What is a Building Permit? GET A FREE QUOTE
Obtaining a building permit or a development permit is a tiresome and frustrating process filled with painful procedures, protocols, and red tape. Even after months of following steps and negotiations, you can still be denied approval.
A building permit is one that allows the construction of a building or structure to move forward on the condition that it addresses and is in compliance with the building code of a city, town or county. A building permit is necessary when any construction, relocation, alteration, demolition or repair is taking place on a property. In some instance, some buildings and structures are exempt, such as accessory building or repairs not altering the structure of a property. Once applied for, building permits are reviewed under the requirement of the Building Code to ensure that the project is in compliance with things, such as minimum window size, structural stability, height of the railing, etc. Following the approval, inspection will take place during the construction process to ensure that the work is carried out according to the approval.
When do you need a Kitchen Renovation Permit?
Let’s try to demystify when you need a Kitchen Renovation Permit. To do that, we will need to clarify the type of permits that a kitchen renovation would require. A kitchen renovation will require a kitchen building permit, but the type of renovation may also require an Electrical or Plumbing permit. The three permits are independent from one another. In most cities, even the application and inspection process are independent. Electrical and Plumbing permits generally need to be applied for by a licensed trade or, in some cases, directly by the homeowner.
First, note that cities like Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary have their own triggers and requirements when it comes to permits. Not only would the type of renovation that requires a Building permit differ, but the requirements may change too. Give us a quick call so we can send you in the right direction.
Here are 4 types of kitchen renovations that could require a Building Permit:
A kitchen renovation that includes the removal or the addition of a new wall.
The creation of a new window or a bay window.
The creation of a new door to a deck or a separate room.
In some cities, the replacement of the cabinets requires a kitchen renovation permit.
Often, we hear contractors claim that if a wall is not structural (not supporting the weight of the roof or ceiling), a permit is not required. This claim may have been true 30 years ago, but, it is no longer right. The Kitchen Renovation Permit is there to confirm that a wall can be removed without causing structural problems.
We always recommend obtaining the Kitchen Renovation Building Permit prior to doing the renovation. If you did your renovation without a permit, you still can obtain approval after the fact and we are here to help get that approval. Same process, but, you may have upgrades to complete in order to bring your renovation to current building code regulations.
Give us a call at 403-366-0850, or apply apply online. The Bowie Bear 'Builder Block' is here to help.
