BC’s 

Electric 

Vehicle 

Charging 

Mandate: 

How 

It 

Affects 

Home 

Renovations 

With EV adoption accelerating across British Columbia, the province has introduced updated building requirements that now impact homeowners planning renovations. If you're upgrading your home or planning to, EV charging infrastructure might need to be part of the conversation.

Here’s what you need to know about the EV charging mandate, how it could affect your reno plans, and what to consider before starting your next project.

What Is the EV Charging Mandate?

As of recent BC building code updates, new homes and major renovations in certain municipalities may require the inclusion of EV-ready infrastructure. That doesn’t necessarily mean installing a charger—but it does mean preparing your home’s electrical system and parking space to support one in the future.

Common Requirements Include:

• Conduit pathways to parking stalls
• Dedicated 240V electrical circuits for future Level 2 EV chargers
• Panel upgrades to accommodate added electrical load

Municipalities like Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby have already implemented requirements for single-family and multi-unit homes. And as EVs become the norm, other cities across BC are following suit.

Planning a Renovation? Here’s What to Expect

If you're renovating your garage, upgrading electrical systems, or planning an addition, these new EV-readiness rules may apply especially if you're already pulling permits. It’s a smart move to plan ahead for this infrastructure, even if you don’t drive an EV yet.

Here’s what to factor into your renovation scope:

• Space for electrical conduit in garages or carports
• Future-proofing by upsizing your panel to 200 amps (if not already)
• Discussing load-sharing systems if multiple vehicles are involved
• Strategic wiring runs that save on future retrofit costs

Not sure what applies to your property? Square One Construction works closely with city permit offices and stays on top of all building code updates so we’ll help you navigate what’s required and what’s optional.

Why It Matters for Long-Term Value

Adding EV readiness isn’t just about compliance, it’s also about increasing your home’s value and appeal. As more buyers prioritise sustainability and convenience, homes with EV-ready parking will be more competitive in the market.

Plus, integrating it during a renovation is far more cost-effective than doing a retrofit down the road. It’s a small investment now that protects you, and your resale value later.

Let’s Future-Proof Your Renovation

Whether you're upgrading your electrical panel or reconfiguring your garage, planning with EV-readiness in mind is just smart building. Square One Construction will walk you through every requirement and opportunity so your renovation meets both today’s standards and tomorrow’s needs.

Email: info@squareoneconstruction.ca

Phone: (778) 400-7948

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Building smarter today means fewer headaches tomorrow. Let’s talk about your EV-ready home renovation.