Whole-Home Repiping and Renovation in New Westminster

When Melvin decided to address the aging Poly B plumbing in his New Westminster home, he took the proactive approach rather than waiting for a leak or insurance ultimatum. What made his project stand out was the scope of additional work he wanted to complete alongside the pipe replacement. Since repiping requires opening walls throughout the home, many homeowners recognize this as the ideal time to tackle other upgrades. While Poly B replacement is Urban Piping’s core service, our team has the experience to perform comprehensive renovations—handling plumbing, electrical, heating, flooring, and finishing all under one roof. Melvin’s project also included updating the kitchen and bathroom fixtures, which not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the home but also improved functionality. By planning these renovations concurrently with the repiping, he was able to streamline efforts and minimize disruption. Homeowners in similar situations should consider this integrated approach, as it can significantly impact the timeline for Poly B replacement in Vancouver homes. This strategy not only saves time but also reduces the stress often associated with Vancouver Poly B insurance issues that homeowners may face when plumbing problems arise. By taking a proactive stance, homeowners can avoid emergency repairs and potential claims that complicate their living situations. Ultimately, a well-planned renovation ensures that the home remains comfortable and functional while addressing underlying plumbing challenges.

Site preparation began with Ram Board protecting tile and hardwood floors, carpet liner in work areas, and plastic sheeting over furniture and cabinetry. Demolition was extensive: drywall removal across two floors including baseboards, door casings, window casings, crown moldings, and valences. Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities were removed to access plumbing, and the basement bathroom required wall demolition behind the tub with the tub and toilet removed for later reinstallation.

The plumbing scope involved complete Poly B removal across both floors, replaced with Class A Rehau PEX featuring color-coded hot and cold lines. Every fixture received new connections using Dahl and BMI shut-off valves, braided distribution hoses, and brass garden faucets. The radiant floor heating system was overhauled with oxygen barrier PEX and brass fittings, creating three new zones with individual thermostats. The team installed 300 feet of tubing for baseboards, new Honeywell zone valves, and reorganized the mechanical room.

Urban Piping’s electrical crew completed a full aluminum-to-copper rewire with a 200A panel upgrade, sub-panel in the garage, EV charger feed, and 18 AFCI breakers. The team installed 50 LED pot lights, strip lighting on 23 stairs, 12 undercabinet puck lights, and wiring for 10 speakers and 6 security cameras. Three heat pumps were wired and connected throughout the home.

Additional work included 15 new Energy Saver Double Glazed Vinyl windows and 20 door slabs—8 single doors, 5 double closet doors, a fiberglass entrance door, and a basement divider door. Insulation upgrades featured Roxul Safe and Sound for basement ceiling sound dampening, R40 in the garage ceiling, and R14 with vapor barrier on exterior walls.

Drywall finishing matched existing textures throughout, with anti-mold green board in the basement bathroom. All walls and ceilings were primed and painted, and new baseboards, door casings, and window casings were installed. The team laid 2,500 square feet of new flooring including two staircases with 23 steps, and replaced exterior soffits and gutters. An air scrubber ran throughout the eight-week project, concluding with professional cleaning.

New Westminster Homes and Poly B Plumbing

New Westminster—”The Royal City”—features housing stock spanning more than a century. While famous for heritage homes in Queen’s Park and Sapperton, significant development occurred during the 1980s and early 1990s in the West End, Glenbrooke North, and Queensborough.

Homes built between 1985 and 1997 were constructed during peak Poly B Replacement Vancouver area installations. These homes typically range from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet with two to three bathrooms, finished basements, and hydronic heating systems that also used Poly B lines. As these homes approach 30 to 40 years of age, pipe replacement becomes a priority for homeowners concerned about leaks and insurance coverage.

Why New Westminster Homes Need Experienced Contractors

New Westminster’s hilly terrain creates split-level designs with plumbing running through multiple floor transitions, requiring careful planning to minimize drywall removal. Many homes feature finished basement suites, adding complexity with additional fixtures, more drywall work, and living space requiring protection.

Hydronic heating systems add another layer—these radiant floor systems often used Poly B lines needing replacement alongside domestic plumbing. Homeowners like Melvin who complete comprehensive renovations benefit from Urban Piping’s full-service approach: plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, flooring, windows, doors, insulation, and exterior work—all managed by one team rather than coordinating multiple contractors.