Strata Property Blog

Expert Guides & Maintenance Tips

Practical advice for Strata councils, property managers, and building owners. Written by our team with 35+ years of hands-on experience across 13 trade divisions.

Est. 198913 Trade Divisions40 Expert ArticlesServing the Lower Mainland
BeeWarm Is All Fired Up About Its Strata Fireplace Booking App
Gas Fireplaces

BeeWarm Is All Fired Up About Its Strata Fireplace Booking App

How much does fireplace service cost? BeeWarm’s individual estimate is $140 per fireplace before tax, with qualifying strata group rates from $85. Explore the private booking beta.

Oct 24, 20267 min read
Vancouver Strata Snow Removal Costs in 2026/27: Budget the Whole Frontage
Snow Removal

Vancouver Strata Snow Removal Costs in 2026/27: Budget the Whole Frontage

A Vancouver council budget guide covering public frontage, common paths and a transparent worked estimate for the 2026/27 snow season.

Oct 21, 20265 min read
Burnaby Strata Snow Removal Costs in 2026/27: Ramps, Routes & Repeat Visits
Snow Removal

Burnaby Strata Snow Removal Costs in 2026/27: Ramps, Routes & Repeat Visits

Compare a Burnaby strata winter budget with its actual slopes, parkade approach, common paths and repeat-service terms.

Oct 21, 20265 min read
Richmond Strata Snow & Ice Costs in 2026/27: Separate Clearing From Treatment
Snow Removal

Richmond Strata Snow & Ice Costs in 2026/27: Separate Clearing From Treatment

Build a Richmond strata budget that distinguishes snow clearing, salt-only visits, shared parking and snow-storage limits.

Oct 21, 20265 min read
Coquitlam Strata Snow Removal Costs in 2026/27: Measure the Common Routes
Snow Removal

Coquitlam Strata Snow Removal Costs in 2026/27: Measure the Common Routes

A Coquitlam strata council guide to measuring shared routes, reviewing slope and access, and understanding a provisional seasonal snow budget.

Oct 21, 20265 min read
How Strata Councils Can Compare Snow Removal Quotes Fairly
Snow Removal

How Strata Councils Can Compare Snow Removal Quotes Fairly

Use the same property plan, treatment scope and winter terms to compare snow removal proposals and explain the decision to owners.

Oct 19, 20264 min read
Strata Snow Removal Pricing: Build a Budget Council Can Explain
Snow Removal

Strata Snow Removal Pricing: Build a Budget Council Can Explain

Compare strata winter-service scope and seasonal pricing, with an update on PlowWow’s planned 2026 Snow Intelligence app rollout.

Oct 19, 20264 min read
Will Wow’s Online Snow Quotes Set a New Standard for Strata Transparency?
Snow Removal

Will Wow’s Online Snow Quotes Set a New Standard for Strata Transparency?

What clearer snow estimates could mean for strata owners, councils and managers: comparable scope, visible allowances and a record of decisions.

Oct 19, 20263 min read
Strata Hot-Water Planning and Safety: Robert from BeeWarm’s Guide
Heating & Hot Water

Strata Hot-Water Planning and Safety: Robert from BeeWarm’s Guide

A practical council checklist for hot-water equipment, resident reporting and replacement planning, with Robert Hamilton of BeeWarm as the direct service contact.

Oct 19, 20263 min read
Metro Vancouver Stratas: Plan for the Event, Not Just the Winter Headline
Snow Removal

Metro Vancouver Stratas: Plan for the Event, Not Just the Winter Headline

Use mild-winter headlines to review strata service scopes, contacts and response scenarios without assuming a snow-free season.

Oct 15, 20264 min read
Township of Langley Stratas: Give Every Winter Route an Owner
Snow Removal

Township of Langley Stratas: Give Every Winter Route an Owner

A council checklist for sidewalk responsibility, private paths, snow storage, drainage observations and clear winter-service reporting.

