A building permit is a document issued by the body responsible for enforcing Ontario’s Building Code in your area. This is usually through Municipal building departments but can also be done through some boards of health or conservation authorities when on-site sewage systems are involved.

When is a Building permit needed?

Not all home construction or renovation will require a permit, many minor projects can be carried out by a homeowner or a contractor without one.  But a building permit is required when you wish to:
construct, renovate, demolish or change the use of a building
excavate or construct a foundation
make renovations or repairs or add to a building
Change the use of a building
Construct new or additional buildings on your property that are more than 10sq m

Permits are designed to ensure that specific building codes are met which set out standards for health, safety, fire protection, accessibility, and resource conservation.  These are for the benefit of both the current home/land owner, as well as future owners.

What do I need in order to get a permit?

Requirements for permit can vary from municipality to municipality, so it is best practice to reach out to your local office prior to any project.  Let them know your intentions for your project, and they will advise you whether or not one is needed, as well as provide you the application and requirements, if any.  If you are hiring a contractor, they will often obtain the permit on your behalf, and include the price for doing so in their estimate.  But best practice is to ask!!  Ensure that they are doing so – never assume!

One thing is for sure - if you are planning to build a new structure that is greater that 10sq m, you will need one.

What happens if I’ve done work without a permit?

It is common for many homeowners to have completed work without having permits in place. However, if any issues arise from work done that should have had a permit – it could be costly!

- If a home inspection is done on your home in the future when you are selling, and defaults are found, you may be required to demo the work that was done, obtain a permit, and redo the work. 
- If a flood or fire were to happen in your home and the cause was from work that was done without a permit, your insurance may deny a claim for the damages/repair. 
- If you are found to have built without a permit, you may be fined by the municipality, and/or ordered to tear down your structure.

It will save you time, and money in the long run to first run any anticipated plans through the building department to verify whether you require a permit or not.

For more detailed information on requirements and processes, click here:
https://www.ontario.ca/document/citizens-guide-land-use-planning/building-permits

How can you help support your local community?

Ontario is in yet another lockdown as our Province battles the ongoing pandemic of Covid-19. So many people are struggling financially and mentally as their businesses get closed or modified. These small businesses need us, their community to support and keep them going!

Here are some amazing ways you can show your support to these local businesses and your community in this time of need:

Kindness – yes, this is my first and foremost point to be made! We are all going through hard times here and kindness goes a long way. We have had to learn to adjust and adapt to this new way of life. Businesses went months and months with no income and still had to find ways to adhere to public health restrictions once they reopened. It takes time for everyone to figure out this new way we have been living, so lets all be kind to one another and give each other grace as we continue through this pandemic.

Shop – Instead of going to Walmart or ordering online from Amazon, take a look at what small businesses are in your community. Many of these businesses have online shops, curbside pick-up and have altered their storefronts to adhere to public health protocols. These small businesses are owned by community members and it would be great to support your fellow neighbor rather than a big box store.

Our community is full of great people and the businesses they own. I have provided some links below to some of my favourite places in my community.

Comment some of your local favourites and let’s spread the word about these great businesses!

Good Eats:

Chanterelles Bistro (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/chanterellebistro?utm_medium=copy_link

Three-Six Kitchen (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/threesixkitchen?utm_medium=copy_link

Starapples Restaurant (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/starapplesresto?utm_medium=copy_link

The Yardbird (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/the_yardbird_?utm_medium=copy_link

Roam Coffee (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/roamcoffee.ca?utm_medium=copy_link

Nest Desserts (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/nest_specialty_desserts?utm_medium=copy_link

Manantler (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/manantler?utm_medium=copy_link

Butchies Restaurant (Whitby)

https://instagram.com/butchiesrestaurant?utm_medium=copy_link

Shops:

The Willow Branch (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/thewillowbranch_bowmanville?utm_medium=copy_link

Markets Ontario (Bowmanville and other locations)
https://instagram.com/marketsontario?utm_medium=copy_link

Gather (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/gatherthegoodthings?utm_medium=copy_link

Petit Nordic Boutique (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/petitnordique.boutique?utm_medium=copy_link

Splendid Greetings (Courtice)
https://instagram.com/splendid.greetings?utm_medium=copy_link

Reinsigns (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/reinsigns?utm_medium=copy_link

Chez Fleur (Durham Region)
https://instagram.com/chezfleurca?utm_medium=copy_link

Spas:

Ash Rose Aesthetics (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/ashroseaesthetics?utm_medium=copy_link
Beauty Foundations Clinic (Whitby)
https://instagram.com/beautyfoundationsclinic?utm_medium=copy_link

Gym/Health:

Orangetheory Fitness Bowmanville
https://instagram.com/otfbowmanville?utm_medium=copy_link

Form Health (Oshawa)
https://instagram.com/form_health?utm_medium=copy_link

Tara Minacs Wellness Coach
https://instagram.com/taraminacs?utm_medium=copy_link

Other Services:

The Bark Side Grooming (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/marcia_grooms?utm_medium=copy_link

Cotton Candy Arrangements (Bowmanville)
https://instagram.com/cottoncandyarrangements?utm_medium=copy_link

Are you thinking of selling your home this year? Maybe a quick paint job can help make your home stand out amongst the rest!

Painting your house before listing is a relatively inexpensive way to make an impact on the look of your home. It can help provide a fresh clean look and give buyers the feel of a well-maintained home.

Take a look at my top 3 reasons why you should consider repainting before listing your house:

1. You have visible holes, scuff marks or any wall damage. Covering these blemishes will make a huge difference in the appearnace of your home.

2. Do you have noticeable smells in the house from pets or smoking? Sometimes a fresh painting can help eliminate these old odours. A fresch clean scent is much more appealing!

3. Do you have inconsistent paint colours throughout the house? Now is the time to create a neutral tone which will help appeal to a large number of buyers. 

Buyers like to see a blank canvas where they can envision their belongings and own tastes in the home. Avoid bright and bold colours as your tastes may not be the same as others and you want your house to appeal to as many buyers as possible!

Some of my favourite neutral colours are:
BM Chantilly Lace
BM White Dove
SW Agreeable Grey
SW Repose Grey
BM Balboa Mist

Thinking of selling? Send me a DM and let's chat!