You know exactly what you want to renovate and you want to get started right away, naturally. Unfortunately, there are a number of missteps you could take that can cost you dearly. One of these missteps is forgetting about getting building permits. If you skip a permit in hopes of hastening your renovation, you could be faced with severe consequences. You need to understand building permits and when you need them to begin your renovation, and when you do not. Please read on to learn more:
Why do we have building permits?
The most important objective of building codes is for the safety of the occupants. Renovations that do not comply to building codes could be structurally unsound, result in an electrical fire, and other very serious situations. The National Building Code of Canada outlines construction guidelines for every part of your home, from railings to windows to doors. You can only get a building permit if you adhere to these strict guidelines. Nowadays building codes are also in place to make your home as energy-efficient and green as possible.
Why should you get a building permit?
Talk to a real estate agent and they will tell you about a home sale gone awry because of improper DIY jobs done without a permit. A home inspector will be able to tell when unsafe work was done without a permit, and recommend that the prospective buyers wait until the work is done with a permit before buying. Getting a permit for retroactive work can be very expensive as it may require the work to be re-done from scratch.
When is a building permit required?
In the city of Calgary, a permit is required to “erect a new building or structure” or “demolish, relocate, repair, alter or make additions to an existing building or structure.” A building permit is NOT required for building fences, sidewalks or planters or for retaining walls that are less than 1.2 metres in height. Decorating, painting and general maintenance do not require a permit either. For all other work, it is best to assume that you do need a permit and you should contact the city to learn more.
If you are looking for a Calgary-based company to work on your next renovation project, you should contact Tri-Link Builders. We will take your dream renovation and make it reality. We will handle any require development or building permits and all of the work done by us and our trade partners follows the strict construction guidelines set forth by the National Building Code of Canada.
(403) 217-5916