Do I Need A Permit for My Home Renovation Project?
If you’re thinking about making any significant updates to your home or property, you might be surprised to learn that you probably require a building permit. Many homeowners assume they don’t need a permit for interior renos or that the contractor will take care of any necessary permits. But it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure a building permit is obtained. Read on for everything you need to know about building permits for your home renovation project.
Why Do I Need a Building Permit?
Building permits ensure that your construction project follows standard practices for safety and sound construction. It also lets you know before you start any work if your project complies with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws and any other regulations that might apply. A building permit provides the reassurance and security of knowing your project is done right and that your home is safe.
Does My Renovation Project Require A Permit?
If you’re making cosmetic updates such as paint and new flooring or replacing old items with new ones that are the same size and footprint, you won’t need a building permit. But for almost all other renovation projects a building permit is required. Here are some examples of projects that require a building permit:
- Interior structural alterations such as adding or removing walls
- Enlarging, relocating or adding a new window or door
- Relocating, extending or adding new plumbing
- Almost all electrical work
- Structural alternations such as adding or removing an addition or adding a storey
- Foundation repairs or alterations
If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit, contact Building Code Client Service Centre or 3-1-1 for more information. You can also e-mail buildingpermits@ottawa.ca.
How Do I Get a Building Permit in Ottawa?
Building permits for the National Capital Area are issued by the City of Ottawa. If you live outside of the city limits, contact your municipality for information on how to obtain a building permit.
In Ottawa, smaller permit applications, including decks, exterior structures, finished basements, additions, plumbing, and secondary dwelling units can be submitted electronically. Electronic applications must include drawings that are 11” x 17” or less in size. For large construction projects such as whole home renovations or new dwellings, applications can be submitted by mail or in person. Hard copy application packages must include:
- A completed and signed Building Permit Application (including Schedule 1)
- Two complete copies of the drawing package printed at a legible scale
- Payment (by cheque)
What Happens if I Don’t Have A Permit?
If you start a renovation without a permit, the city can issue a stop-work order until the proper permits are acquired. There could also be a fine (up to $50,000 for a first offence!) or they could even require any work already completed to be removed. If you buy or sell a home that has had renovations done without a permit, you may have to remove the renovation or perform costly repairs.
Do I Need a Permit to Renovate my Kitchen?
A kitchen update that does not require moving any walls or utilities, will not require a building permit. Changes such as directly replacing cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring, sink or faucets can be done without a permit. But if you move or remove a wall, change the size or location of doors or windows, move or add a sink, or relocate appliances that require utilities to be moved you will require a permit for your kitchen renovation.
Do I Need a Building Permit for a New Shed?
If you are building a one-storey storage shed that is 15 square metres or less and does not have plumbing, you do not need a building permit. Any accessory building such as a detached garage, gazebo, or pool house, that is larger than 10 square metres (108 sq. feet) must have a building permit.
After many years buying and selling homes in the National Capital area, our team has seen the results of renovations gone wrong and how difficult it can be to sell a home that was updated without a permit. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure any home our clients purchase is up to code and has all the proper documentation. Contact us today to get peace of mind on your next real estate transaction.