VANCOUVER SPECIAL RENOVATION UPDATE | STOP WORK

Renovating a home can be an emotional process, especially when unexpected things come in and disrupt your building timeline.  This is exactly what happened to Gary and his renovation project recently.  When we first announced Gary’s exciting news about his latest project, it was mentioned that the property he purchased had asbestos which had to be removed.  This turned out to be a much bigger project than first expected, resulting in the whole property being taken down to its studs.  With the scope of removing the asbestos, bins outside and a lot of activity, they were then issued a Stop Work order by the City Of Vancouver.

What Is A Stop Work Order & How To Reverse It?

The City Of Vancouver issues a Stop Work order if you do not have a permit. Originally the plan for this Vancouver Special was to go in and make minor changes in the kitchen and bathroom which don’t necessarily require a permit depending on what your plans are.  But due to the asbestos, the scope of removing it and the amount of activity, the city noticed and issued the order.

When you receive a Stop Work order, renovation work needs to be stopped right away, and then you need to work with the city to reverse the order and apply for the right permits before any work can resume.  Luckily, Gary has an amazing contractor and designer who have taken charge and submitted the appropriate paperwork and building plans.

Even though this does push back the timeline for Gary to move into his home, he’s looking at this situation positively as his house now will be built the exact way he wants it, and in the end, he’ll get his dream home.  With this bump in the road, the project has been put on pause until the city approves the permits.

If you aren’t sure if you need a permit or not then make sure to visit the City Of Vancouver’s website.  

Tips If You Run Into This Situation

If you find yourself in this situation and receive a Stop Work order from the city, here are a few important tips from Gary that you should follow:

– Have good people on your team, whether it’s your contractor or designer, they can give you great advice and help guide you through this situation.

– Follow the direction you are given, don’t fight it.  If you follow what the city is asking for, the process will be a lot quicker and smoother.

Make sure you stay tuned for more updates as we continue following Gary’s journey, as he takes steps towards fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a Vancouver Special and making it truly feel like home!  If you are interested in working with our team to find your perfect home, connect with us for a free consultation!