Question 1

Does my strata need to approve a mini-split condenser on my balcony?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly yes. In a strata, the balcony is typically common property or limited common property, and attaching or placing any equipment there requires written strata council approval before work begins.

What the Strata Property Act says

Under BC's Strata Property Act, owners cannot make changes to common property or limited common property without the strata corporation's permission. A balcony almost always falls into one of those categories, even if you have exclusive use of it. A min

Question 2

Is that HVAC company in Metro Vancouver actually local or a lead broker?

Accepted Answer

A fair question, and one worth asking before you hand over your contact details or pay a deposit.

The Metro Vancouver HVAC market has a mix of genuinely local contractors, regional chains, and third-party lead brokers whose business is selling your request to contractors. Here is how to tell them apart.

Signs a company is actually local

A real local contractor will have a physical address in Metro Vancouver (not a P.O. box or a suite number at a virtual office), a Technical Safety BC gas con

Question 3

Why won't some Vancouver contractors quote without a site visit?

Accepted Answer

Contractors who refuse to quote over the phone or email are not being difficult; they are protecting you from a number that could be wrong by thousands of dollars.

What a contractor actually needs to see

The honest reason is that Metro Vancouver homes vary enormously, and the variables that move a heat pump or furnace price are physical things a photo or floor plan rarely captures clearly. A contractor who quotes blind is usually padding the number to cover surprises, or cutting it to win the

Question 4

What does a 10-year manufacturer's warranty actually require in BC?

Accepted Answer

Most 10-year parts warranties from heat pump and furnace manufacturers are conditional warranties, meaning the 10 years only applies if you register the equipment within a set window (often 60 to 90 days of installation) and keep up annual professional maintenance. Miss either step and the warranty typically reverts to a shorter base period, commonly five years for parts and one year for labour.

What the Fine Print Usually Requires

Registration is the first thing most homeowners skip. Manufac

Hiring & Quotes

Does my strata need to approve a mini-split condenser on my balcony?

Is that HVAC company in Metro Vancouver actually local or a lead broker?

Why won't some Vancouver contractors quote without a site visit?

What does a 10-year manufacturer's warranty actually require in BC?