Do You Need a Building Permit for a Renovation in Ontario?
Which renovations need a building permit in Ontario, which usually don't, how applications and inspections work, and the separate electrical and plumbing permits.
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Planning, permits and contractors
How to plan a renovation in Ontario: building permits, drawings, choosing a contractor, comparing quotes, the contract, holdbacks and timelines.
How to Choose a Renovation Contractor in Ontario
Practical guide to finding, checking and hiring a renovation contractor in Ontario: references, insurance, WSIB, trade licences, questions to ask and red flags.
How to Compare Renovation Quotes in Ontario
Learn how to compare renovation quotes in Ontario: same scope, fixed price vs estimate, allowances, exclusions, HST, and the 10% rule. Practical guide.
Holdbacks and Construction Liens in Ontario Renovations
How the Construction Act holdback protects Ontario homeowners from construction liens, how liens are registered, released, and why contract details need a lawyer.
Renovation Contract Checklist for Ontario Homeowners
A practical checklist for a home renovation contract in Ontario: what the Consumer Protection Act requires, payment schedules, holdback, change orders and permits.
Renovating an Older Home: Asbestos, Lead Paint and Old Wiring
Renovating an older Ontario home? Learn where asbestos, lead paint and old wiring hide, why testing comes before demolition, and how to schedule the work.
Renovation Drawings in Ontario: Who Prepares Them
Who can prepare renovation drawings for an Ontario building permit: BCIN designers, architects, engineers, and when you need a structural engineer.
How to Plan a Home Renovation in Ontario, Step by Step
The order of decisions for an Ontario renovation: goals, budget, drawings, permits, hiring a contractor, the contract, inspections and close-out.
How Long Does a Renovation Take in Ontario?
A plain guide to how long a renovation takes in Ontario: the phases, what makes each one long, and how kitchens, bathrooms, basements and additions compare.