Building Permits & Inspections
Every province has building codes that are enforced through inspections by municipalities and utilities such as electricity and natural gas providers. Before you start your project, it's important to understand how permits and inspections work.
Generally, a building permit is required for work that involves the load-bearing structure of your home or that could affect the health and safety of those in your home. Depending on the nature of your project, you may also need one or more of these permits:
- Electrical permit: For wiring in a new home or changes to the electrical system in an existing home.
- Plumbing permit: For plumbing in a new home or repairs or alterations to a home's existing plumbing.
- Gas permit: For new heating systems or other installations that use natural gas or propane, or for changes to these.
- Occupancy permit: Required before you can occupy a newly built or substantially renovated home (a “substantial” renovation involves extensive reconstruction of a home, essentially making it a “new home” eligible for a GST New Housing Rebate).
Non-structural work, such as replacing shingles or flooring, often does not require a permit. Some work, like replacing windows, may or may not require one, depending on where you live. If you’re not sure, call your municipal building permit office and describe your project. If a permit is required, you’ll likely be asked to bring drawings of your project to the office.
Who’s Responsible for the Permit?
As the property owner, you are responsible for complying with all permit requirements for your project. When you and a contractor draw up your contract, you can specify that the contractor will look after permits and arrange for inspections on your behalf. If you don’t specify this in your contract, you are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and inspections. If a project does not comply with building, electrical, plumbing or gas codes or municipal zoning requirements, your municipality or a utility can then force you to correct deficiencies in the work or demolish it.
What if a contractor suggests that you can "skip the permit" because no one will notice the work being done? Look for another contractor.