Renovation FAQs Surrey — Ultimate Renovations Contractor Trusted Answers | 25 Must-Know Questions Ali's Old to New General Contracting Gets About Kitchen, Bathroom, Interior, Flooring, Painting & Commercial Renovations Across Greater Vancouver — Clear Pricing, Clean Worksites, Licensed Trades, Design Support, Warranty & Fast Quotes to Help You Plan with Confidence

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

Renovation FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Surrey & Greater Vancouver

Have questions about kitchens, bathrooms, interiors, flooring, painting, condos/strata, or commercial renovations? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find straight answers from Old to New General Contracting, a Surrey-based contractor serving Greater Vancouver.

Don’t see your question? Feel free to get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding our renovations and remodeling services!

General Renovation FAQs

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes. We offer a free initial consultation and a written scope with clear line items. If design or engineering is needed, we outline those steps first before any commitment.

Which areas do you serve?

Based in Surrey, BC, we serve Greater Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, Langley, White Rock, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We maintain appropriate licensing and insurance for our scope of work and can provide documentation upon request.

What types of renovations do you handle?

Kitchen, bathroom, and interior renovations, plus flooring, interior painting, tenant improvements, and strata/condo work—including planning/design support, demolition, first-fix trades, finishes, and final polish.

Planning, Design & Budget FAQs

Do you help with design and material selections?

Yes. We provide layout input and a curated shortlist for tile, flooring, cabinets, counters, lighting, and hardware so you can make confident choices quickly

Can you work with my designer or architect?

Absolutely. We build from your plans, coordinate details, and keep communication tight to protect budget and quality.

How do you keep projects on budget?

We use detailed scopes, realistic allowances, and good/better/best options. Any change is priced and approved before execution.

Living Through a Renovation FAQs

Can we live at home during an interior renovation?

Often, yes. We phase work logically, isolate dust/noise, protect floors, and keep essential areas usable wherever possible.

How do you control dust and mess?

Containment, site protection, negative air/HEPA where appropriate, and daily tidy-ups. Common areas in condos are protected and kept spotless.

Condos & Strata FAQs

Do you handle bylaws and building rules?

Yes. We coordinate work hours, elevator bookings, protection, and documentation to keep the building happy and the schedule smooth

Are there flooring sound requirements you can meet?

We specify IIC/STC-minded underlays and finishes that help satisfy strata sound expectations.

Kitchen Renovations FAQs

Can you create an open-concept kitchen?

Often, yes. We assess walls, propose safe solutions (including engineered beams where required), and align flooring and lighting for a seamless main floor.

Do you install under-cabinet and island lighting?

Yes. We plan ambient, task, and accent lighting, with smart dimming and clean routing for drivers and wiring.

Can you reuse existing appliances?

If sizes and condition work with the plan, yes. We confirm rough-ins and clearances early to avoid surprises.

For more information about our Kitchen Renovations Services, check out our Kitchen Renovations page.

Bathroom Renovations FAQs

What makes a shower truly waterproof?

A continuous membrane, properly sloped base, sealed corners/penetrations, and movement joints. Tile is decorative—the membrane is the real defense.

Do you do tub-to-shower conversions and curbless showers?

Yes. We regularly build modern, low-maintenance conversions and curbless designs where structure and drainage allow.

For more information about our Bathroom Renovations Services, check out our Bathroom Renovations page.

Interior Renovations FAQs

Can you remove walls and widen doorways?

Often, yes. We verify structure and coordinate engineered solutions when needed, then finish with crisp drywall, trim, and paint.

Do you build custom built-ins and feature walls?

Yes—media walls, mudroom storage, fireplace features, and office built-ins with clean wiring and durable finishes.

For more information about our Interior Renovations Services, check out our Interior Renovations page.

Flooring Services FAQs

Best flooring for pets and kids?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP/LVT) is a top pick for scratch, dent, and moisture resistance. A mid-tone, low-sheen look hides daily wear.

Is engineered hardwood OK over radiant heat?

Many products are, with the right adhesive/underlay and thermostat settings. We’ll specify compatible lines.

Do you level subfloors?

Yes. We handle repairs, moisture checks, and self-levelling to achieve a flat, stable substrate.

Painting Services FAQs

Do you repair drywall before painting?

Absolutely. We patch, skim, sand, prime, and caulk so paint lays flat and lines stay crisp.

Do you use low-VOC, washable paints?

Yes. We match coatings to the room—low-VOC, scrubbable finishes for family zones; moisture-smart products for baths/laundry.

Is cabinet painting worth it?

Often. With proper degrease, scuff, bonding primer, and durable topcoat, cabinets can look renewed at a fraction of replacement.

Commercial & Strata Renovations FAQs

Can you renovate while a business remains open?

Often, yes. We plan phased areas, off-hours work, and strong protection to minimize disruption.

Do you provide documentation for approvals and handover?

Yes. We coordinate with your professionals and provide the construction documentation we produce (shop drawings, cut sheets, as-built notes).

For more information about our Commercial Renovations Services, check out our Commercial Renovations page.

Materials & Sourcing FAQs

Do you supply materials or can we buy our own?

We typically supply to control quality and lead times. If you provide items, we’ll confirm compatibility, sizing, and warranty considerations.

Can you match existing finishes?

Often, yes. If a perfect match isn’t possible, we’ll propose a complementary transition or feature approach.

Do You Have Any Questions Not Answered Here?

Get in touch with us today, and we would be more than happy to help!

Everything You Need Under One Roof
Explore Our Renovation Services

From Kitchen Renovations Surrey, Bathroom Renovations Surrey, and Interior Renovations to Commercial/Tenant Improvements and Strata & Condo Renovations, Old to New General Contracting delivers end-to-end results: design support, demolition, framing, electrical, HVAC and plumbing (first-fix), insulation, drywall, flooring installation, interior painting, windows & doors, cabinetry & millwork, custom tile work, fixtures/appliance fit-off, trim, and a polished cleanup. Our top-rated, trusted Surrey team serves Greater Vancouver—Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, Langley, White Rock, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows. We specialize in open-concept layouts, quartz countertops, tile backsplashes, heated floors, walk-in showers, feature walls, media built-ins, and rental-ready basement suites that live better and last longer.

Select a service below to view clear scopes, FAQs, photos, and request your free quote from Greater Vancouver’s Most Trusted, Expert Surrey renovations contractor known for clean worksites, transparent pricing, licensed trades, and immaculate finishing.