Tile setting in Burnaby: scope, permits and quotes

Define the installation before comparing prices

Give bidders the room dimensions, photographs, tile product details and a description of what you want removed. Include the surfaces to be tiled, pattern, grout colour, edge trim and transitions into adjacent rooms. Have the installer inspect the surface before you accept a firm scope, and identify how they will price conditions they cannot see until removal.

For a shower, include a written waterproofing scope covering the base, walls, corners, penetrations and drain connection. Have the setter name the proposed products and explain who handles each stage. Plan to receive photographs and product details before they cover the assembly with tile.

Review a proposed layout before installation. Mark where full tiles start, where cuts land and how the installer will finish corners and niches. Decide who buys the tile, checks deliveries and keeps spare pieces. For repairs, have the setter explain the limits of matching the existing tile and grout before you approve the work.

Settle approvals and trade responsibilities

Burnaby lists replacing flooring among minor works that do not need a building permit. The City requires permits for alterations and includes adding bathrooms and building or removing walls in its home-improvement guidance. Describe the whole renovation to the Building Department when your tile project includes those changes. [1]

For single-family and duplex dwellings, the City requires permits for electrical installations and for installing, changing or upgrading plumbing systems. Identify permit responsibility if your scope includes electric floor heating or a relocated shower drain. Apartment owners should confirm their applicable process with the City because this residential trade-permit guidance covers single-family and duplex homes. [2]

For a strata home, obtain the current bylaws and any alteration agreement. Provincial guidance says bylaws may require written permission for flooring, wall, plumbing or electrical changes, and individual stratas can have different bylaws. Give the installer your building's requirements before they specify the floor assembly. [3]

Confirm work hours, elevator access, common-area protection and debris routes with the strata manager or council. Name the person who coordinates other trades and inspections in the contract. Include any approval documents the installer must provide and any stage when they must pause work.

Prepare for removal and debris handling

WorkSafeBC advises homeowners to test for asbestos before renovation or demolition, or maintenance that could disturb asbestos. Its guidance identifies vinyl flooring and drywall as potential asbestos-containing materials and notes that newer homes can contain older materials. Arrange assessment before anyone removes flooring or opens walls, then share the findings with the contractor. [4]

Separate ordinary demolition and hauling from any specialist removal identified during assessment. Have the contractor specify the disposal destination, debris allowance and charges for additional loads. Include protection for occupied rooms and the route workers will use to carry materials through your home.

Metro Vancouver publishes disposal fees by material category and load weight. It lists restrictions and special bagging requirements for used gypsum. If shower demolition includes wallboard, have the contractor confirm classification and acceptance before hauling it. Use the regional chart to understand facility garbage rates when checking the disposal allowance. [5]

Compare the quote and plan the room's return to use

Review itemized prices for tile supply, removal, preparation, setting, waterproofing where applicable, trim, disposal and related trades. Check exclusions alongside the total. For concealed damage, establish a process for photographs, a priced change and your approval before the contractor proceeds.

Have the installer name the stages of work and give product-specific dates for walking on the floor or using the shower. Include access arrangements and an alternative if this is your only bathroom. At handover, review the completed work together and collect care instructions, product details, spare tile and written warranty terms.

Metro Vancouver garbage disposal rates by load weight

Choose the next step for your project

Your hiring checklist

1. Give bidders the same measurements, photographs and tile specifications.
2. Confirm the preparation and waterproofing scope after a site inspection.
3. Resolve applicable permits, inspections and strata requirements.
4. Arrange assessment before workers disturb existing materials.
5. Approve the layout, edge treatment and room transitions.
6. Check exclusions, disposal allowances and the process for priced changes.
7. Record return-to-use dates and collect care and warranty documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does replacing a tile floor need a building permit?

Burnaby lists flooring replacement among permit-exempt minor works. Check the full project scope with the City if you also plan wall changes, plumbing changes or electrical installation. [1] [2]

Can I book a condo installer before getting strata approval?

Read your current bylaws before committing to materials and dates. Provincial guidance says strata bylaws may require written permission for flooring changes. Confirm the approval requirements for your building. [3]

How should I budget for tile installation?

Obtain itemized quotes for your measured scope, including preparation and removal. Compare allowances and exclusions, and establish how you will approve additional work. The regional disposal chart covers facility garbage tariffs; budget for hauling and installation through the contractor's quote. [5]

Should I assess old flooring before removal?

WorkSafeBC advises asbestos testing before renovation or demolition and identifies vinyl flooring among materials that often contained asbestos. Arrange assessment before disturbance and give the findings to the contractor. [4]