ARG ENERGY ADVISOR SERVICES
Vancouver REUP Compliance for Major Renovations
Expert REUP compliance support for Vancouver homeowners planning major renovations. We ensure you meet all requirements for permits over $153,000.
From Problems to Solutions
Vancouver’s Renovation Energy Update Proposal (REUP) requires energy efficiency improvements when homeowners undertake major renovations.
The Program Has 2 Tiers:
Tier 1: Renovations $153,000 – $254,999
- Pre-renovation energy evaluation required
- Energy Advisor completes pre-permit REUP form
- Gas hot water systems must be upgraded to highest efficiency (electric, heat pump, or hybrid)
- Some exemptions apply – see Vancouver Building Bylaw Table 11.5.3.1
Tier 2: Renovations Over $255,000
- EnerGuide home evaluations (pre and post renovation)
- Energy Advisor completes pre and post renovation REUP forms
- Select 2 additional energy upgrades
- Install electric space heating and hot water systems
- Some exemptions apply – see Vancouver Building Bylaw Table 11.5.3.1
Why REUP Exists
Vancouver’s goal is to reduce building emissions and improve energy efficiency across the city’s housing stock. REUP leverages major renovation opportunities to accelerate this transition.
Learn More About Comprehensive Energy RetrofitsOur Process
We guide Vancouver homeowners through the entire REUP process, from initial planning to final verification.
Phase 1: Pre-Renovation
(Before Permit Application)
We help you understand your requirements and prepare all documentation before you submit for your building permit.
- Free initial consultation to review your renovation plans
- Determine which REUP tier applies and estimate requirements
- Schedule and complete 2-3 hour onsite energy evaluation
- Conduct blower door testing and comprehensive assessment
- Identify specific REUP requirements for your home
- Review requirements with you and your contractor
- Help integrate energy improvements into renovation scope
- Prepare all REUP documentation for permit application
Timeline: 2-3 weeks from initial contact to permit-ready documentation
- Detailed energy evaluation report showing current performance
- Completed REUP form formatted to City requirements
- Clear list of required improvements
- Integration recommendations for your renovation
- Support responding to City questions during permit review
Phase 2: During Renovation
(Construction Support)
We’re available throughout your renovation to ensure energy improvements stay on track.
- Available for contractor questions
- Clarify specifications as needed
- Review work in progress if helpful
- Ensure improvements align with REUP requirements
Timeline: Depends on your renovation scope
- Ongoing consultation access
- Technical support for your contractor
- Specification clarifications
- Peace of mind that work meets requirements
Phase 3: Post-Renovation
(Final Verification)
After your renovation is complete, we verify all improvements meet REUP requirements for final City approval.
- Schedule verification appointment after work complete
- Conduct site inspection to validate all required improvements
- Perform blower door testing (Tier 2 projects)
- Complete comprehensive post-renovation evaluation
- Prepare final post-upgrade REUP report
- Submit documentation to City
Timeline: 2-3 weeks from verification appointment to final approval
- Post-renovation energy evaluation report
- Completed post-renovation REUP form
- Verification that all requirements were met
- Final documentation for City approval
- Support responding to any City questions
What’s Included
Tier 1 Requirements
($153,000 – $254,999)
Pre-renovation energy evaluation
Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal (REUP) pre-permit form completed by Energy Advisor
Gas hot water heating systems upgraded to highest efficiency (electric, heat pump, or hybrid)
Exemptions available – see Vancouver Building Bylaw Table 11.5.3.1
Tier 2 Requirements
(Over $255,000)
EnerGuide home evaluations (pre and post renovation)
REUP forms (pre-permit and post-permit) completed by Energy Advisor
Two additional energy upgrades selected
Electric space heating and hot water systems installed
Exemptions available – see Vancouver Building Bylaw Table 11.5.3.1
Our Complete Support
Pre-renovation energy evaluation
Requirement identification and integration planning
REUP form preparation and submission
City submission and inquiry response support
Construction phase guidance
Post-renovation evaluation and verification (Tier 2)
Final City approval documentation
Why Choose ARG Energy
ARG Energy specializes in Vancouver REUP compliance for homeowners planning major renovations. As NRCan Registered Energy Advisors, we provide required pre-renovation evaluations, identify your specific REUP requirements, and guide you through the entire process—ensuring smooth permit approval and final City sign-off.
Clear Communication
Practical Solutions
Comprehensive Analysis
Ongoing Support
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my renovation before completing the REUP assessment?
No. The pre-renovation assessment must be completed and included with your permit application. Starting work before permits are issued risks violations.
Not sure if REUP applies to your renovation? Learn how to get municipal energy reports for renovations for a plain-language overview of who needs REUP and when.
What if my renovation costs end up higher than expected?
If you initially thought you were under $153,000 but end up over, you need to complete REUP requirements before final inspection. It’s better to plan for REUP from the start if you’re close to the threshold.
Many REUP improvements are the same upgrades we recommend in our comprehensive home energy evaluations — planning ahead means these improvements add value to your renovation rather than feeling like a surprise cost.
Does REUP apply to rentals and multi-family?
Yes, REUP applies to residential properties in Vancouver, including a Laneway house or infill, Single detached house, or Duplex unit undergoing major renovations.
What if I cannot get the panel size service upgrade I need?
There are legitimate workarounds in the building code that can be used to eliminate the need for service upgrades.
Start Your REUP Journey
Do not let REUP requirements surprise you mid-project. We help you understand exactly what’s required before you apply for permits. Learn more about our Greater Vancouver energy advisory services.