Oct 15, 20264 min read
Fairview Slopes Strata Snow Planning: Hills, Closures and Access
Snow Removal

Fairview Slopes Strata Snow Planning: Hills, Closures and Access

Before booking winter service, give your Fairview Slopes strata a practical access plan for hills, restricted approaches, pedestrian routes and changing street closures.

Oct 14, 20265 min read
West Side Vancouver Strata Snow Removal: A Kitsilano Council Checklist
Snow Removal

West Side Vancouver Strata Snow Removal: A Kitsilano Council Checklist

Organise winter service for a Kitsilano, Point Grey, Dunbar or Kerrisdale strata: map the frontage, entrances, pedestrian routes and parkade access before requesting a PlowWow quote.

Oct 14, 20266 min read
Strata Insulation Repairs in Vancouver and Area: What Council Should Ask PSI
Strata Building Maintenance

Strata Insulation Repairs in Vancouver and Area: What Council Should Ask PSI

A practical starting point for strata councils considering spray-applied insulation or repairs, illustrated with Performance Spray Insulation’s Dorchester House photos from New Westminster.

Oct 14, 20265 min read
Feeling the First Frost? Plan Fireplace Maintenance for Your Vancouver Strata
HVAC

Feeling the First Frost? Plan Fireplace Maintenance for Your Vancouver Strata

A Vancouver strata homeowner guide to arranging gas fireplace maintenance, preparing for a service visit and coordinating access with your building.

Oct 12, 20265 min read
First Frost: A Strata Winter Plan for New and Stamped Concrete
Snow Removal

First Frost: A Strata Winter Plan for New and Stamped Concrete

A Fraser Valley strata checklist for concrete restrictions, approved ice-control supplies, resident access and contractor handover before winter.

Oct 12, 20265 min read
Strata Snow Removal: A Clear Service Handover for Council and Residents
Snow Removal

Strata Snow Removal: A Clear Service Handover for Council and Residents

Set up one practical snow-service handover: a named contact, resident updates, access notes and a record of outstanding work.

Sep 27, 20265 min read
Burquitlam Strata Common-Area Renovation: Meeting Room, Washrooms and Vestibule
Strata Renovations

Burquitlam Strata Common-Area Renovation: Meeting Room, Washrooms and Vestibule

A documented strata renovation near Lougheed Mall coordinated a meeting-room ceiling and lighting feature with hallway framing for a three-stall commercial washroom and exterior vestibule.

Sep 15, 20265 min read
Fixed-Price Snow Removal Contracts vs. Per-Event Billing: What Strata Councils Need to Know
Snow Removal

Fixed-Price Snow Removal Contracts vs. Per-Event Billing: What Strata Councils Need to Know

Discover why fixed-price seasonal contracts from PlowWow.com save Strata corporations money and eliminate budget surprises compared to per-event snow removal billing.

Oct 15, 20254 min read
Complete Guide to Plumbing Re-Fits for Strata Buildings: When to Re-Pipe and What to Expect
Plumbing

Complete Guide to Plumbing Re-Fits for Strata Buildings: When to Re-Pipe and What to Expect

Aging plumbing in Strata buildings leads to leaks, water damage, and insurance claims. Learn when your building needs a plumbing re-fit and how the re-piping process works.

Sep 20, 20255 min read
HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Strata Buildings: Seasonal Tasks That Prevent Costly Breakdowns
HVAC

HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Strata Buildings: Seasonal Tasks That Prevent Costly Breakdowns

A proactive HVAC maintenance schedule prevents emergency repairs and extends equipment life. Here's what Strata councils should be doing each season.

Sep 5, 20255 min read
Water Damage in Your Strata Building: What to Do in the First 48 Hours
Restoration

Water Damage in Your Strata Building: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

Water damage moves fast. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours. Here's the critical response timeline every Strata council and property manager needs to follow.

