayable to non-profits and governments, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Projects from $200K to $5M. Applicants must have been in business at least 2 years.
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ACLP offers low-interest construction and permanent financing for new purpose-built rental apartment projects. Loans are interest-only during construction, then convert to a 10-year term with up to 50-year amortization. Previously known as the Rental Construction Financing Initiative.
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A $595 million program (Budget 2021) plus $90 million additional (Budget 2024, for housing trades). Since its launch in 2022, the program has funded 11,459 employers to create 17,208 apprenticeship placements. Provides $5,000 per first-year apprentice hired in one of 39 eligible Red Seal designated trades. An additional $5,000 is …
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