Launch Your Burnaby Residential Remodelers Business with Confidence Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step path to starting a residential remodelers business in Burnaby, aligned with NAICS 236118. You'll learn the six core requirements—from registering your business to securing a contractor license and lining up permits—so you can move from idea to job site faster. We keep things clear, actionable, and focused on real-world milestones like permits and timelines.
Six practical requirements to tackle: 1) business registration, 2) Burnaby contractor/business license, 3) building permits for renovations, 4) licensed sub-trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter), 5) insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, and 6) budgeting, bookkeeping, and taxes. We'll spell out typical costs for licenses and permits, expected timelines for permit approvals in Burnaby, and how to budget for insurance and labor so you stay on track.
Burnaby is a strong fit for residential remodelers thanks to steady demand, diverse housing stock, and a streamlined permitting environment. With careful planning, you can build a reputable business serving homeowners and small developers in this growing city. Start smart with the right permits, licenses, and a solid 6-point plan—and watch your projects and profits grow.
Requirements Overview
The BC Residential Builder Licence is the most critical requirement for operating a residential remodeler in Burnaby. This license is legally required to perform residential construction and remodeling work in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s the gatekeeper for your trade—without the licence you cannot legally bid on or complete projects. This requirement is non-negotiable and should be your top priority.
Beyond licensing, there are essential operational requirements to keep your crew and projects safe and compliant. Health and safety come first: you must have WorkSafeBC coverage for all workers and maintain the required safety training and records. On the project side, many remodels in Burnaby will need building permits and periodic inspections from the city, so plan for permits, code checks, and proper documentation as part of every job.
For the business and taxes, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) and, if you operate under a name other than your own, BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also handle tax registrations: GST/HST registration with the federal government if your revenue hits the threshold, and payroll deductions registration if you have employees. These registrations are how you stay compliant with taxes, payroll, and reporting.
If you’re ready to move forward, start by confirming your BC Residential Builder Licence, then register your business name (if needed), obtain a BN, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as applicable. Check Burnaby’s building department and the provincial guidelines to align permits and safety requirements. With clear steps and solid compliance, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth, lawful start.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a residential remodelers 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 residential remodelers:
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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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