Burnaby, BC · BC Housing Certified
Custom Home Builder Burnaby
CoreVal Homes builds custom homes, infill teardowns, SSMUH multiplexes, and laneway homes across Burnaby. BC Housing certified. Fixed-price contracts. 2-5-10 warranty. One team from feasibility through handover.
~249,000
Burnaby Population (2024)
Statistics Canada
$1.89M+
Burnaby Detached Benchmark
REBGV 2026
12–20 wks
Typical Permit Timeline
Burnaby Building Dept
4 units
Max Density — SSMUH Lots
BC Bill 44, 2024
Why Building a Custom Home in Burnaby Is Different
Burnaby's residential land market is unlike any other city in Metro Vancouver. Land values sit at or above Vancouver levels in many neighbourhoods, yet the building permit process is considerably more complex — and more expensive. Development Cost Charges (DCCs) in Burnaby are among the highest in the region, permit timelines average 12–20 weeks for single-family projects, and Burnaby's sequential review process means incomplete submissions restart the clock entirely.
At the same time, Burnaby's 2024 adoption of BC's Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation — mandated by Bill 44 — has opened up significant density opportunities. Most Burnaby residential lots now permit up to 4 units without rezoning. For homeowners with lots in Metrotown, Brentwood, South Burnaby, or Edmonds, this means a teardown-rebuild isn't just a replacement home — it can be a 3- or 4-unit income property that finances itself.
CoreVal has built custom homes, laneway homes, and secondary suites across Burnaby. We know which neighbourhoods have stronger permit precedents, where Burnaby's DCC schedules bite hardest, and which lot configurations unlock the most density under current SSMUH rules. That knowledge shortens your project by months.
What We Build in Burnaby
Infill Teardown & Rebuild
Replace an aging single-family home with a modern custom build on the same lot. Burnaby's aging housing stock makes teardown-rebuilds one of the most popular paths to a new home — especially in South Burnaby and Edmonds.
SSMUH Multiplex (2–4 Units)
Up to 4 units on qualifying Burnaby lots under 2024 SSMUH amendments. Strong fit for lots in Metrotown, Brentwood, and along Burnaby's Expo and Millennium SkyTrain corridors.
Laneway Home & Secondary Suite
Secondary dwelling added to an existing property — rear laneway house, garden suite, or basement secondary suite. CoreVal builds these standalone or as part of a whole-lot project.
Custom Estate Build
Larger footprint custom homes on premium Burnaby lots, particularly Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake, and South Slope. Full design-build with premium finishes and smart home integration.
How Much Does a Custom Home Cost in Burnaby?
These figures reflect Metro Vancouver construction market rates as of 2026 — not CoreVal pricing. Burnaby permit fees and DCCs add significantly to total project costs and are not included below. Source: Metro Vancouver construction cost index, REBGV 2026 data.
| Scenario | Size | Rate (2026) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard custom home | 2,000–3,000 sq ft | $325–$475/sq ft | $650K–$1.425M |
| Premium custom / estate | 3,000–5,000 sq ft | $475–$600/sq ft | $1.425M–$3M |
| SSMUH multiplex (4 units) | 1,400–2,800 sq ft total | $350–$475/sq ft | $490K–$1.33M |
| Laneway home / secondary suite | 500–900 sq ft | $325–$450/sq ft | $162K–$405K |
These are industry market estimates, not CoreVal quotes. Actual costs vary by project scope, site conditions, materials, and Burnaby municipal fee schedules. Contact CoreVal for a personalized assessment.
How CoreVal Builds in Burnaby
Property Feasibility
Lot size, zoning, SSMUH eligibility, setbacks, FSR, and Burnaby-specific development cost charges — reviewed before design begins.
Architectural Design
Full architectural drawings, structural engineering, energy compliance, and Burnaby Building Department pre-consultation where applicable.