Aug 25, 20256 min read
Strata Roof Maintenance in the Lower Mainland: Protecting Your Building from BC's Heavy Rainfall
Roofing

Strata Roof Maintenance in the Lower Mainland: Protecting Your Building from BC's Heavy Rainfall

The Lower Mainland receives 1,200mm+ of rainfall annually. Here's how proactive roof maintenance prevents leaks, extends roof life, and saves your Strata corporation money.

Aug 10, 20255 min read
How to Get Strata Bylaw Approval for Your Condo Renovation in BC
Condo Renovations

How to Get Strata Bylaw Approval for Your Condo Renovation in BC

Planning a condo renovation? You'll need Strata council approval. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigating BC's Strata Property Act and getting your renovation approved.

Jul 28, 20255 min read
5 Warning Signs Your Strata Building's Perimeter Drains Are Failing
Perimeter Drain

5 Warning Signs Your Strata Building's Perimeter Drains Are Failing

Perimeter drain failure is one of the most expensive problems a Strata building can face. Learn to spot the warning signs before water damage destroys your foundation.

Jul 15, 20256 min read
Strata Building Exterior Painting: Timeline, Costs, and What Your Depreciation Report Says
Painting

Strata Building Exterior Painting: Timeline, Costs, and What Your Depreciation Report Says

Most depreciation reports recommend exterior painting every 7-10 years. Here's what Strata councils need to know about planning, budgeting, and executing a building repaint.

Jul 1, 20255 min read
Rain Screen Siding Systems for Strata Buildings: Why BC's Building Code Demands Better Walls
Siding

Rain Screen Siding Systems for Strata Buildings: Why BC's Building Code Demands Better Walls

After the leaky condo crisis, BC's building code now requires rain screen wall assemblies. Here's what Strata councils need to know about modern siding systems.

Jun 15, 20255 min read
Creating a Year-Round Landscaping Maintenance Plan for Your Strata Common Areas
Landscaping

Creating a Year-Round Landscaping Maintenance Plan for Your Strata Common Areas

Well-maintained landscaping increases property values and resident satisfaction. Here's how to plan a 12-month maintenance program for your Strata common areas.

Jun 1, 20256 min read
Drywall Water Damage Repair in Strata Units: Cut, Dry, Replace — The Right Way
Drywall

Drywall Water Damage Repair in Strata Units: Cut, Dry, Replace — The Right Way

Water-damaged drywall in a Strata building needs to be handled correctly to prevent mold and pass insurance inspections. Here's the professional repair process.

May 20, 20255 min read
Mini Excavation for Strata Properties: Underground Utility Access Without Destroying Your Landscaping
Mini Excavation

Mini Excavation for Strata Properties: Underground Utility Access Without Destroying Your Landscaping

Need to access underground utilities, repair perimeter drains, or install new services? Mini excavation gets the job done with minimal disruption to your Strata property.

May 5, 20255 min read
Strata Flooring Replacement: Navigating Noise Bylaws, STC Ratings, and Material Choices
Flooring

Strata Flooring Replacement: Navigating Noise Bylaws, STC Ratings, and Material Choices

Replacing flooring in your Strata unit? Noise bylaws, STC ratings, and underlay requirements can derail your project. Here's what you need to know before you start.

Apr 20, 20255 min read
The Complete Vancouver Strata Property Maintenance Checklist: 50+ Items Your Council Should Track
Property Maintenance

The Complete Vancouver Strata Property Maintenance Checklist: 50+ Items Your Council Should Track

A comprehensive maintenance checklist for Vancouver Strata councils covering all building systems — from roof to foundation, mechanical to cosmetic.

Apr 1, 20257 min read
Strata Roof Repairs in Langley: A Complete Guide for Councils and Property Managers
Roofing

Strata Roof Repairs in Langley: A Complete Guide for Councils and Property Managers

Langley's mix of agricultural valley moisture and Pacific storms creates unique roofing challenges for Strata buildings. Here's everything councils need to know about roof repairs — from identifying damage to choosing the right contractor.

