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Questions regarding these types of projects are asked and answered on this page.
The questions are from visitors to this site.
To ask a question, click on the heading at the bottom of this page.
Visitor: Hugh
Cornwall, Ontario
July 2010.
Question:
What is regulation minimal size for a window in a basement bedroom in New Brunswick to meet fire code? Also if a window well has to be installed what are it's clearances?
Answer:
A bedroom window in a home needs to have an unobstructed opening portion that is a minimum of 3.8 sq. ft. (0.35 sq. metres).
Comtact the local building department to determine if there are any local by-laws prohibiting basement bedrooms.
For a window well, there needs to be a minimum clearance of 21-5/ 8” (550 mm) in front of the window. If the opening portion of the window swings into the well, this opening portion of the window should not reduce the minimum clearance in any way that would restrict escape.
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Visitor: Gordon
Luskville, Quebec
July 2010.
Question:
I am having a house with an attached garage built and was wondering if there is a requirement for a firebreak between the garage and the house. The wall is a 2x6 with R20 insulation and OSB on the exterior. On top of the OSB is 1.5" Enerfoil with tuck tape. I thought 5/8 drywall was required as a fire stop? Do I need the 5/8 drywall on top of the 1.5" Enerfoil?
Answer:
It is my understanding that a garage attached to a new home construction is considered to be a part of the dwelling and a fire separation is not required between the garage and the dwelling unit. Providing that the construction between the garage and the rest of the house is an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes and that every door between the garage and the rest of the house conforms to code. As there is insulation, OSB and Enerfoil, drywall is not required on the garage side.
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Visitor: Sam
Three Hills, Alberta
July 2010.
Question:
Is there a minimum height requirement between a countertop and upper cabinet?
Answer:
In a home, the minimum height between a countertop and an upper cabinet is 1’-6”. Contact your town office for verification.
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Visitor: Ken
Smiths Falls, Ontario
June 2010.
Question:
I have read in your on-line information that a person does not need a building permit to do certain things, such as re-shingle etc. My question is where is it listed that way in either the Ontario Building Code or the National Building Code of Canada. I have found every community has the same information almost word for word. But where I live the city officials say I need a building permit to reshingle my roof even though there is no structural work to be done. Can you point me in the right direction?
Answer:
The Building Codes do have a section, which lists to some degree when building permits are required, especially for demolition or construction. City or municipal councils have the authority to pass by-laws for their jurisdiction regarding when permits are required or not for home or property renovations or improvements.
If your city officials say a permit is required to reshingle a roof on a home, then there must be a local by-law.
Another city or municipally will not have a by-law that requires a permit to reshingle a roof.
Many cities or municipalities will list when permits are required or not on their websites.
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Visitor: Dana
St. John's, Newfoundland
June 2010.
Question:
I have a new construction wheelchair accessible home. Can the deck be equal level to the door or does it have to be 4 7/8"lower?
Answer:
For the deck to be wheelchair accessible the overall height of the threshold should not be more than 1/2” high. The interior floor and deck surface need to be at the same level, or the deck has to ramp up to the level of the threshold. Otherwise a person in a wheelchair cannot safely access the deck.
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Visitor: Mike
St Johns, Newfoundland
June 2010.
Question:
I wanted to be clear on how electrical outlets are installed. Is the ground supposed to be facing towards the ceiling or towards the floor? I am looking at a new house and the inspector is saying that the ground in the outlets is supposed to be facing the floor, is this correct? The electrical code is not clear on this.
Answer:
In a home, most, if not all, appliances with a three-prong plug are designed with the ground on the bottom. If the ground on the outlet faces up, then the cord on the appliance (or electrical fixture) would be up and then hang down. It seems rather awkward and may present an opportunity for the cord to get caught on something or get squeezed if something is pushed against it.
With the ground on the outlet facing down, the cord on the plug hangs down and is easier to tuck aside. As far as I know, ground down, is the standard way to install an electrical outlet in the electrical trade. You should contact a licensed electrician for confirmation and the reason electricians install them in this way.
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Visitor: Chris
Pickering, Ontario
June 2010.
Question:
Is it ok to have a handrail on only one side of the basement stairs if the stairs are less than 42"? What if the other side is open?
Answer:
In a home, if the interior stairs have more than 2 risers, the stairway needs to be enclosed by walls or guards.
The handrail with the appropriate opening sizes will need to be installed on the open side of the stairway. One handrail is sufficient providing the width of the stairs is no more than 3 feet 7 inches.
If the stairs are to an unfinished basement, one unprotected or open side is permitted.
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Visitor: Linda
Hanover, Ontario
June 2010.
Question:
In Ontario, how many outside stair risers can I have without a handrail?
Answer:
Handrails are not required on the exterior stairs for a house when there are 3 risers or less.
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Visitor: Amanda
Brandon, Manitoba
June 2010.
Question:
Are you allowed to put an oven range under a window in a kitchen?
Answer:
It is my understanding that placing a gas or electric range under a window, in a home, is not allowed for fire protection reasons.
Combustible wall framing, finishes or cabinets within the area above the heating elements of the range need to be protected by materials providing fire resistance.
Placing only the oven part of a range, with no heating elements above, under a window would be acceptable.
Contact your local building department for confirmation.
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Visitor: Jakub
Ajax, Ontario
May 2010.
Question:
Inquiring about permit for a new garage in Ajax on the same site, as old one that is falling over size is 14 x 20 x 14 high.
Answer:
In Ajax, a permit is required for the construction of any new building over 108 square feet, including detached garages for homes. As your new garage is 280 square feet a building permit is required.
You will need to submit drawings, indicating if you are reusing existing footings/ concrete slab (if they are existing and they are stable) or installing new, as well as the construction of the walls and roof.
Contact the building department for further information on the application requirements.
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Visitor: Celine
Bathurst, New Brunswick
April 2010.
Question:
Do you need a permit when changing the roof on your house?
Answer:
A building permit is required when doing structural work to your house.
If you are changing the structural layout of your roof, then yes you will need a building permit.
If you are changing or repairing the shingles, soffits or eaves troughs, on your home, a permit is not required.
Contact your local building department for verification.
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Visitor: Wayne
Morinville, Alberta
April 2010.
Question:
I am a Homeowner replacing my windows, doors and siding. I currently have a set of exterior french doors exiting the kitchen. I would like to remove these doors and replace them with a window. This would leave me with a front entry door and a door exiting to an attached garage.
Is there a minimum requirement for the # of doors required to have egress from the main floor of a house that is a 1200 ft2 bungalow?
All replacement windows in the house will be casement style and will meet the code requirement for egress.
Answer:
Egress or exit doors in a home are required to be exterior doorways.
The door leading to an attached garage is not considered an exit unless there is a doorway to the exterior in the garage. An overhead garage door is not considered an acceptable means of exit.
If there is only one floor area (main level) to your 1200 sq. ft. home, it is my understanding that only one exit is required providing that the travel distance from the furthest point in the home to the front door is a maximum of 82 feet.
If there is a basement level, then two exit doorways will be required as the travel distance from the furthest point in the basement level will likely be more that 82 feet to the front door.
Contact your local building department for an official answer.
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Visitor: Gordon
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
April 2010.
Question:
How far apart do spindles have to been on a stairwell going down the basement stairs?
Answer:
The spindles, for a stairway going down to a finished basement in a home, need to be a place at a distance, which will prevent any spherical object with a diameter of 100 mm (4 inches) or more from passing through any opening. The reasoning is to prevent the risk of children getting their heads stuck between the openings as well as preventing them from falling through the openings.
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Visitor: Rob
St. John's, Newfoundland
March 2010.
Question:
I am in the process of building a home and had a contractor build the stairs inside for me. My wife commented that the stair treads seemed narrow. Upon measurement, it seems that the stair treads are made from 2x8. Does this meet code or should the stair treads be wider. If this does not meet code, does the full stair case need to be re-built, or can I simply replace the 2x8 treads with 2x10 treads.
Answer:
The tread depth for interior stairs in a home is a minimum of 9-1/4 inches and a maximum of 14 inches. It is likely that you can simply replace the treads, providing the risers of the staircase are built to code. Keep in mind that the curved or beveled nosing at the leading edge of the treads should not reduce the tread depth by more than 5/8 inch and should not exceed 1 inch horizontally.
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Visitor: John
Brantford, Ontario
March 2010.
Question:
In Ontario does an exterior door have to swing into the home or is it permitted by code to swing out away from the house.
Answer:
An exterior door on a home can swing out rather than into the home. This is permitted by code as long as the door is provided with hinges or pins that cannot be removed from the outside so that the door cannot be removed when it is in the closed position.For an official answer contact your local building department.
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Visitor: Barbie
Fredericton, New Brunswick
March 2010.
Question:
We are looking for the proper height and length of a handrail for an interior staircase?
Answer:
The proper height and length for an interior staircase in a home is as follows.
The height of the handrail on the stairs is measured vertically from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair noising. The height of a handrail on a landing is measured from the surface of the floor below the handrail.
The height of handrails on stairs is a minimum of 2 feet 7 inches and a maximum of 3 feet 2 inches.
At least one handrail on the staircase is to be continuous throughout the length of the staircase except where interrupted by a doorway, newel post or landing or at a change in direction.
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Visitor: Paul
Winnipeg, Manitoba
March 2010.
Question:
I would like to replace my electric stove with a gas unit. But what I really want is a restaurant version. Gas stove and gas convection oven. What do I need to consider conforming to building code?
Answer:
The installation of commercial cooking equipment requires a permit.
If you plan to install a gas range that is a restaurant version in your home a permit will likely be required to ensure proper ventilation and fire protection as per the codes.
If you plan to install a gas range (commercial or residential version) in your home, there are also code requirements for clearances. These are vertical and horizontal clearances for framing, finishes and cabinetry located directly above and beside the gas range.
A licensed gas installer must do all gas line connections.
Contact your local building department for verification and further information.
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Visitor: Angela
Niagara Falls, Ontario
February 2010.
Question:
I am redesigning my very small kitchen. My plan is to put the stove under the window, but when I went to order the cupboards, that designer said I could not due to a fire code. Now, I've looked all over, called many resources including the local fire department (Niagara Falls ON), but haven't got an answer. The designer said I would have to remove my window and replace it with glass block, which contradicts the reason they gave me for not allowing a stove in front of the window in the first place! It would be impossible to climb out incase of a fire. I pointed out there was another window the same size, a front door and a back door! Where can I get a reference to the code they are referring to? Or did they just make it up?
Answer:
Placing a gas or electric range under a window is not allowed for fire protection reasons, not for exiting reasons. Combustible wall framing, finishes or cabinets within the area of where the range is to be located need to be protected above the level of the heating elements by materials providing fire resistance.
Contact your local building department for confirmation.
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Visitor: Stephen
Ottawa, Ontario
February 2010
Question:
We are installing a gas stove in our home kitchen. What are the guidelines for installing a microwave over a gas stove in Ontario, such as height the microwave must be above the stove, preferred ventilation system?
Answer:
A microwave hood combo unit would be a preferred system as it provides the required ventilation.
Typically, there should be 16” to 18” between the bottom of the micro/hood and the surface of the cook top.
Contact your local building department for an official answer.
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Visitor: Helene
Kedgwick, New Brunswick
January 2010.
Question:
What is the standard height to install a handrail either on a staircase or on a flat landing?
Answer:
Handrails on stairs are measured vertically from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosing.
Handrails on landing are measured vertically from the surface of the floor below the handrail.
In a home, the minimum stair/ landing handrail height is 2 ft. 7 inches; the maximum stair/ landing handrail height is 3 ft. 2 inches.
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Visitor: Bruce
Tower Hill, New Brunswick
January 2010.
Question:
I am in the planning stages of redoing my basement. The basement was finished once before but has been gutted and ready to start over. As I am reading books and making plans I have run across statements about codes for height. Some books say that 7 ft is the min for the distance between the cement and the bottom of the upper floor joists. And some say 7'6". That is what I have before I start 92 inches. I cannot find the codes on the Internet. New Brunswick has adapted the National codes but try and find it.
What is the rule for min height in the basement? My house is 30 years old and I live in a rural area. No town bylaws here. But I may want to sell someday.
What is the rule for distance when I have put my floor and new ceiling in?
Answer:
Under beams and ducts a minimum clearance of 6 feet, 5 inches is permitted.
For an official answer contact the building department in the town nearest to you.
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Visitor: Larry
Prescott, Ontario
January 2010.
Question:
Answer:
A qualified licensed contractor should do all gas connections. A qualified contractor also ensures the installation is according to code, with proper clearance to combustibles and the proper range hood for ventilation. A written document from a licenced contractor stating that the gas range is installed according to code will satisfy any possible claims, which might arise from the connection of this appliance.
For an official answer contact your building department.
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Visitor: Sharmen
Barrie, Ontario
January 2010
Question:
I am considering painting the brick around my fireplace.
A few websites indicate it is necessary to check local building codes? Would this violate any building codes in Ontario?
Answer:
As far as I know painting the brick on the face of your fireplace in your home does not violate any building codes. You must make sure that you do not paint any surface inside the fireplace, as paint is flammable.
For an official answer contact your local building department.
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Visitor: Kate
Toronto, Ontario
November 2009.
Question:
The side of our house has been re-graded to allow the neighbors to put in a vehicular laneway. My exterior door leading on to this laneway never needed a step now its 15" above grade. The neighbor’s contractor says we don't need a step. What's the code for maximum height between exterior door and the ground?
Answer:
Fifteen inches is too large a step to enter or exit from an exterior door into your home. You will likely require two steps.
The minimum rise for a step is 4 7/8”. The maximum rise for a step is 7 7/8”.
Contact your local building department for an official answer.
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Visitor: Guy
St John's, Newfoundland
November 2009.
Question:
I understand from your Web site that Newfoundland adopts the National Building Code rather than having its own. I am trying to find information regarding the installation of ‘ice shield’ when replacing roof shingles. Should it be used or not? And, if so, what is the standard?
Answer:
By “ice shield” I believe that you are referring to eave protection on the roof of a home.
It is a material placed over the eaves on roof sheathing before applying the shingles and prevents water trapped by ice dams from entering the roof.
It should be used in locations prone to continuous heavy snowfall.
Snow and/ or ice dams will often build up on roof overhangs and gutters causing water from the melt to back up under shingles at the eaves.
Typically eave protection is roof rolling which is laid with the joints overlapping and cemented together. It is applied so that it extends from the edge of the roof to a minimum of twelve inches beyond the inner face of the exterior walls.
All roofing materials sold in Canada meets the required Canadian standards. For more information contact your local building department.
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Visitor: Brian
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
November 2009.
Question:
I just had our roof replaced and noticed the contractor didn't use drip edge. So you can see the plywood sheathing underneath. Isn't drip edge required for a new roof?
Where can I find the provincial codes for this?
Answer:
The code requires the first row of shingles at the eaves to extend at least a half-inch beyond the eaves to form a drip edge. Vinyl or metal drip edge is usually installed upon request.
For an official answer contact your local building department.
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Visitor: Ed
Smith, Alberta
November 2009.
Question:
I have purchased a new home and noticed the furnace has exposed wire running to it, there is a hole through drywall where the white wire (120volt) and thermostat wire run through and then run into the furnace at 42" off the floor it is easily touched by hand in fact you have to push it aside to remove front access panel, does this meet code?
Answer:
The wires running to a furnace should be fastened or secured to the ceiling, wall structure or to the furnace. Wires should not be hanging loose where they can be handled or accidentally pulled. Contact the builder of the house or supplier/installer of the furnace to have the wires safely secured and out of the way.
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Visitor: April
Penobsquis, New Brunswick
November 2009.
Question:
We are replacing a 12-step stairway. We would like to leave the stairway open (no risers). Is this according to code, or do we have to have risers? If we do, do they have to be full height, or can they be narrow, not enclosed totally? This stairway is directly over our basement stairway, which is also open (no basement door). We don't want to start construction until we know how it has to be done to code.
Answer:
Open risers are acceptable.
The height of the risers should be the same for all steps on the stairway.
The minimum rise is 4 7/8” and the maximum is 7 1/8”.
For an official answer, contact the Town of Sussex, Building Inspector.
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Visitor: Judy
Summerside, PEI
September 2009.
Question:
I am building a two bedrooms, cottage, approximately 780 sq. ft. My plans do not show a second entrance door. This would be a one-storey building. Is a second entrance door necessary?
Answer:
Based on the cottage description and square footage, I believe that having only one exit/ entrance door is permitted. This exterior doorway should not be more than four feet, eleven inches above the ground level.
Contact your local building department for verification and to determine if there is any local by-law requiring a second exit door.
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Visitor: Belva
Calgary, Alberta
August 2009.
Question:
I read about LEED certification but not about R-2000 or Built Green certification. Is there a reason for this?
Answer:
It appears that LEED certification is quickly becoming the top certification choice as more organizations, homebuilders and governments are adopting it as a standard.
The R2000 certification is still an accepted standard.
Built Green Certification is an accepted standard in Alberta and British Columbia.
For more information try the following:
www.cagbc.org
www.r2000.chba.ca
www.builtgreencanada.ca
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Visitor: Holly
St.Johns, Newfoundland
August 2009.
Question:
I currently have a basement door that is below ground surrounded by concrete leading up with stairs to the back yard. I would like to encase the stairs (as a porch) and build a door at the top of the stairs. Do I have to have a landing that is a certain width or can the stairs go straight to the door then you step outside to level ground?
Answer:
If the door swings to the outside (not towards the stairs) a landing is not required.
If the door swings in towards the stairs, a landing the full arc of the door swing needs to be provided.
A permit is likely required to construct this enclosure, as it is structural work. Contact your local building department for further information.
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Visitor: Lee
Brantford, Ontario
August 2009.
Question:
What are the regulations in Ontario regarding the height of stair risers?
Is there a minimum/maximum rise?
Answer:
The following applies to both private (home) stairs and to public stairs.
The maximum height for stair risers is 200mm (7 1/8”).
The minimum height for stair risers is 125mm (4 7/8”).
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Visitor: Ian
Sicamous, British Columbia
July 2009.
Question:
Do you need a bathtub in a house to meet the Canadian Building Code?
I have a tub and shower up, and a shower only in the basement.
I would like to replace the tub and shower with a large glass walk in shower.
Answer:
According to code, a house requires either a bathtub or a shower. Replacing the tub and shower with a walk in shower is acceptable. Please keep in mind that should you ever decide to sell your home the lack of a bathtub may not be an ideal selling feature.
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Visitor: James
Listuguj, Quebec
July 2009.
Question:
Can you tell me the difference in between finish floor to finish exterior deck?
Answer:
Ideally, the interior floor to an exterior deck floor is level.
Otherwise there should be at least one riser (7 – 8” high) down from the interior floor to the deck floor to prevent tripping. A secondary exit, which is typically where a deck is, can have a maximum of 3 risers with no landing required at the top.
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Visitor: Mariana
Barrie, Ontario
July 2009.
Question:
We have a finished basement, with a stair leading down to it, situated in the corner of the building. The right hand side of the stair is adjacent to the wall. The left hand side has a partial wall, then a handrail to the bottom. There is a run of 10 steps, then a 90-degree turn, then 2 steps.
Do we need a continuous handrail on both sides of the stair?
Answer:
The handrail requirements for interior stairs are based on the width of the stairs and the number of steps.
Handrails are not required for stairs when there are only 2 risers.
Handrails are required on both sides of stairs when there are more than 2 risers and when the width of the stairs is 3 feet 7 inches or greater. When the stair width is less than 3 feet 7 inches a handrail is required on one side only.
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Visitor: Wayne
Dartmouth, NS
May 2009.
Question:
Our kitchen range is tight against a wall on one side and causes paint blisters. Is there a heat shield available and where might I find one?
Answer:
One solution for a clean, non-flammable, heat resistant surface is to apply ceramic tiles to the wall next to the home kitchen range. Another solution is a stainless steel backsplash panel applied to the sidewall.
A hardware store, appliance supplier, or restaurant equipment supplier in your area, may carry such a panel.
Or search online for a ‘stainless steel backsplash panel’. There may be one available in a size to suit your sidewall.
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Visitor: Monica
Calgary, Alberta
May 2009.
Question:
I want to replace our indoor railing with a more modern style of horizontal bars. I was told this goes against the building code. Is this true and why?
Answer:
For a home indoor railing, the building code requires that the guards (railings) be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between four inches and two feet- eleven inches above the floor or walking surface protected by the guard (railing) will facilitate climbing.
Contact your local building department for an official confirmation.
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Visitor: Adam
Charlottetown, PEI
March 2009.
Question:
I have two questions; first one is how deep do I have to put a 4x4 in ground for a fence so it is not affected by the frost? The second question is do I need a permit to build a fence in my back yard?
Answer:
Typically, the hole for a fence post should be 48 inches deep to avoid movement due to frost and to provide better stability. In Charlottetown, most projects involving changes to property require a permit.Contact the Charlottetown planning department for verification.
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Visitor: Holly
Kingston, Ontario
February 2009.
Question:
Hi, we have had a bungalow built in sep 2008. We want to have a bedroom in the basement as a guest room and have been told that this isn't allowed. Our basement is concrete and the window in the bedroom is above grade (there is no window well).
My question is why is this bedroom not allowed? There is a fire escape, carbon monoxide, and smoke detector in the basement. I am unclear of the purpose of a basement if you are not allowed to utilize it?
Answer:
Can you please tell me who told you that a basement bedroom is not allowed?
Visitor: Holly
Yes, we were told by the City of Kingston, ON, that a bedroom is not allowed in a basement or cellar when a basement is more than 50% below grade. Our house is new construction and is a bungalow. The windows in the basement are above grade and are the standard size for Ontario building code.
Our basement is going to be completely finished with a rec- room, bathroom, kids playroom and it was going to be a guest bedroom.
Apparently this is a City of Kingston bylaw. Because we have a building permit we have been told that this is not allowed. I had no idea that this was a bylaw for the city.
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