Building Standards

Questions and Answers: Standards & Codes

Visitor: Rob
Vaughan, Ontario
July 2010.

Question:
Building a deck and it rest on deck blocks 2 feet off the ground and there is a 1-step stair around it, do I need a permit for it, and is it ok to have stair around it instead of railing?

Answer:
A permit is required for deck construction in Vaughan.
Apparently the permit is not that much and they can help you with the drawings standards for submittal.
According to the codes if the walking surface of a deck is more than 23 5/8” above the adjacent ground level a railing is required. If your deck is 24” above ground level rather than 23 5/8” the issue of a railing will be decided by the building department. If the walking surface of your deck is 24” above the ground level you will require more than one step to be within the code requirements for stair risers. Minimum riser is 125 mm (4 7/8”) and maximum riser is 200 mm (7 7/8”).
Contact your building department for confirmation.
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Visitor: Andre
Brampton, Ontario
June 2010.

Question:
I need to build an access platform beside a conveyor. The conveyor is sloped. Can my platform be sloped at the same inclined degree?

Answer:
It is my understanding that a sloped access platform running next to a conveyer would be consider a ramp. The slope would have to comply with code standards, which I believe would be a minimum of 1:20 and a maximum of 1:12. For it to match the slope of the conveyor would depend on the slope of the conveyor. Other considerations are the width and possibly guard rails.
You may require a building permit for the installation, to ensure it meets code standards and that there are no safety hazard issues. Contact your local building department for verification.
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Visitor: Wilma
Halifax, Nova Scotia
June 2010.

Question:
Who is responsible for the regulation of wheelchair accessibility signs that indicate a building is wheelchair accessible?

Answer:
The requirements for accessibility signage are outlined in the National and/ or Provincial Building Codes. For new or renovated buildings that have a barrier free entrance the signage is installed where necessary to indicate the location of that entrance. The owner of the building is responsible for ensuring that the signage is installed. The building inspector checks for the signage when doing his final inspection.
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Visitor: Henry
Kelowna, British Columbia
May 2010.

Question:
Does the 100mm diameter sphere rule apply to guards for industrial buildings?

Answer:
No this standard does not apply to guards for industrial buildings.
For industrial type buildings, the code standard is that a sphere with a diameter of 200mm (7 7/8”) cannot be passed through any openings in the guard.
In some cases, wider openings may be permitted if it can be shown (to the building department) that wider openings in the guard do not pose a safety hazard.
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Visitor: Morgan
Toronto, Ontario
May 2010.

Question:
In a new building, which is a 4-story town home with an installed sprinkler system is:
- Is a firewall between units mandatory?
- If that firewall is compromised to allow access between units during the construction phase and then not repaired prior to insulating and drywalling overtop is this a breach of code?

Answer:
The type of wall between units depends on the design and layout of the town home complex.
With the sprinkler system, a firewall is not necessarily a mandatory standard between each of the units. It can be a fire separation wall meeting the fire resistance rating specified by code.
If penetration through either type of wall is necessary during construction, the wall must be repaired so that the fire resistance rating standard of the wall is maintained.
If the wall is a firewall, the fire resistance rating is provided by masonry or concrete. Any temporary access opening must be repaired with masonry or concrete to maintain the fire resistance rating, prior to applying any final finishes.
Contact your local building department for verification.
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Visitor: Carlos
Toronto, Ontario
May 2010.

Question:
What is the standard height for balcony or terrace glass partitions or divisions in a regular building? The frosted glass panels that divide the balconies for privacy.

Answer:
The maximum height for balcony divider panels is 2000mm or 78 3/4". This is the standard height for most panels although they can be lower. This height would include the metal support framing for a glass panel.
Contact your local building department for verification.
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Visitor: Hector
Etobicoke, Ontario
May 2010.

Question:
If an older 800sq.ft.commercial building is renovated internally only, is a handicap ramp required in the plans to obtain a building permit?

