If you’re planning a major renovation in the City of Vancouver, you’ve probably heard about REUP—the Renovation Energy Update Program. And if you’ve tried to understand the requirements, you’ve probably been confused by outdated information, conflicting advice, and unclear thresholds.
Good news: the program was simplified in September 2025. But there are still requirements that can catch renovators off guard. Here’s what’s actually changed and what it means for your project.
The September 2025 Simplification
The most significant change: renovations under $153,000 no longer require REUP compliance. Previously, the threshold was much lower.
This is a meaningful change for homeowners doing moderate kitchen renovations, bathroom updates, or smaller projects. If your total renovation cost stays below $153,000, you can proceed without worrying about energy efficiency requirements beyond standard building code.
However, many homeowners get an EnerGuide evaluation to find ways to improve energy efficiency during their renovation.
The rules for larger projects remain in place—and have become more focused.
Current REUP Requirements
Renovations $153,000 to $254,999: These now fall into a simplified compliance category. You’ll need to meet basic energy improvement requirements. The pre and post EnerGuide evaluations that were previously mandatory are no longer required for this tier. Many homeowners get an EnerGuide evaluation to find ways to improve energy efficiency during their renovation. Also, if the cost of the renovation increases into the next tier, they are prepared.
Renovations over $255,000: You’ll still need pre and post EnerGuide evaluations conducted by a registered energy advisor. This establishes your home’s baseline performance before renovation and verifies improvements after. You’ll also need to implement specific energy improvements based on what the evaluation reveals about your home.
Electrification requirements: For large renovations, you may need to replace gas heating and hot water systems with electric alternatives. However, feasibility exemptions are available if full electrification isn’t practical for your specific situation.
If getting an electrical service upgrade is a problem, ARG Energy has completed BCIT training on workaround options to suggest to your electrician to minimize service upgrade requirements to reduce expense and wait times for service upgrades.
What Counts Toward Your Renovation Total?
This is where many homeowners get surprised. The threshold isn’t just about your construction contract—it’s about the total project cost.
Included in the threshold:
- Structural work (framing, foundation)
- Mechanical system replacements (HVAC, plumbing)
- Electrical upgrades
- Interior renovations (kitchen, bathroom)
- Exterior renovations (siding, windows, roofing)
Generally not included:
- Normal maintenance and repairs
- Cosmetic updates (paint, flooring without subfloor work)
- Appliance replacements
The calculation can be tricky, especially for phased projects. If you’re doing a kitchen renovation this year and a bathroom next year, the City may consider them a single project if they’re close enough together.
REUP as an Opportunity, Not Just a Requirement
Here’s what most homeowners miss: REUP requirements often align with improvements you’d want to make anyway.
If you’re already opening up walls for a major renovation, adding insulation and improving air sealing costs a fraction of what it would cost as a standalone project. The construction is already happening—you’re just doing it better. Insulation is a sound barrier too!
Similarly, if your renovation includes any mechanical work, upgrading to high-efficiency equipment makes sense while systems are already being touched.
The homeowners who have the best experience with REUP are those who treat it as an opportunity to make their home more comfortable and less expensive to operate—not as a bureaucratic hurdle to clear.
Questions We Hear Most Often
“What if I started planning before the September changes?” Projects permitted after September 15, 2025 follow the new simplified rules. If you had a permit application in progress, check with the City about which requirements apply.
“Can I split my project to stay under the threshold?” The City looks at related work as a single project, regardless of how you break up contracts or timing. Artificially splitting a project to avoid requirements creates permit problems later.
“What improvements will I actually need to make?” That depends entirely on your home’s current condition. The pre-renovation energy evaluation identifies specific gaps and requirements for your situation. Some homes need significant work; others just need minor improvements.
“How much will REUP compliance add to my budget?” For projects over $255,000, you’ll need to budget for energy evaluations (pre and post) plus the cost of required improvements. The improvement costs depend on your home’s starting condition, so the energy evaluation recommendations estimate energy savings that you can compare to upgrade costs.
Getting REUP Right From the Start
The biggest mistake we see is homeowners learning about REUP requirements after they’ve already designed their renovation and set their budget. At that point, energy requirements feel like an unwelcome addition rather than an integrated part of the project.
The better approach:
- Understand REUP requirements before finalising your renovation scope
- Get your pre-renovation energy evaluation early in the planning process
- Share the evaluation results with your architect, designer, and contractor
- Integrate energy improvements into your overall renovation plan and budget
- Think of energy improvements as an investment, not a tax
This approach typically results in smoother permit approval, fewer surprises, and a better end result.
Planning a Major Renovation in Vancouver?
ARG Energy specialises in Vancouver REUP compliance. We help homeowners understand their requirements, complete pre and post renovation evaluations, and navigate the permit process smoothly. If you’re in the early stages of planning a renovation over $153,000, getting ahead of REUP requirements now can save you significant time and money.
Contact ARG Energy for a free REUP consultation →
Or call us directly: 778-907-9591
