Before you undertake repairs or renovations on your home, or have a new home built for you, it's important to understand how permits and inspections work.

A building permit for the construction of a new home, or alterations, additions or repairs to the structure of an existing home.


• An electrical permit for wiring in a new home, or changes to the electrical system in an existing home.
  
  
• A plumbing permit for plumbing in a new home, or repairs or alterations to a home's existing plumbing.
  
  
• A gas permit for new heating or other installations involving the use of natural gas or propane, or for changes to these systems in an existing home.
  
  
• An occupancy permit allowing the occupation of a newly built or substantially renovated home.

A permit is usually required for any construction work that involves the load-bearing structure of your home, or that could affect the health and safety of those in your home.

It is important to determine if the work you plan to do requires a permit. To do this, call your municipal building permit office and explain the planned work in detail. In most instances, you will need to go to the building permit office, complete an application form and provide proper drawings of your renovation or construction project in order to obtain the required permits.

Often, non-structural repairs like shingle replacement or flooring installation do not require a permit. Other projects, like window replacement may, or may not, require a permit. If you are not sure, check with your municipality before the work starts. And if any contractor you talk to suggests that you can "skip the permit" because no one will notice the work being done, look for another contractor.

As the owner of the property, you are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and inspections-not the contractor. If a contractor you hire fails to advise you that a permit is needed, you will still be held responsible by the municipality. And the municipality or utility can force you to correct deficiencies in the work or demolish any work that does not comply with the building, electrical, plumbing or gas codes or municipal zoning requirements.

When you and a contractor draw up a contract, you can specify that the contractor will look after getting all permits and arranging for inspections on your behalf. This will make the contractor accountable to you for meeting your permit obligations.