Answer:
It depends on how this building is categorized in terms of occupancy, office building, storage facility, etc.
Generally, barrier free design is to be incorporated when material alterations are part of the renovation of an existing commercial building. This includes interior renovation work.
From the description provided, a handicap ramp is likely required, unless this building is not occupied on a regular basis. Contact your local building department for verification.
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Visitor: Neil
Thorsby, Alberta
April 2010.

Question:
Can a spiral staircase ever be used as the main egress?

Answer:
A spiral staircase cannot be used as the main egress.
Curved stairs, built according to the code requirements, can be used as a means of exit.
Contact your local building department.
They can provide the code standards for a curved staircase.
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Visitor: Mike
City: Gagetown, New Brunswick
April 2010.

Question:
What is the biggest size garage that I can build without requiring a frost wall?

Answer:
It is my understanding that a detached garage of only one storey in height and a maximum size of 538 sq. ft. can be built without frost walls. Contact your local building department for an official answer.
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Visitor: Peter
Vaughan, Ontario
April 2010.

Question:
What are the requirements to get occupancy permit on a residential home after a residence has weather damage?

Answer:
It is my understanding that in order to get an occupancy permit the renovation work on the damage to the home needs to meet the minimum requirements of the Ontario Building Code and pass all required inspections.
The minimum occupancy standard requirements for a single-family home usually include:
The required exits, handrails and guards, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire separations must be complete, operational and inspected.
Water supply, sewage disposal, lighting and heating systems must be complete, and operational.
Building water systems, building drains, building sewers, and drainage and venting systems must be complete, operational, inspected and tested.
Also that the building structure meets the code requirements, is safe and inspected.
It all depends on the extent of the damage and what part of the home has been affected.
Contact the City of Vaughan for official verification. They issue the occupancy permits and can provide exact information as to the standard requirements based on the specific damage.
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Visitor: Shawn
Toronto, Ontario
February 2010.

Question:
Does a retail store in a plaza need to have sensor entrance doors and exit doors? Do the entrance and exit doors in the vestibule need to be sensor as well or can they be manual? I have been asked to look into this as they may be changed in a renovation.

Answer:
A retail store in a plaza does not require automatic door openers at the store front entrance / exit doors (including a vestibule area) providing that the total area of the retail space is less than 3, 230 square feet and that the unit is completely cut off from the remainder of the building. Please keep in mind that the door pulls on all entrance doors must be designed according to the barrier-free code standards. Contact your local building department for an official answer.
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Visitor: William
Belleville, Ontario
February 2010.

Question:
What category would a building owned by a non-profit club or institutions come under, residence or commercial, for example a yacht or rowing club building?

Answer:
A building owned by a non-profit organization or institution that is used to conduct business is classified as commercial, based on the building standards. A yacht or rowing club building is a business occupied by members and staff.
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Visitor: Frank
Sherwood Park, Alberta
February 2010.

Question:
We are going to be renovating a chiropractic clinic for my wife, and am wondering if we can use wood framing inside the unit, or does it have to be steel. The unit is on the ground floor of a three-storey business centre. There is an emergency exit at the back of the unit into the common hallways, and a ground level glass door to the parking lot. All the perimeter walls have been drywalled by the builder and I am told they are fire separations.

Answer:
Based on the description of the unit provided, it is my understanding that wood framing for the interior partition walls is permitted under the building standards These partition walls will require 5/8” drywall on both sides. For an official answer contact your local building department.
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Visitor: Ivan Sanchez
Málaga, Spain
January 2010.

Question:
I've been ask to design an apartment composed with 2-3 rooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room.
It's supposed to have 70-80 m2 and obviously I have a few questions:
1.What is the minimum of m2 for each room? I mean the m2 for a room to be considered a room.
2.What is the minimum of switches, plugs (electricity, telephone, T.V…), per room?

