The kitchen, bathroom, and basement are the most common Ottawa renovations for homes and residences.
If you have decided to renovate your home, you are probably wondering, “Do I need a building permit for renovations in Ottawa?”
It’s completely understandable that you want to get your project done with minimal bureaucracy. However, building permits in Ottawa are required for a reason. Below, you can find out when are Ottawa home renovation permits required.
Ottawa Home Renovations That Don’t Require a Building Permit
The scope of your home renovation project is the one factor that determines whether you need to obtain a building permit or not.
For instance, most of the cosmetic changes to your home can be completed without the permit.
What do cosmetic Ottawa home renovations include?
If you have decided to change the flooring in your home, you won’t need to get a building permit.
The same applies if you have decided to take off the old panelling from the walls and replace it with a new one. You can also have a tap or toilet replaced without a permit.
However, if you are making a structural change to your home, you will need a building permit.
When are Ottawa Home Renovation Permits Required
Ottawa home renovation permits are a must-have if the renovation encompasses structural changes to your home.
What does a structural change imply? For instance, if you are taking out an entire wall or a section of a wall, you will need a permit.
Adding a doorway also implies that you need to have a building permit.
If you are relocating your toilet or a sink, it is a structural change, and therefore you’ll need a permit.
In this case, you will need a plumbing permit, but it is a permit nonetheless. The same goes for changes made to electrical installations in your home.
Why are Building Permits In Ottawa Important
Not all Ottawa 
contractors are the same.
Some are capable of delivering high-quality service, while others are not. A building permit is the only way to ensure that the integrity of your home is not compromised.
The City of Ottawa will send a qualified inspector to make sure that everything is being done according to the latest standards.
Ottawa home renovation permits play another important role. If you decide to sell your home at one point, you will need to provide the permits for all renovations as evidence that everything was done properly and legally.
You should also know that the contractor in Ottawa is not responsible for obtaining a building permit in your stead. It is your responsibility.
If you plan to make some structural changes to your home, you need a reliable and trustworthy Ottawa contractor specializing in home renovations.
Whether you live in Kanata, Stittsville, Barrhaven, or Westboro, March Homes will help you see your home renovation project trough. March Homes is a trusted contractor in Ottawa known for its exceptional home renovations and impeccable customer service.
