Whether it’s a leaking dishwasher in a Metrotown tower, a clogged perimeter drain flooding a Vancouver Special basement suite in Edmonds, or a burst Poly-B line in a Burnaby Heights home, the first thing most people want to know is: what will this cost? Here’s a realistic 2026 guide to water damage restoration prices in Burnaby and Metro Vancouver, and what drives them.
Typical Water Damage Restoration Costs in Burnaby
Most residential jobs in Burnaby fall between $3,000 and $30,000. Metro Vancouver labour and disposal costs tend to sit at the higher end of national ranges. A small clean-water leak caught the same day can be under $3,000, while a flooded basement suite with a full rebuild often runs $15,000 or more.
| Scenario | Typical range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Small supply-line or toilet leak, caught fast | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Dishwasher or washer leak into the unit below (strata) | $4,000 – $12,000+ |
| Burst pipe, one level | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| Basement or basement suite flood (perimeter drain, rain) | $9,000 – $25,000 |
| Sewer backup (Category 3) | $15,000 – $40,000+ |
| Multi-unit strata leak | $15,000 – $100,000+ (strata insurance, subject to deductible) |
Per square foot, expect roughly $5–$8 for mitigation only (extraction, drying, antimicrobial) and $10–$18 with reconstruction. These are planning ranges, not quotes; your price comes from an on-site assessment.
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What Changes the Price
How fast you act
Water wicks into drywall within hours, and Burnaby’s damp, mild climate gives mould an easy start, often within 24–48 hours. Same-day response is the biggest saving.
Strata vs. detached
Strata leaks often affect multiple units and common property. The cost may be covered by the strata’s insurance, but the deductible can be huge, and it may be charged back to the owner responsible. See strata water damage in Burnaby.
Basement suites
Many Burnaby homes have rented basement suites with full kitchens and bathrooms. More finishes means more to remove and rebuild. See basement suite water damage.
Water category
Clean water is cheapest to handle. Grey water needs more cleaning. Sewage requires removal of porous materials and disinfection.
Hidden water and building age
Older homes with plaster, or 1980s–90s homes with Poly-B plumbing, can have water travelling inside walls. Thermal imaging and targeted demolition add cost but prevent bigger problems. See burst pipes and Poly-B.
Asbestos testing
Many Burnaby homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos in drywall mud, textured ceilings or flooring. WorkSafeBC rules generally require testing before disturbing suspect materials, which adds time and cost when demolition is needed.
Will Insurance Cover It?
BC home and strata policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage. Overland flood and sewer backup often need specific coverage, and gradual leaks usually aren’t covered. Read our BC insurance claim guide.
How to Keep Costs Down
- Shut off the water immediately, at the main or the in-suite valve.
- Call for extraction right away.
- Photograph everything before cleanup.
- Notify your strata manager right away if you’re in a strata.
- Ask for separate mitigation and reconstruction estimates.
- Fix the cause: perimeter drain, Poly-B piping, appliance hoses. See perimeter drain problems.
Water damage in Burnaby? Get a fast, honest estimate.
Emergency water extraction, drying & repairs across Burnaby. Free phone assessment.