Answer:
The following are the minimum sizes for separate rooms in a dwelling unit.
Living room – minimum (13.5) m2
Dining room – minimum (7) m2
Kitchen room – minimum (4.2) m2 including area of base cabinets
One Bedroom must be – minimum (9.8) m2 – with no built in cabinets
Bedroom – minimum (7) m2 – with no built in cabinets
One bathroom must be of enough space to accommodate a sink, toilet and shower stall or bathtub
Second bathroom must be of enough space for toilet and sink (second shower stall or bathtub not necessary)
Outlets, switches:
Minimum of (1) light switch controlling a light fixture is required in each room.
Bedrooms or Living rooms – an outlet controlled by a wall switch is allowed instead of the switch controlling a fixed light fixture
Minimum of one outlet for kitchen stove, one for refrigerator
Minimum of one outlet above base cabinets in kitchen for general use
Minimum of one telephone jack, cable outlet in apartment located in living area
Minimum one outlet in bedrooms, living room, dining room
This information is based on the Ontario Building Code.
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Visitor: Marina
Vaughan, Ontario
January 2010.

Question:
When is a firewall required over a fire separation? If I am leasing a unit in an industrial building, do the partitions between units have to be firewalls or would fire separation suffice.
Also, are you able to comment on who is responsible for ensuring code compliance of the building, the owner or the leaser?

Answer:
A firewall is a type of fire separation of non-combustible construction, which sub-divides a building or separates adjoining buildings, to resist the spread of fire and which has a fire resistance rating per Code and has the structural stability to remain intact under fire conditions for the required fire rated time.
Fire separation means a construction assembly, which acts as a barrier against the spread of fire.
A fire separation may or may not have a fire resistance rating. Industrial buildings are classified as low, medium or high industrial occupancy.
Depending on the size and classification of the building, the code may require that certain interior partition walls are firewalls. Partitions separating individual units can be constructed as fire separation partitions, again depending on the building classification.
Code compliance of the overall building structure is the responsibility of the owner.
A tenant leasing a unit within the building is responsible for code compliance for their leased space.
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Visitor: Mark
Regina, Saskatchewan
December 2009.

Question:
What kind of legal process and building permits would I need to go through to build a garage with an upstairs loft/garage suite above, behind an existing house in Regina?

Answer:
The first step is to contact the City of Regina to determine if there are any by-laws or zoning standards in your area, which restrict this type of structure.
If there are no by-laws or zoning regulations that restrict this type of building then the next step is to have drawings produced showing the design. Drawings are required for the building permit application.
You will have to hire a professional designer or architect to produce the drawings package, a site plan, floor plans, plumbing drawings, etc.
They will design the loft/garage based on your ideas as well as the building codes and by-laws.
Once you have the completed drawings, you can apply for the building permit.
Discuss with the designer what services other than the design and drawings are provided. In some cases they will apply for the building permit on your behalf. They may also conduct the bidding process on your behalf, obtaining several quotations from contractors to have the structure built.
Ensure that you obtain a written and signed contract outlining all services to be provided by the designer as well as the general contractor hired for this project.
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Visitor: Larry
Grimsby, Ontario
December 2009.

Question:
I had a metal roof installed 18 months ago on my home and at the time of purchase I was offered a snow guard installation option as an extra. I declined the snow guards at that time.
Since this time my neighbor has had concerns at the joint driveway between the houses and believes the snow guards should be installed, believing it to be a building code violation. I understand his concern but there has been no accumulation of snow last winter on the roof at all.
My question is, " Am I in violation of a building code?"

Answer:
The installation of snow guards is not a standard required by code for a residential roof, whether it is metal, slate or shingle, etc.
The building department may request that they be applied on a public facility depending on the roof design to prevent or minimize any injuries to pedestrians from falling snow.
For an official answer contact your local building department.
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Visitor: Denise
St. John's, Newfoundland
October 2009.

