Planning Your Renovation
Ontario's Building Code requires permits for most work that affects structural elements, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC. Understanding permit requirements before starting work prevents costly complications.
Structural work always requires a permit. Removing walls (load-bearing or not — determining which requires inspection), adding a beam, modifying floor structure, or changing the roof configuration all trigger permit requirements.
What the Process Looks Like
Electrical work requires an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit for most modifications beyond simple like-for-like replacement. Adding circuits, moving panels, installing sub-panels, and adding new outlets to existing circuits all typically require permits.
Plumbing permits are required for adding fixtures, moving drain lines, and modifying supply lines. Like-for-like replacement of fixtures with identical connections typically doesn't require a permit.
Working With D&D Interior Services
Adding a new bathroom almost always requires permits for plumbing, electrical, and potentially structural work. Adding a secondary suite requires permits for all trades and may trigger zoning compliance review.
HVAC modifications — extending duct systems, adding equipment, changing from one fuel type to another — require permits and inspection.
Starting work without a required permit creates multiple problems: inspections won't happen, issues won't be caught, the work may not meet code, and disclosure at sale time is required. Unpermitted work can be ordered removed at your expense.