I want to renovate, do I need a building permit? The short answer is yes! In most cases you will be required to get a building permit issued by the jurisdiction you live in. Step 1, go on your city website and search for building and renovating. Most of the time this will link you to an extensive list of what projects do and do not require a permit. Know what your area requires before hiring your contractor so that you can go into that initial meeting prepared to talk about permits.

It is much easier to get a building permit upfront and start your project in accordance to your city regulations then have a nosy neighbour call the city to report you. If you do get tagged without having a permit, the city does not show leniency, you could face a hefty fine and have your project shut down for a lengthy amount of time. You many think your neighbours would never do this but it happens ALL THE TIME!

Did you know that most cities also have a building permit search function on their website? This is a useful tool anyone can use to see if a building permit was issued within the last 12 months. When buying a “newly renovated” home, do the search and find out if the homeowner took the necessary steps to ensure the project was done to code. This is also a tool that people use when they see a dumpster on your property or trades people coming and going. One quick search and if no permit is found a quick call to the city and your project is on pause. Most of the time, a neighbour is frustrated with trades using “all the parking” and this fuels a call to the city. It is always better to take the proper route, get a permit, be on the cities good side, get your project done to code and inspected, love your renovation and the process!

Here in the City of Hamilton, the stats are in and the first time has surpassed $2 billion worth of construction projects, making 2021 the first time the city has ever reached the $2 billion-dollar mark in construction value in one year. This milestone represents building projects in the residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial sectors.

• The $2-billion mark was reached on Monday, November 22, 2021, after staff issued new residential construction permits in Glanbrook.  
• Total construction value up to and including October 2021 is comprised of 59% residential, 39% industrial/commercial/institutional, and 2% miscellaneous.
• Residential has increased 53.3% over the previous 3-year average for a total of $1,143,411,173.
• Industrial, commercial, institutional has increased by 86% over the previous 3-year average for a total of $746,840,407.
• 2021 marks the first time the city reached the $1 billion-dollar mark in the first half of the year (June 2021).
• The city has reached the $1 billion milestone eleven out of the past twelve years.
• The building industry supports Hamilton’s economic growth, provides employment opportunities, new housing, and places for businesses to thrive.

Check out the City of Hamilton website for more information and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

https://www.hamilton.ca/home-property-and-development/building-renovating