How to Start an Other Building Finishing Contractors Business in Burnaby
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step plan to start an Other Building Finishing Contractors business (NAICS 238390) in Burnaby. It lays out a six-requirement roadmap to get registered, licensed, and ready to bid on interior finishing projects. You'll also get an overview of permits, costs, and a realistic timeline from concept to launch in Burnaby.
What you’ll learn: the six requirements you'll need to meet before taking on work, plus clear guidance on permits and approvals. We'll walk you through: 1) business registration with the BC Corporate Registry, 2) Burnaby municipal business license, 3) general liability insurance (and bonding if needed), 4) WorkSafeBC coverage, 5) any provincial trade registrations if required, 6) setting up contracts and a simple project management process. You'll also see typical costs (licensing, insurance, permits) and a practical timeline so you can plan for interior finishes like drywall, plaster, ceilings and trim.
Why Burnaby works for this niche: a growing mix of commercial and multi-family projects, strong demand for quality interior finishing, and easy access to Vancouver's metro area. The city’s streamlined permit processes and active construction scene help you launch faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an other building finishing contractor business in Burnaby is SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification. This credential is legally required to perform and supervise finishing trades in British Columbia, and you cannot legally start or operate this business without it. It is non-negotiable. If you hire others to do the work, ensure they also hold the appropriate certification.
Beyond certification, your operation must be safe and compliant. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, maintain a basic health and safety program, provide training and PPE for workers, and follow standard job-site safety practices. Depending on the project, obtain any local Burnaby permits and keep clear records of inspections and incidents to stay on top of safety and regulatory expectations.
To legally bill clients and file taxes, you need the right business numbers. Register your BC business name with the Corporate Registry for a sole proprietorship or partnership, and obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number for federal accounts. You’ll also register for GST/HST if your revenue meets the threshold (or choose to register voluntarily) and set up payroll deductions with the CRA for any employees. These registrations are essential for invoicing, payroll, and tax compliance.
Ready to move forward? Start by confirming your SkilledTradesBC status, then tackle the registrations in this order: BC business name, BN, GST/HST, payroll, and WorkSafeBC. Gather the required documents, set up a simple compliance calendar, and reach out to a local regulator or business advisor if you need help. You’ve got this—these steps will give your Burnaby projects a solid, compliant foundation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other building finishing contractors 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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SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification RequiredMandatory certification for designated skilled trades in British Columbia through SkilledTradesBC Skilled Trades Certification required for designated compulsory trades. Workers must be registered apprentice, certified journeyperson, or designated Uncertified Experienced Worker. First 7 electrical/mechanical trades implemented Dec 1, 2023. Three automotive trades added 2024. Employers must maintain 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson ratio. Experience pathways: Level Challenger (1-4 years exp), Trade Qualifier (5+ years), or Uncertified Experienced Worker (5+ years, 5-year authorization). Contact SkilledTradesBC: 778-328-8700.
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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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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 other building finishing contractors:
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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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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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