Richmond, Metro Vancouver
Renovations and builds in Richmond
Richmond is a low, diked delta city where few homes predate 1961. We renovate houses and townhomes and build suites here, starting with a free quote.
Richmond · Metro Vancouver
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Victoria to the Lower Mainland
Greater Victoria, up-Island and Metro Vancouver.
Richmond’s housing
Only 3.4% of Richmond’s occupied homes were built in 1960 or before, the lowest share of any Metro Vancouver city in this guide. Most are newer: 35.4% date from 1981 to 2000 and 38.7% from 2001 to 2021 (2021 Census).
The mix is even. Single-detached houses are 30.1%, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes 27.8%, apartments under five storeys 22.9% and taller apartments 19.1%. If you own a single-family lot, the 2024 rezoning below may let you add units without a rezoning application.
- 30.1% single-detached houses
- 27.8% semi-detached, row houses and duplexes
- 22.9% apartments under five storeys
- 19.1% apartments of five storeys or more
- 3.4% built in 1960 or before
Richmond rules for trees, units and energy
The Tree Protection Bylaw (BL 8057) generally prohibits cutting or removing any tree larger than 20 cm in diameter at breast height, about 1.4 m, without a permit. You must plant replacement trees.
Council adopted the Energy Step Code in June 2018 and the Zero Carbon Step Code in October 2023. Richmond’s own documents give conflicting levels for new houses, so as of October 2026, confirm the current requirement with the City.
Richmond reports that in June 2024 Council rezoned about 27,000 single-family and duplex lots to its RSM zone, which allows 3 to 6 homes per lot with three building layouts. Agricultural Land Reserve lots were left out. Check your lot with the City, especially in Steveston, where the City sought more time because of sewer replacement.
- Tree permit for trees over 20 cm in diameter at about 1.4 m
- Replacement trees required
- Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes adopted (2018, 2023); confirm the current level
- Steveston has its own area plan
Building permits: City of Richmond: residential building information
Neighbourhoods we cover in Richmond
- Steveston
- Broadmoor
- Blundell
- Seafair
- Thompson
- East Richmond
Only 3.4% of Richmond’s homes were built in 1960 or before, the lowest share of any Metro Vancouver city in this guide.
A city behind dikes
Richmond’s 2024 flood protection update describes a city about 1.0 m above sea level, protected by 49 km of dikes and 39 drainage pump stations. Its Flood Plain Designation and Protection Bylaw No. 8204 sets flood construction levels for the finished floor or the underside of the floor system.
If you’re planning a new house or an addition, ask the City for the flood construction level on your lot before you design. It decides how high the main floor sits.
Richmond: common questions
Sources
Statistics Canada, 2021 Census Profile: Richmond, City (CY) · City of Richmond: Residential building information · City of Richmond: OCP key map · City of Richmond: Tree removal · City of Richmond: BC Energy Step Code · City of Richmond: Housing news (July 4, 2024) · City of Richmond: Housing legislation · City of Richmond: Bill 44 extension request (May 2024) · City of Richmond: Steveston Area Plan · City of Richmond: Fraser River freshet and flood protection update (2024) · City of Richmond: Bylaw 8204. Checked 2026-10-30.
Services
What we build in Richmond
More of Metro Vancouver · How we run a job
Bathroom renovations
Tub-to-shower conversions, waterproofing, tile, fixtures and fans vented to the outside.
Windows & doors
Replacement windows, exterior doors and patio doors, flashed properly into the wall.
Drainage & perimeter drains
Camera inspection, cleaning, repair and replacement of foundation perimeter drains.
Heat pumps & HVAC
Ducted and ductless heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, furnaces and fuel switching, sized to the house.
Handyman & small repairs
Fixes, installs, patching and minor carpentry: the jobs too small for a renovation.
Free quotes
Planning work in Richmond?
Tell us what you’d like done and which area you’re in. We’ll email you to confirm your free quote visit.