Send context first. Mark unknowns honestly and agree the next assessment step.
1. Describe the project in plain language
- The city or postal area and property type.
- The affected room or rooms.
- New board, an isolated repair, finishing existing board—or uncertainty about the right approach.
- What happened and whether the cause has been investigated.
- What is exposed, removed or still concealed.
Keep the first description factual. “An opening left after plumbing access” is more useful than choosing a repair method before the condition has been assessed.
2. Add size and finish expectations
- Approximate dimensions and ceiling height; say when measurements are estimates.
- Whether walls, ceilings or both are affected.
- Smooth or textured existing surfaces.
- The intended final paint colour and sheen, if known.
- Any finish specification or drawings already prepared.
3. Explain access and coordination
- Occupied or empty space and any restrictions on room use.
- Stairs, elevators, loading and parking constraints.
- Building work hours and relevant strata or property-manager requirements.
- Other trades involved and their current stage.
- Your desired timing, and which parts are flexible.
4. Prepare useful images for the discussion
A room overview shows access and the relationship between surfaces. A second image can show the affected area in context; a closer view may help describe visible damage. Photograph only from a safe position and avoid including people, valuables or unnecessary personal details.
The current enquiry form accepts text, not photo uploads. Keep images for a contact channel agreed with the website operator or the eventual service provider. Avoid access codes, identity documents and unnecessary personal details; images prepared on your device are not sent with the text form.
A useful starting description
Before you accept the estimate
- Identify the legal service provider and the person responsible for your project.
- Check the work area, material and finish scope, inclusions and exclusions.
- Confirm protection, waste, cleanup, primer and paint responsibilities.
- Ask how hidden conditions and changes are documented and approved.
- Review timing, payment terms and the agreed handover.
Identify the proposal before requesting a price
Burnaby publishes different project guidance for alterations and restorations. In your estimate brief, state whether work is part of an ordinary layout renovation or follows a damage event, and which proposal is still being reviewed. You need not choose the legal category yourself; give the responsible project lead enough information to resolve it.
Source: City of Burnaby
- Describe the original condition, any assessment and the intended reinstated finish.
- State which surfaces remain and which are already removed.
- List any unresolved approval or inspection item separately from your preferred completion date.
A few practical questions.
What if I do not know the right service?
Describe the starting condition and desired outcome. Mark the unknowns and let the contractor clarify the appropriate assessment and scope rather than choosing a technical method to fit a form.
Does submitting the form book a site visit?
No. An accepted live response confirms that your enquiry was saved for the website operator, with an email notification queued. It does not reserve a visit, establish contractor availability or create a contractor commitment. Read the current reception notice before submitting.
Sources & editorial context
- Home Improvement Permits · alterations and restorationsCity of Burnaby · Checked October 24, 2026
Technical references support the points linked above. The checklists and planning questions are editorial guidance, not a specification or an account of a contractor’s completed work.