Nov 1, 20259 min read
Strata Roof Replacement in Surrey: Planning, Costs, and What Every Council Needs to Know
Roofing

Strata Roof Replacement in Surrey: Planning, Costs, and What Every Council Needs to Know

A full roof replacement is one of the biggest capital projects a Surrey Strata council will ever manage. Here's a comprehensive guide to planning, budgeting, selecting contractors, and managing the project from start to finish.

Nov 10, 202510 min read
Strata Gas Fireplace Services: Summer Decommissioning and Winter Recommissioning — The Complete Seasonal Guide
HVAC

Strata Gas Fireplace Services: Summer Decommissioning and Winter Recommissioning — The Complete Seasonal Guide

Your gas fireplace needs professional seasonal attention twice a year. Here's why proper summer shutdown and winter startup procedures protect your safety, extend equipment life, and keep your Strata building compliant with BC gas safety regulations.

Nov 15, 202510 min read
Strata Exterior Painting in the Lower Mainland: The Definitive Guide to Planning, Executing, and Protecting Your Investment
Painting

Strata Exterior Painting in the Lower Mainland: The Definitive Guide to Planning, Executing, and Protecting Your Investment

Exterior painting is one of the most visible and impactful maintenance projects a Strata council will undertake. Here's everything you need to know — from surface preparation and paint selection to budgeting, contractor evaluation, and long-term maintenance.

Nov 20, 202510 min read
Strata Renovation Contractors in Coquitlam: How to Plan, Approve, and Execute Unit and Common Area Renovations
Renovations

Strata Renovation Contractors in Coquitlam: How to Plan, Approve, and Execute Unit and Common Area Renovations

Renovating inside a Strata building in Coquitlam requires navigating bylaws, council approvals, and careful coordination with neighboring units. Here's the complete guide to getting your renovation done right — from planning through completion.

Dec 1, 202510 min read
Getting Your Gas Fireplace Ready for Winter: The Complete Post-Summer Recommissioning Guide
Gas Fireplaces

Getting Your Gas Fireplace Ready for Winter: The Complete Post-Summer Recommissioning Guide

Summer is ending and winter is coming — is your gas fireplace ready? After months of dormancy, your fireplace needs professional attention before that first cold snap arrives. Here's everything you need to know about preparing your gas fireplace for the heating season.

Dec 5, 202512 min read
Strata Roof Repair Experts in Langley: ACC Construction — Your Trusted Local Roofing Partner for Complete Roof Solutions
Roofing

Strata Roof Repair Experts in Langley: ACC Construction — Your Trusted Local Roofing Partner for Complete Roof Solutions

ACC Construction brings over 15 years of professional roofing expertise to Langley homeowners and Strata corporations. From complete roof replacements to emergency leak repairs and preventive maintenance — built for BC's toughest weather.

Dec 10, 202510 min read
After-Hours Emergency Roofing Repairs for Vancouver Townhouses: What to Do When a Leak Won't Wait Until Morning
Roofing

After-Hours Emergency Roofing Repairs for Vancouver Townhouses: What to Do When a Leak Won't Wait Until Morning

When a roof leak strikes your Vancouver townhouse after business hours, you need immediate action to protect your home from water damage. Here's the complete guide to handling after-hours roofing emergencies — from initial response through professional repair.

Dec 15, 202512 min read

Need Help With Your Strata Property?

Our team of 13 trade divisions is ready to help with any building maintenance or improvement project across the Lower Mainland.

    Lonsdale Quay, Busloop Celebration Tbar install

    · Strata Property Services Editorial

    Planning common-area ceiling renewal without losing future access

    Use commercial ceiling examples to ask better questions about phased access, maintenance and the scope of a strata ceiling renewal.

    Read the illustrated guide →