Question:
Can ABS pipes be used on an interior wall or should they be PVC?

Answer:
The standard is that PVC water pipes, fittings and solvent cement certified to CAN/CSA standards may be used inside a building. However PVC water pipe and fittings may not be used in a hot water system.
ABS or PVC plastic pipe, fittings and solvent cement may be used inside or under a building in a sanitary drainage or venting system. Both must be certified to CAN/CSA standards.
CPVC hot and cold water pipe, fittings and solvent cement, certified to CSA standards may be used for hot and cold-water distribution systems.
For an official answer contact your local building department.
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Visitor: Jon
Montreal, Quebec
October 2009.

Question:
I am building a 20,000 sq.ft. office building. Do I need to have an electrical push button handicapped door at the main entrance? Is a ramp sufficient or do I need to have the auto-opener.
As well for a firewall vs. a fire separation what is the difference in requirements. My architect is stating that I need a masonry wall when I know there are two-hour fire separations that reduce the cost and as well we have not made foundation preparations for this additional weight.

Answer:
According to code a power door opener (for barrier-free access) is required at the main entrance door based on the occupancy classification of office building.
A firewall is a type of fire separation of non-combustible construction, which sub-divides a building or separates adjoining buildings, to resist the spread of fire and which has a fire resistance rating per Code and has the structural stability to remain intact under fire conditions for the required fire rated time.
Fire separation means a construction assembly, which acts as a barrier against the spread of fire. A fire separation may or may not have a fire resistance rating.
Your architect is likely stating that a masonry wall is required as a firewall and to maintain the structural integrity of the building. Two hour rated partition walls will act as fire separation between office suites.
The architect has likely designed the foundation to support the structure, since he is liable. Also he/she must design to code in order to obtain a building permit for the structure.
Discuss your concerns and other ways to reduce costs with your architect.
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Visitor: Leo
Red Deer, Alberta
September 2009.

Question:
We have a raised loading dock at 39" opened on all sides except with a 4-5-step riser to access platform. We want to put side railing on it and want to know minimum specifications for railing height, acceptable materials and cross members distances between support poles. Can we use steel cable and if so does one rope wire suffice? Is there a minimum gauge of cabling to use?

Answer:
I gather that the raised loading dock is for a building of industrial occupancy.If so then the railing height should be a minimum of two feet eleven inches.
This measurement is based on a vertical line from the outside edges of the stair nosing.
Wood or steel posts and handrails are an acceptable material.
The distance between the openings in the railing should be a minimum of seven and one eighth inches.
I believe that a quarter inch diameter steel cable is acceptable between the support posts. You will likely need more than one cable to meet the distance between the openings requirement.
Contact your building department for an official answer.
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Visitor: Marco
Maple, Ontario
September 2009.

Questions:
Is it possible to use portable ramps for a public building (daycare)? And if yes, do the same 1:12 ratios need to be adhered to given it is a portable folding ramp for a 16 inch rise (two step).

Answer:
It is my understanding that if you are providing handicap accessibility into a public building it must be a permanent structure, in order that access is available at all times not just sometimes or just for some people.
Yes the ratio applies to all ramps.
For an official answer to your question contact the City of Vaughan.
I believe that the town of Maple falls under their jurisdiction.
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Visitor: Alex
Edmonton, Alberta
August 2009.

Question:
I was wondering about the handrail on a wheelchair ramp. I have drawings that say I need a steel rail with a two-inch diameter that extends past the end of the ramp by 1 foot. The architect tells me that it is required by code but I need some clarification.

Answer:
The best thing to do is contact your local building department for an official answer regarding the “Termination of Handrails” code for your province. The extension is a standard for commercial projects. Extending a handrail one foot beyond the end of the ramp is not required at the side of a ramp when it is serving only one dwelling.
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Visitor: Deb
Concord, Ontario
August 2009.

Question:
We need to build a platform in front of an injection-molding machine so the operator can reach the work area. At what height of the platform do I need to install a protective rail?

Answer:
A protective rail should be installed when the walking surface of the platform is more than 600mm (23 5/8”) above the surface of the floor area next to it.
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Visitor: Sue
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
August 2009.

Question:
When and based on what is a restaurant in Nova Scotia required by law to be wheelchair accessible?

Answer:
In general, a restaurant is required to be wheelchair accessible when it is new construction.
Also when a renovation takes place to an existing restaurant it should be upgraded to provide accessibility.
It is based on occupancy type and the NS building code standards.
It is up to the building department inspectors to enforce the codes.
Information is available at:
www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/code/
Labor and enforcement
In the search box type: barrier free accessibility
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Visitor: Brian
St. Thomas, Ontario
May 2009.

Question:
Could you please help me with handicapped regulations for ramps (cement) app. 50' long. I would also like the regulations regarding the railings for such a ramp.

Answer:
The handicapped ramp code standards are as follows:
Width = 920 mm minimum
Slope = 1:12 maximum – 1:20 minimum
Landing at entrance door = 1500mm x 1500 mm minimum
Level resting places = 1500mm depth minimum required for long ramps at 9.0M intervals
Railing height = 800mm to 920mm
You can verify this information with your local building department.
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Visitor: Jim
Grand Falls, New Brunswick
April 2009.

Question:
I have two questions about accessibility. How wide does a wheel chair accessible door have to be and what kind of hardware should be used for the door handles? This is to upgrade a church.

Answer:
A wheel chair accessible door is a minimum of 36 inches wide and the hardware is a lever type handle. This is a general answer, as I do not know where the door or doors are located.
Washroom door hardware – lever type privacy (requires an auto door opener if the door swings out)
Exterior door hardware – push/ pull (may require an auto door opener)
An 18-inch clear space is also required between the door and a wall or fixture on the handle side of the door when it opens towards you. _________________________________________________________________

Visitor: Ernie
Moncton, New Brunswick
March 2009.

Question:
We have a screened in raised sun porch with aluminum storm door. The door opens outward for outside access. The room is approx.3 feet off the ground and 3 stairs will be required for ground access. Is it necessary to have a platform outside the door before stairs are placed? Also are guardrails required? Will the stairs need to be a certain width/length to meet safety standards?

Answer:
The standard code is that as long as the sun porch is a secondary entrance, a landing is not required if there are no more than 3 risers. For exterior stairs, guardrails are not required provided that there are no more than 3 risers. The stair width should be a minimum of two feet ten inches. _________________________________________________________________

Visitor: Marcel
Edmundston, New Brunswick
February 2009.

Question:
I have a few more questions to ask you. Inside a house building a stairway. How high should the handrail be when standing on the first step?
Secondly if you have a railing on the second floor what height should that railing be? And if you have a sunken living room being 4 feet lower than your dinning room and have a railing separating the 2 what height should that railing be?
And the space between the balusters should be the same as if you have an outside deck being no more than 4 inches between?

Answer:
The height of an interior handrail on stairs is measured vertically from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosing. This height should be not less than 800 mm (2 feet 7 inches) and not more than 965 mm (3 feet 2 inches). The height is measured in this manner to suit the stairway riser, run and tread dimensions.
A second floor railing is regarded as a balcony railing. The standard height is at least 1070 (3 feet 6 inches).
The height for a railing around an area next to an area that is 4 feet lower should be 900 mm (2 feet 11 inches).
The standard for openings in any railing is a maximum of 100 mm (4 inches).
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Visitor: Marcel
Edmundston, New Brunswick
February 2009.

Question:
I would like to know what are the real norms for a railing on an outside deck that is 4 feet and more above ground. The height of the railing for outside decks and inside railing and the space needed between the balusters.

