Home additions, secondary suites, and structural expansions, engineered and built to last.
What's Included
Second storey and rear additions
Laneway homes and coach houses
Secondary suite construction
Basement underpinning and development
Structural engineering coordination
Zoning and permit management
Serving Greater Vancouver
We complete structural additions projects across Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and surrounding municipalities. All projects include permit handling, Technical Safety BC inspections, and WorkSafeBC compliance.
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Home Addition Contractor in Vancouver and Victoria, BC
A structural addition is one of the highest-value investments a Vancouver homeowner can make, adding square footage to an existing property in a market where land is constrained. It is also one of the most technically demanding projects, requiring structural engineering, foundation work, zoning compliance, and seamless integration with the existing building. Verterra Builds manages the full scope from feasibility through occupancy permit.
Types of Additions We Build
Second-storey additions: Adding a full floor to a single-storey home involves assessing whether the existing foundation and structure can carry the new load, designing the structural system with an engineer, sequencing the work to minimize time without a roof, and integrating the new floor with the existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Rear and side extensions: Expanding the footprint of a home into the rear or side yard requires zoning setback review, foundation work, and careful connection detailing at the existing building interface. These projects often involve reconfiguring the existing rear of the home to create a connected open-plan space.
Laneway homes and coach houses: Vancouver's laneway and coach house policy has created a significant new category of residential construction. A laneway home is a separate dwelling unit on the rear lane-side of a lot, typically 500–900 sq ft, built as a rental unit or for multi-generational living. We manage the full design-to-permit-to-occupancy process.
Secondary suites: Basement and above-grade suite construction and legalization, including egress window installation, suite separation requirements, separate mechanical systems, and the permit process for adding a legal suite to an existing home.
Zoning, Setbacks, and Feasibility
Before any addition is designed, the zoning needs to be confirmed. Maximum lot coverage, height limits, setbacks, and FSR (floor space ratio) all constrain what can be built. We review the zoning envelope at the outset so your designer is working within what the city will approve.
Structural Additions frequently asked questions
How much does a home addition cost in Vancouver BC?
A home addition in Greater Vancouver typically runs $350–$600+ per square foot for the new construction scope. A 600 sq ft rear addition: $210,000–$360,000. A full second-storey addition on a 1,200 sq ft bungalow: $420,000–$720,000+. Laneway homes: $280,000–$450,000 all-in depending on size and finish. We provide fixed-price estimates after reviewing the site, zoning, and architectural drawings.
How long does a home addition take in BC?
A rear or side addition typically takes 4–6 months from permit issuance. A second-storey addition: 5–8 months. A laneway home: 6–9 months. City of Vancouver building permit turnaround for additions is currently 8–16 weeks, so we submit complete packages to minimize re-review. Total timeline from decision to move-in is typically 12–18 months including design and permits.
Can you build a laneway home in Vancouver?
Yes. Laneway home construction is a significant part of our residential work. We manage the full process: zoning confirmation, architectural drawings, building permit, foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, finishes, and occupancy permit. Vancouver's laneway home policy allows one laneway unit per eligible RS-zoned lot, and we are current on all applicable bylaws and permit requirements.
Does my existing foundation support a second storey addition?
Usually, but it needs to be verified by a structural engineer. The engineer assesses the existing foundation condition, soil bearing capacity, and the loads from the proposed addition. In some cases the existing foundation needs to be reinforced or extended before a second storey can be added. We coordinate this assessment before any pricing is finalized.
How do I know if my lot allows an addition or laneway home in Vancouver?
Zoning bylaws govern lot coverage, height, setbacks, and FSR for every residential lot in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver municipalities. We review the zoning for your specific address at the outset of any addition project so the design works within what will be approved. City of Vancouver's online Zoning Map and the RS zone regulations are the starting point.
Do you build secondary suites in existing homes?
Yes. Suite construction and legalization, including meeting the BC Building Code requirements for fire separation, egress, ceiling height, ventilation, and separate utility services, is a regular part of our residential work. We manage the permit process and deliver a suite that meets city requirements for a legal secondary dwelling.
Do you do additions in Victoria and Vancouver Island?
Yes. Verterra Builds serves Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island for structural additions. Victoria's zoning regulations, Accessory Dwelling Unit policies, and building permit processes differ from Metro Vancouver, and we are familiar with both jurisdictions.