Permit Submission
Complete permit package submitted to Burnaby's Development & Building Approvals. CoreVal handles all city responses and resubmissions.
Site Prep & Construction
Demolition (if teardown), site grading, utility connections, foundation, framing, systems rough-in, and all finishes.
Inspections & Handover
All Burnaby municipal inspections, occupancy certificate, and 2-5-10 warranty enrollment through Pacific Home Warranty.
Fully Licensed. Warranted. CHBA BC Member.
BC Housing Certified
Licensed Residential Builder registration — legally required for all new home construction in BC.
2-5-10 Warranty
2 years labour & materials, 5 years building envelope, 10 years structural through Pacific Home Warranty.
CHBA BC Member
Canadian Home Builders' Association BC membership — professional standards and ethics compliance.
Burnaby Custom Home Builder — Common Questions
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Burnaby?
Burnaby custom home construction runs $325–$475/sq ft for standard builds, with premium infill and estate-style homes reaching $500–$600/sq ft. A 2,500 sq ft home at $375/sq ft works out to approximately $937,500 in construction costs before land. Burnaby permit fees are among the highest in Metro Vancouver — budget an additional $40,000–$80,000+ in municipal fees depending on project scope. These are 2026 Fraser Valley/Metro Vancouver market rates, not CoreVal pricing. Source: Burnaby Building Department fee schedules 2026.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Burnaby?
Burnaby is one of BC's more complex municipal permit processes. Single-family permits typically take 12–20 weeks; complex infill or multiplex applications can run 6–12 months including resubmission cycles. Burnaby's Development & Building Approvals department processes in sequential stages — complete submissions move faster, but any missing document triggers a full restart of the review clock. CoreVal submits complete, code-compliant permit packages the first time and manages all city correspondence so you don't lose months to back-and-forth.
Does Burnaby allow laneway homes and secondary suites?
Yes. Burnaby adopted Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) amendments in 2024 under BC's Bill 44. On most residential lots in Burnaby, you can now build up to 4 units — including secondary suites, laneway homes, garden suites, and coach houses — without a rezoning application. Laneway homes are permitted on RS-zoned lots that meet minimum lot size requirements. CoreVal has built multiple secondary suites and laneway homes in Burnaby and is current on all 2025–2026 bylaw amendments.
What is SSMUH and how does it affect building in Burnaby?
SSMUH stands for Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing — provincial legislation (Bill 44) that requires Burnaby and all BC municipalities to permit up to 4 units on most residential lots. In practice, this means Burnaby homeowners can build a principal dwelling plus secondary suite plus laneway home (or other combinations) without rezoning, as long as the lot meets minimum size thresholds. CoreVal reviews every Burnaby property for SSMUH eligibility before design begins — the zoning analysis takes about 1 business day and is included in every feasibility call.
What certifications should I look for in a Burnaby custom home builder?
Three certifications are non-negotiable: (1) BC Housing Licensed Residential Builder — legally required for any new home construction in BC; (2) enrollment in a 2-5-10 Home Warranty program covering 2 years on labour/materials, 5 years on building envelope, and 10 years on structural defects; (3) CHBA BC membership for professional standards compliance. CoreVal holds all three. Verify any builder's BC Housing registration at bchousing.org before signing.
Can CoreVal handle the full project — design, permits, and build?
Yes. CoreVal manages the complete project in-house: architectural drawings, structural engineering, Burnaby permit applications, site preparation, construction, municipal inspections, and 2-5-10 warranty enrollment. You deal with one team from feasibility to handover. This is especially valuable in Burnaby, where the permit process has multiple interdependent stages — coordinating a separate architect and general contractor in sequence typically adds 3–6 months to the timeline.
Ready to Build in Burnaby?
Talk to CoreVal about your Burnaby property. We'll review your lot, confirm SSMUH eligibility, and walk you through what a realistic project looks like — timeline, cost range, and permit path.
Book a Free ConsultationOr call us directly: 604-200-2058