Answer:
The railing is typically referred to as a guard.
The following standard applies to outside decks:
Typically the guard is 1070 mm (3 feet 6 inches) high.
The exception is:
Where the walking surface of the deck is not more than 1800 mm (5 feet 11 inches) above the finished ground the guard can be a minimum (2 feet 11 inches) high.
The openings in any guard need to be a maximum of 100 mm (4 inches) to prevent any spherical object with a diameter of more than 100 mm (4 inches) from passing through any opening.
Contact your local building department for official verification.
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Visitor: Vicky
Fredericton, New Brunswick
February 2009.

Question:
We just recently build a home and our stairwell does not have any handrail.
I wanted to know what is the building code for a stairwell that is open on one side with a drop of approximately 5' high can we just put a handrail on the wall side or do we have to put something such as a handrail on the open side to protect people from falling down the stairs.

Answer:
Walls or guards (railings) are required on both sides of stairs that are more than two risers. So, yes you would be required to install a handrail on the open side.
Basically, the standard is: Interior stairs that are more than two risers require that walls or guards enclose the sides of the stairs, around the stairwell. A stair to an unfinished basement is permitted to have one unprotected side.
You can confirm this by contacting the Fredericton Building Department.
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Visitor: James
Red Deer, Alberta
January 2009.

Question:
Does the National Building Code need to be used on all federal building projects?

Answer:
All construction projects must comply with the provincial building code for the province in which the project is located. A construction project in Alberta must comply with the Alberta Building Code. If a province does not it’s own building code then it uses the National Building Code standards.
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Visitor: Geoff
Peace River, Alberta
September 2008.

Question:
I am a new spray foam contractor. Can you help me find the codes for installing Polyurethane spray foam in residential, commercial and agricultural buildings? I don't know where to get or what is the best literature for this information.

Answer:
The foam spray must comply with the Alberta Building Code standards for use in commercial, residential, etc. applications.
Depending on what the application is, there are R rating standards as well as specifics about the spray foam itself. Depending on what the application is, there are R rating standards as well as specifics about the spray foam itself. Contact your Town Office to see if they have the ABC and can help you determine the requirements for the different applications.
You can also try Alberta Permit Pro.
If the spray foam is termed environmentally friendly it needs to be listed with the CCMC, which is the Canadian Construction Materials Centre.
The spray foam installer should be certified with the CUFA, which is the Canadian Foam Contractors Association.
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Visitor: Daniel
Wake, Virginia. USA
August 2008.

Question:
I would like information on how to obtain copies of all the building codes for the northern Yukon Territory.

Answer:
The building codes for the Yukon are as follows: The National Building Code, The National Plumbing Code, Canadian Electric Code, The National Fire Code. These are available from: National Research Council of Canada. Contact information for NRC is found on the Codebook page.
For further information also contact: The Yukon Government, Building Permits & Inspections.
Contact information is listed under Building Departments – Yukon.
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Visitor: Fang
North Bay, ON
July 2008.

Questions:
Our company has a project in Northwest Territories. We are wondering if there are any codes (like Northwest Territories building code) we can purchase and follow with modifications and additions to suit this province?

Answer:
The NWT follows the standards of the National Codes, that is: The National Building Code, National Plumbing Code, National Fire Code, etc. as well as the Canadian Electric Code. For further information go to the Government Of The Northwest Territories website at: gov.nt.ca
Use the search feature at the bottom of their homepage and type in a code requirement. For example type in: mechanical codes. You will get a listing of mechanical codes and standards relating to the NWT for various types of installations. _________________________________________________________________

Visitor: Yiddy
Brooklyn, NY
June 2008.

Question:
I have a UK certificate (from prada) for fire rated doors is this good for Canada? Do I need a Canadian certificate?

Answer: Fire rated doors in Canada must comply with Canadian fire rating codes. Mainly the National Building Code of Canada, which is the document that is the basis for the Provincial Building Codes. The test and acceptance criteria of the NBC is contained in the “CAN/ULC-S101, