Navigating the renovation planning process with ease this summer

Summer in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is the perfect season for more than just backyard barbecues and gardening – it is also prime time for planning home renovations. Whether it is a new kitchen, refreshed basement suite or even a laneway house, renovations can significantly boost the value and enjoyment homeowners can get out of their homes. However, the journey from idea to reality typically involves a crucial step: getting approvals and permits. 

Obtaining the necessary approvals and building permits is essential for any major renovation. They ensure that construction, demolition, or alterations meet local safety and zoning regulations. Each municipality in the GTA has its own rules, and while minor changes might require only a basic permit, significant projects (like altering structural walls or plumbing) often need more extensive approvals. 

The permit process can be lengthy so homeowners looking to do a major renovation should plan ahead. If a minor variance is required, it will require review and approval by the Committee of Adjustments, which can add months to the process. This delay can be discouraging for some, but forgoing the proper approvals and proper permits means risking fines that can range from $200 to $27,000, disputes with neighbours, stop work orders and worse. 

This is where working with a trusted renovator comes in. Look for a renovator who is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Associations’ RenoMark program (which BILD administers in the GTA). Renomark renovators are professionals that adhere to a strict Code of Conduct, offer written contracts, carry at least $2 million in liability insurance, and provide a two-year warranty on their work. Choosing a RenoMark renovator also means you get someone who understands the ins and outs of the permit and approvals process. They can assess the project to determine which (if any) building permit is necessary and handle the application process. They also know when additional professionals, like architects or structural engineers, might be required. 

There are various types of renovations that homeowners undertake in the GTA and as the region continues to grapple with the challenges of the housing crisis, many people are opting to convert their basements or attics into secondary suites to house family members or tenants. Laneway housing and garden suites continue to grow in popularity because of their value to the homeowner and as another solution to the housing shortage. Fortunately, it has become easier in recent years to build laneway homes with as of right zoning, but that doesn’t mean that the approval and permitting process can’t still be lengthy. 

That is why working with the right professional is key. If you are planning a renovation and need assistance with permits, visit www.bildgta.ca/find-a-renomark-renovator to find a RenoMark renovator.  

Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, visit www.bildgta.ca.