As with any other city or municipality in Canada, Ottawa requires building permits for most construction. These are to ensure that the work done follows the Ontario building codes to meet structural, health, and safety standards for current and future inhabitants. For a bathroom renovation, you are most likely required to have a building permit to cover most renovation work.
What bathroom renovations require a permit in Ottawa?
There are three general criteria for renovations that necessitate the need for a building permit for a bathroom renovation in Ottawa. You will need to have a…
It’s my bathroom in my house. Why do I have to get a permit?
There are several reasons why you do need a permit to renovate a bathroom in the municipality of Ottawa. First, safety standards are to be adhered to. Permits are a way to safeguard against possible structure, electrical, or plumbing problems in the future. Also, the process of issuing permits allows Ottawa to inspect the renovations to verify that the building, zoning, and safety standards are being met.
Not only are permits required for bathroom remodels, but periodic inspections are also required. These inspections, carried out by building code officials from the City of Ottawa, check and sign off on plumbing and electrical installations and modifications. Any work that affects structural components in the room, such as alterations to load-bearing walls, must also be inspected for compliance to building codes.
Bathroom Renovation Permit Process
After determining that you need a building permit because of one or more of the three general criteria, you will need to complete the application form: Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish. As the form requires information from the Designer and Sewage System Installer, it could be less stressful to let your contractor complete the form for you.
If you complete the forms, submit your application through your account at My Service Ottawa, or create an account if you don’t have one. The fees for the application will need to be paid at the time of submission. The approval process after submitting the application is approximately 5-10 business days depending on the complexity of the bathroom reno. After approval, applicants will be informed according to the contact option chosen at the time of application. This can be in person or through the online customer portal.
The Cost of a Bathroom Renovation Permit
As mentioned, you do need a permit to renovate your bathroom in Ottawa if any of the three constituents, structural, electrical, or plumbing, are altered. A bathroom renovation permit in Ottawa has a minimum cost of $98 with an additional cost of $10.75 for each $1,000 of prospective construction value.
The Cost of Not Getting a Bathroom Renovation Permit
It is best to apply for and get the permits before beginning any of the work. Legally, you are not able to begin remodelling your bathroom without the required permits. Consequences if you are found to have started or completed work without the requisite permits could include fines, penalties, and/or a retroactive permit at an appreciably higher cost than the original. There may even be an order to tear down and reconstruct the completed work in some instances.
The consequences of not getting a permit may also make any insurance claims more complicated. Also, if you ever decide to sell your home, prospective buyers could request to see the permits of any modifications done to your home before they commit to purchasing your home.
Count on Your Contractor
Most renovation contractors are skilled in dealing with obtaining bathroom renovation permits. They understand the municipal regulations and are familiar with the application process. They also understand building codes and how to comply with then, and they can also schedule inspections. Having your contractor deal with dotting the ‘I’s and crossing the ‘T’s will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
If you’re ready to get started, contact us now to get a free quote!
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About the Author
Arif
Sales & Customer Experience Lead
Arif is the first friendly face many of our clients meet at iBathrooms. He leads our sales process, handles initial inquiries, and guides homeowners through product selections, ensuring they feel confident and excited about their renovation journey.