Projects We Take On
Our renovation projects start at $500,000 and involve changing the structural bones of a building. Full gut-and-rebuild work. Second-story additions. Complete envelope replacement. Mechanical system overhauls. Floor plan reconfigurations that require engineering, permitting, and the same level of planning as new construction.
We do not take on bathroom remodels, kitchen facelifts, or covered decks. If your project does not involve new foundations, structural engineering, and a full building permit, it is not the kind of work we do. That is not a judgment on smaller projects. They are a different type of construction that other contractors in Revelstoke handle well.
Why Large-Scale Renovation Is as Hard as Building New
Most people assume renovating is simpler than building from scratch. The opposite is often true.
When you build new, you start with engineered plans and a clean site. With a large-scale renovation, you are working with what someone else built 20, 30, or 50 years ago. What they built may not match the drawings. It may not match current code. It almost certainly was not designed for what you want to do with it now.
When you open a wall expecting standard framing and find undersized lumber, no vapour barrier, and non-compliant insulation, the scope expands. The engineer needs to redesign the load path. The timeline shifts. The budget moves. That is manageable when planned for. It becomes a problem when it is not.
What a $500K+ Renovation Includes
At this project scale, you are typically doing some combination of the following:
- Structural upgrades. Reinforcing or replacing the foundation, upgrading load-bearing walls, adding steel beams, bringing the roof structure up to current requirements.
- Complete building envelope. New insulation, vapour barrier, air barrier, windows, and doors. This is where Step Code compliance lives.
- Mechanical system replacement. New heating, ventilation (often adding HRV systems that did not exist when the home was built), plumbing, and electrical.
- Floor plan reconfiguration. Moving or removing load-bearing walls, changing room layouts, adding or relocating bathrooms and kitchens.
- Full interior rebuild. New framing, drywall, flooring, trim, cabinetry, and fixtures. Everything from the studs in.
This is not a cosmetic update. This is taking a building apart and putting it back together as something fundamentally different.
Why the Integrated Process Matters More for Renovations
With new construction, separating design from building can work. With renovations, that separation creates real problems.
Renovations are full of unknowns. You do not know what is inside those walls until you open them. In the traditional model, every surprise triggers a redesign cycle: the architect revises, the engineer recalculates, permits get updated, and the builder waits. In our integrated process, the design team and the construction crew are the same team. When we open a wall and find a surprise, we adapt the plan the same day.
We have been opening walls in Revelstoke since 2005. We know which eras of construction used what materials, which neighbourhoods have foundation issues, and what inspectors look for at each stage.
How Renovation Projects Work
Step 1: Structural Assessment
An engineer evaluates the existing foundation, framing, and roof. We test for hazardous materials. Everything is documented before a single wall comes down.
Step 2: Design and Planning
We design the renovation around what the structure can support and what it needs. Work is phased around the Revelstoke build season, with exterior work planned into the April-to-October window and interior work running year-round. We also build contingency into the budget for what the walls may reveal once demolition begins.
Step 3: Construction
One team managing demolition, structural work, envelope, mechanical systems, and finishing. Real-time tracking through JobTread. When surprises come up, we adapt the same day.
Step 4: Handover
Complete project documentation: permits, engineering drawings, product warranties, and specifications. Workmanship on the renovation is backed by Straight Up directly. The 2-5-10 year home warranty that applies to new construction in BC does not apply to renovation work on existing buildings.
Is This the Right Fit?
This service is for you if:
- Your project involves structural changes to an existing building
- Budget is $500K or more
- You want one team managing design and construction
- The scope includes foundation, framing, or envelope work
This service is not for you if:
- You need a bathroom or kitchen refresh
- The project is under $500K
- No structural work is involved
If your project is smaller, we are happy to point you toward contractors in Revelstoke who specialize in that scale of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to renovate or build new?
It depends on the condition of the existing structure. If the foundation and framing are sound, a major renovation can cost less than new construction. If the foundation needs replacing and the framing cannot handle current load requirements, building new may be the better path. We assess this during the initial structural evaluation.
Does a major renovation require Step Code compliance?
In Revelstoke, a major renovation that involves changes to the building envelope triggers Step Code requirements on the renovated portions. The renovated areas need to meet current insulation, airtightness, and ventilation standards. We handle the energy modelling and testing as part of the project.
How long does a large-scale renovation take?
Typically 9 to 12 months of construction depending on scope and what the walls reveal, on top of 6 to 9 months of design and 6 to 8 weeks for permits. Exterior work is planned into the April-to-October window, and interior work continues year-round. Winter work is possible but not optimal and can add cost.
Why is $500K the minimum?
At this scale, you are doing structural work that requires engineering, permitting, and the same level of planning as new construction. Our integrated process and project management systems are built for this complexity. Smaller renovations are better served by contractors who specialize at that scale.
Do I get a warranty on renovation work?
The 2-5-10 year home warranty required for new construction in BC does not apply to renovations of existing buildings. Workmanship on your renovation is backed directly by Straight Up, and any new products, appliances, and systems carry their own manufacturer warranties, which we document and hand over at project completion.
Client Testimonials
"We approached Straight Up Construction in 2008 with a substantial construction project for our hotel. It involved a large addition, and building a complete second floor. Our previous contractor was not capable and did not have the expertise required to handle a project of this scale."
— Hotel Owner, Gateway Inn
"Their teams advised us on best building practices, and were always recommending options for savings and efficiency based on emerging building technology."
— Hotel Owner, Gateway Inn
"The process was very professional and on budget. The house took 11 months to build. He hired the best tradesman, everyone worked well together."
— Custom Home Client, Revelstoke Build
