Our condo building in New Westminster needs a full exterior repaint as part of the building envelope maintenance. What's involved and what does it cost?

A full exterior repaint on a condo building in New Westminster is a significant project that typically falls under building envelope maintenance in your strata's depreciation report. For a mid-rise building of four to six storeys with 60 to 100 units, expect to budget $80,000 to $200,000 or more depending on the building's total exterior square footage, access complexity, surface condition, and the coating system specified.

The process starts with a thorough inspection of the building envelope. Any failed caulking, cracked stucco, damaged flashing, or water intrusion issues need to be repaired before painting. In Metro Vancouver's wet climate, applying paint over compromised substrates leads to premature failure and trapped moisture, which can cause far more expensive damage.

Access is usually the biggest cost variable. Swing stages and boom lifts are standard for mid-rise buildings, and their rental and setup add significantly to project costs. Buildings with complex facades, balcony overhangs, or limited ground access in tight New Westminster lots will see higher access costs.

The coating system matters enormously. A high-quality elastomeric coating designed for BC's rain-driven climate will outperform standard exterior paint by years. These coatings bridge hairline cracks and repel water while still allowing moisture vapour to escape from the wall assembly.

Under the BC Strata Property Act, this type of expenditure usually requires a three-quarter vote at a general meeting if it exceeds the contingency reserve fund threshold or falls outside the approved depreciation report spending. Your strata manager can advise on the approval process.

The best next step is to engage a building envelope consultant to assess the current condition and specify the appropriate coating system, then use that specification to get competitive bids from commercial painters experienced with multi-storey residential buildings.

---

Find a Painting Contractor

Vancouver Paint Contractors connects you with experienced contractors through the https://vancouverconstructionnetwork.com:

• Tour De Force Construction ✓
• Pacific West Floor Decor and Renovations ✓
• Holloway Painting ✓