Visitor Questions – Page 1

Use the contact form by selecting the heading “Contact Info.” in the column on the left side. Please try to be as specific as possible.

Question: Were would I get a copy of the Manitoba building codes?

Answer: Click on the heading below for a listing of sources for provincial building codes books including Manitoba.

Building Code Books

Question: Where would I find detailed notes of footing and roofing details for both timber and concrete buildings? (residential buildings).

Answer: The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation offer several books on both types of construction. The website is: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca. Simply use the search box found on their site and type in: wood-frame house construction or concrete building. These books are the best resource for residential construction in Canada.

Question:
I have an older home (approx 60 years old). I am looking to renovate with the idea being to bring it to today's building standards and with energy efficiency in mind. I am asking some contractors (names have been provided by the Greater Moncton Home Builders Association) to come in, identify what needs to be done, in what order it should be done, and to provide me with estimates. I want to know what the current building standards / codes are so that I can go into this process educated. I also want to know when I need a permit / inspection and when I do not.

Answer:
The province of New Brunswick follows the building standards/ codes of the National Building Code book. Depending on exactly what your renovation project involves, certain sections will apply. You must also comply any local by-laws regarding renovation/ building.
The contractors who you are dealing with will be able to provide specific code information based on the specific work involved. You can always verify the information they give you by contacting the Building Inspector. In the Town of Riverview the phone number is 506-387-2261. In Moncton the phone number for the Building Inspection Department is 506-856-4375 or 506-853-3534.
You will need a building permit if the renovation involves structural work. To obtain a permit you will also need drawings to outline what is being proposed. Again depending on exactly what your renovation involves, you may also require a separate plumbing permit, electrical permit, or demolition permit. Again drawings may be required along with a plot plan or survey plan. Check the Moncton website at (moncton.org). The permits section under City Services provides information for when permits are required, etc.
Verify that the contractors can provide any necessary drawings if required and that this is included in the estimate. Contractors will often apply for the necessary permits on the owner’s behalf. Verify this also and that it is included.
Inspections are required for any work, which requires a permit. Inspections take place before the work is enclosed. For example, plumbing lines, drains and connection must be inspected before the work is enclosed in the walls or floor with the final finishes.
Also check into “The New Brunswick Existing Homes Energy Efficiency Upgrades” program. Certain rebates and interest free loans are offered to homeowners for making energy efficient improvements. Contact: Efficiency NB, Phone: 1-866-643-8833, www.efficiencynb.ca

Comment:
I just wanted to comment on your website. It's a great source of information for newbies and I have led a few people in its direction for general information. I commend your efforts.

Question:
If you are unhappy with the heads of the local planning department, what options are available to have another independent council have a say in your proposal as to the sale of property. This property involves our property being added to the neighbors and our property being downsized to a 6-acre lot.

Answer:
The planning department is responsible for the land use planning in your town. They follow the regulation for the properties in your area. The properties in your area are zoned by type of use as well as lot size.
Submitting a ‘zoning by-law amendment application’ or ‘official plan amendment application’ may help resolve any issues you are facing. If you have already submitted an application, and have been turned down there must be a reason for this. Some municipalities have a ‘Committee of Adjustments’ and an appeal can be processed through them. Check with your municipality to see if there is a committee for your area.

Question:
Is there a reason that Fort McMurray is missing from your Alberta building department page?

Answer:
Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Fort McMurray is now added.

Question:
Could you please refer me to the website where we may obtain a gas & plumbing permit for our commercial project.

Answer:
A gas or plumbing permit is issued by The City of St. Albert Planning & Engineering Department. The St. Albert website (stalbert.ca) has application forms. I believe you would use the one for development. For confirmation, call the Department at 780-459-1642.

Question:
In Ontario a new law requires that in order to get a building permit for any residential modification, even though a designer may be familiar with code and has had years of architectural drawing experience, he/she must be licenced, meaning to have studied and passed exams on the building code, in order to make drawings and submit them for a building permit.
The key word here is 'licensed'.
Does this new licensing law apply to all provinces or only Ontario?
How do firms who make hundreds of house plans and offer them for sale anywhere in North America, including Ontario, deal with this requirement?
How does the purchaser of the house plans obtain a permit if he/she is not licensed to submit plans for a permit?

Answer:
In Ontario, Bill 124 requires that design firms or freelance designers producing plans for building permit submission must have a BCIN on the drawings. Bill 124 took effect on January 1, 2006. This is a ‘Building Code Identification Number’.
It is issued to a designer who has passed the Ontario Building Code exams. The purpose of this Bill is to create a licensed body of professionals. It will force all house plans or structural renovation plans to be building code compliant. It is intended to speed up the building permit process.
The Bill was passed to ensure professional, experienced designers are recoginized for their skills and knowledge of the codes. It also ensures that anyone paying for residential plans is getting a professional job that will not be rejected by the building department.
Firms who make hundreds of plans for sale do not usually concern themselves with local permit issues. That is up to the purchaser. That means that in Ontario the plans will have to be reviewed by a qualified and registered designer with a BCIN.
Bill 124 applies to Ontario. Other provinces have their own requirements for permit applications. Please contact the building department for the city or town in the province where the work is to take place to determine their requirements.

Question:
I currently have a painting company that I recently registered and I am hoping to expand my business. My question is: how do you go about becoming a general contractor in Quebec? Are there certain courses that I have to take or is it better to do the internship? Which is the fastest and most efficient way to do this?

Answer:
To become a general contractor anywhere, it is necessary to have both training and experience in the chosen field. This might be base building construction, office, retail store or restaurant construction, residential renovation and so on.
Taking courses provides a certificate to shown that a person is educated and knowledgeable in construction, building codes, project management, job site safety, etc.
Internships provide hands on experience in supervising construction jobs, hiring trades, etc.
A combination of the two is the best approach. Both take time.
A general contractor doing commercial work in Quebec must have an RBQ license. A general contractor in Quebec doing residential work, which requires a building permit, must also have an RBQ license. Most homeowners will ask for proof of an RBQ license before hiring a general contractor.
Before issuing a license, the RBQ verifies that the contractor has the skills to work in the field, for which they apply. This is done through testing (exams) and training recognition. The contractor must show technical knowledge as well as competence in administration and job site safety. A license shows the contractor is reliable in paying sub-trades, laborers, dealing with job site issues, etc.
RBQ is Regie du batiment Quebec.

Question:
Can I direct vent a pellet stove chimney through my garage wall, or will my insurance require me to have a chimney.

Answer:
The question is pretty general and I do not know exact what you are planning by going through the garage wall, I can only answer that:
1. The exhaust vent must terminate into an open area (exterior). The exhaust vent must not terminate into closed or semi closed spaces, such as a garage.
2. Interior vent pipes must be enclosed where they extend through any occupied space or anywhere where the surface of the vent is exposed to contact by a person or combustible materials.
Call and check with the manufacturer of the unit to ensure that the type of venting layout you are planning does not affect the performance of your pellet stove.
Chimneys are not necessarily required. The venting termination must comply with codes and local by-laws.
The insurance company will accept a venting installation, which complies with the codes.

Question:
Who are the regulating agencies to get the equivalent plumber red seal or a master plumber license in British Columbia?

Answer:
The Industry Training Authority of British Columbia is the agency responsible for the industry training systems and exams in BC. Their customer service office is located in Vancouver, BC. The office telephone number is 778-328-8700 or (toll free) 1-866-660-6011.

Question:
There are pellet stoves that advertise that you can direct vent them out of the basement wall. My question is: Is this allowed in the town of Okotoks? Considering my cold air intake of my furnace will be 10 feet away if this unit will be operational (neighbors unit). My concern is fire and more so health.

Answer:
Pellet stoves vented out the basement wall must be installed/ vented according to the manufacturers instructions, which must conform in Canada to the ‘CAN/CSA B365 Code - Installation Code for Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment’.
A minimum 4-foot clearance is required from a non-mechanical air supply inlet to the building or the combustion air inlet to any other appliance. A minimum of 3-foot clearance from any forced air intake of any appliance. There are many other code requirements to be considered, the location of windows, doors, regulator meters, grade, grass, plants, adjacent buildings, etc. for both fire and health concerns.
To determine if the town of Okotoks has a by-law regarding the venting of a pellet stove, please contact the Okotoks Building Department.

What is a pellet stove?

Question:
I am currently helping my Mother renovate an older semi-detached house. I have discover that there is no insulation whatsoever; except for in the attic area of the house. There is tarpaper against rendered brick wall and then some type of reflective type paper between the drywall and the framing that is all. Was this code in the past? Is this normal? If not, is there anything that can be done to recoup some of the cost?

Answer:
It is not unusual to find that an older home is not well insulated. Some older homes were built to be cost effective rather than energy efficient. Insulation itself has improved and changed over the years.Depending on when the original structure was built, building codes may not have been developed at the time.
The federal government offers grants for energy improvements. Check the Natural Resources Canada website at nrcan.gc.ca. Look for the heading Energy Tips – Ecoenergy retrofit grants. Or call them at 1-800-622-6232.

Question:
A good friend of mine rents a basement suite in a Calgary home. She's noticed that none of the electrical outlets are grounded (first noticed when the "grounded" indicator didn't light on the surge protector for her computer). Can you tell me if this is a legal condition, or if any regulations or codes require that outlets be grounded?

Answer:
Since a computer and surge protector are being used, the outlet must be a 3-prong outlet. A 3-prong outlet is grounded. Therefore this means that either the surge protector is not working properly or that the 3-prong outlet is not installed with the mandatory ground wiring.
Your friend should talk to the landlord if she believes the outlets are not grounded. A 3-prong outlet must be grounded according to the Electrical Code. You can verify this by contacting The City of Calgary, Development & Building Approvals at 403-268-5311. Ask to speak with a Planning Official or the Electrical Inspector.

Question:
I bought my home in January 2007.I just want to find out about my wood-burning fireplace in the basement. Do I just need to have it cleaned or do I need some sticker for insurance purposes? I believe it was put in when the house was built.

Answer:
As you did not state the age of your home, it is best to check with your insurance company to determine how you will be covered regarding the fireplace. They may require confirmation that the fireplace is in good working condition. In other words that it does not pose a fire hazard if it is old. Having your fireplace cleaned is always a good idea. Have the chimney and dampers inspected by a professional. Creosote and carbon deposits can build up and pose a fire hazard. So can dampers that do not work properly. If any work is required you should have it done before using your fireplace. This ensures your own personal health and safety. A document stating the fireplace is in good working condition (from a reputable, professional company) may also entitle you to a better insurance rate.

Question:
Starting up a handyman business. What would I need to get started for licenses and liability insurance in Manitoba?

Answer:
Determine the type of services you intend to provide.If you set up a company name to work under, you will require a business license. If you plan on doing extensive plumbing or electrical work, a license in these trades is required.For carpentry or small renovation work (non-structural) a license is not required.
I believe that the same rules apply for GST in Manitoba as in Ontario. If you intend to earn over a certain amount yearly, you will need to obtain a GST number. (In ON, if you earn over $ 30,000.00 yearly a GST number is necessary, whether you operate under your own name or a company name).
Once you have outlined the type of work you are providing, speak with an insurance company. Choose one that you or a family member (friend) is familiar with, rather than an unknown one. This company will explain the type of coverage that you need and provide a policy. Or they will recommend an insurance company that deals with trade coverage.
Also speak with the Killarney & District Chamber of Commerce. I am sure they will provide further information to help you get started with your handyman business.

Question:
What are the requirements relating to licensing to become a Mechanical/Plumbing contractor in my area? I am also curious to know whether your answer differs if I asked the same question but for the Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge area, as I hope to work in those areas. Do you know if there are requirements for insurance?

Answer:
To become a licensed Mechanical/ Plumbing contractor you must write an exam for certification in the province of Ontario (not just for your area). Once you have the certificate for qualification in the province of Ontario then you can work anywhere in Ontario. In order to be prepared to write this exam you must be familiar with the Plumbing Code, Fire Code, installation and use of materials and tools in your trade, etc.I suggest taking courses related to writing of the exam, to be prepared. You can take an exam to get a Masters license usually two years after obtaining the certificate of qualification.
Some cities and towns in Ontario require that you also obtain a business license in their city/ town in order to work there. I believe Kitchener requires this in addition to a Mechanical/ Plumbing license. When you apply for a permit you will be informed if a business license in that town/ city is required. You can always call ahead or check their official website to get this info.
As for insurance, contact your insurance company. They will know the requirements to cover the type of work in the mechanical/ plumbing trade or recommend an insurance company. The insurance company will want to know if you are working as an individual contractor with a license, under a registered business name and if it is a business with employees.

Question:
I am installing a light fixture over a bathtub. My tub is against a wall, and I would like to install a shower as well. I went to a lighting house and found a few fixtures suitable for this kind of installation. Of course the light switch has to be kept 3 feet away from the tub. The certification on the box has a [c ual us], is this a csa accepted fixture?

Answer to the question:
A product is CSA accepted only if it has the CSA mark on it.
This is an example of the CSA mark.

Question:
How can I find out the building plan submittal requirements for a commercial project in Quebec City, Canada?

Answer to the question:
The building department in Quebec City will provide information regarding the forms to be filled out, the number of complete sets of drawings required, as well as permit fees. The contact information for Quebec City (Ville de Quebec) is found under the QC heading below building departments in the column at the left side of this page.

Question:
My husband and I recently bought an older home that came with a wood stove. The wood stove is about 30 years old so removed it. We came across a newer wood stove that someone was selling but when we investigated getting it installed we were asked if it had the CSA approved tag on the back, which it did not. My insurance company advised that they do not approve them unless there is a tag. I contacted CSA to see how a stove is approved and they advised me that they have not been approving wood stoves for a very long time now. I contacted a wood stove specialist who advised that a wood stove that is not approved can still be installed under the B365 building code as long as it is 4ft from any combustible and 5ft from the ceiling and a professional has to do the inspection. Now because the house came with a wood stove (which is CSA approved) there is a brick wall, chimney and concrete block already there. Do you have any further knowledge on this.

Answer to the question:
It appears that you have already done a lot of research. The information, which you have received, is correct regarding the placement of the wood stove. The existing chimney will need to be inspected and will have to conform to current standards. This is also for your safety. I would suggest having the wood stove, brick wall, etc. inspected as well, which I am sure the specialist/ installer will look after for you. Check if your insurance company will accept a signed document from this wood stove specialist, stating the wood stove is in good working condition and installed according to code. If not, then have a building inspector come in and inspect the stove and installation. A document from the building inspector should be enough to satisfy your insurance company.

Visitor Questions – Page 2

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