| Q* Do I need a permit for backyard storage hut? |
| A - A permit is usually not required for stand alone structure under 108 s.f. (10 s.m.) |
| However, check with your local authority for any project however minor it may be. It's for your own protection. |
|
| Q* When do I need a construction permit? |
| A - Normally a permit is required for the following: |
| Construct a new building or an addition to an existing building |
| Structural alterations |
| Renovate, repair or add to a building |
| Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building |
| Change a building's use |
| Install, change, or remove partitions and load bearing walls |
| Make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows |
| Build a garage, balcony or deck |
| Excavate a basement or construct a foundation |
| Install or modify heating, plumbing or air-conditioning systems |
| Install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces |
| An accessory structure larger than 108 sq. ft. in area |
| A deck more than 24" above ground |
| A wood burning stove/fireplace installation |
| A basement entrance |
| A Second Suite |
| New or altered electrical and/or plumbing |
| However, check with your local authority for any project how ever minor it may be. It's for your own protection. |
| Remember as the building owner you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements. |
| Failure to obtain building permits can result in costly construction delays, legal actions and even possibly |
| the removal of completed construction work. |
|
| Q* Do I need a permit to replace my roof or my fence? |
| A - Normally a permit is not required for the following: |
| Replace existing doors and windows (same-size), subject to distance from property lines |
| Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines |
| Build a roofless deck under 0.61 metres (2 feet) that is not attached to a building |
| Build a utility shed under 10 m2 (108ft2) |
| Re-shingle a roof |
| Replace or increase insulation |
| Dry-wall or plaster |
| Damp-proof basements |
| Paint or decorate |
| Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing |
| Erect a fence (except for outdoor swimming pool fences) |
| Electrical work (however, the Electrical Safety Authority must inspect electrical installations) |
| Always check with your local authority for any project how ever minor it may be. It's for your own protection. |
|
| * How do I apply for a permit- can I do it myself do I need to hire a third party; |
| A - Applying for a permit is quite simple and you should do it yourself especially when it's a minor project. |
| Visit your local municipal offices and obtain all the necessary information. They are there to help and they do; |
| On larger projects (unless your versed in the field) you should hire a professional. |
| Architects & Technologists are best suited for this job and in the long run will save you a lot of grief. |
|
| * We added a bathroom without a building permit can I or should I apply now that its finished? |
| A - Yes you should and you must. Applying for permit after the fact is for your protection. |
| Visit your local municipal offices and explain your situation. They'll probably send an inspector |
| to review the work and list the proper steps to remedy the situation including a permit application |
| and construction drawings among other things. |
|
| Q* I'm adding a second floor to my house do I need Architect's drawings or can I do it myself; |
| A - Unless your competent in the construction field we would suggest that your hire a professional. |
| However, you don't have to. Your municipal offices will inform you of the requirements |
| and it will be up to you provide what's needed. |
| Architects & Technologists are professionals with years of experience in the field and know the pitfalls. |
| Best suited for this type of work they, in the long run, will save you a lot of grief not to mention money and time. |
|
| Q* Are Technologists approved to do major renovation projects; |
| A - Licensed Designers (BCIN) are well suited to prepare permit ready construction drawings and specifications. |
|
| Q* What does "BCIN" designation means? |
| A - Building Code Identification Number. |
|
| Q* How does one recognize a reliable renovator/contractor? |
| A - The following are but a few telling signs: |
| Referred by a friend or neighbour; |
| Experience in similar projects; |
| List of references (would they hire him/her again); |
| Personality and presence; |
| Knowledge of the construction business; |
| How detailed was the quote; |
| Competitive pricing. |
|
| Q* My contractor said you don't need construction drawings it's too small a job. What do you think? |
| A - Unless it is repair or replacement work you need at the very least a sketch to see what you're getting for the money. |
| You need to know the material used and how it will be put together. |
| Even something as simple as a fence you still need details on the construction. How is it going to be |
| put together, what kind of material, how deep the footings , how high etc.... |
|
| Q* Why do I need third party designer. Wont I save money if the contractor does it himself. |
| A - Possibly. But you're also at the mercy of this one company. |
| Having a third party designer will give you the control of the project and the flexibility for changes. |
| The designer will produce permit ready drawings and often will apply for required permits as well, |
| leaving you free to manage your project closely. You'll be able to compare "apples-to-apples" when you're |
| comparing quotes. Some designers also offer project management. Something you should consider on a major project. |
|
| Q* My contractor is asking for a 50% deposit on my small addition project isn't that excessive? |
| A - Yes it is. Usually 10 to 20% is the norm. However, certain project may require up-front expensive purchases. |
| Ask your contractor the reasons for the high deposit, if its the case offer to pay for it directly. |
|
| Q* My contractor says there is no permit required for small electrical work is he right? |
| A-Yes he's right (however, the Electrical Safety Authority must inspect electrical installations) |
|
| Q* My contractor says I should have R:40 insulation in my attic - is he right? |
| A-R:40 is the standard now for new construction, although you don't have to it, it would be wise to upgrade. |
| Remember a well insulated house reduce your heat loss, therefore saving you money. |
|
| Q*I'm building a small (4'-0" x 4'-0" ) deck off of my 2nd floor bedroom do I need a permit. |
| A- You do. Because it's attached to the house and its above 24" off the ground, the size has very little to do with it. |
| It has to be designed properly with footings and especially how it be will attached to the house among other things. |
|
| Q* What are heat calcs drawings? What's the cost? |
| If you're involved in - for instance - an addition to your home . The City will require with the construction drawings |
| a heat loss calculations to ascertain the adequacy of your furnace as well as the proposed ducting layout. |
| The price varies considerably. It depends on the complexcity of the project. An average residential renovation |
| could range from $600.00 to $1,200.00. |
|
| Q* I have icicles at my roof eaves in winter why is that so and how can I fix it? |
| The main reasons for icicles forming at your eaves is a lack of proper ventilation as well as more than likely |
| poor insulation. (see ice damming). |
|
| Q* I have low ceiling in my basement (6'-3"). What's my alternatives to increase my headroom? |
| There's basically 3 ways to increase the headroom in your basement. One consist of raising your home off of the existing |
| foundation. The next two consist of lowering the foundation itself. One method is called benching the other one is |
| called underpinning. All are quite expensive. The least expensive would be benching; however, you end up with a |
| protruding bottom wall that does create some space and use issues. (see underpinning). |
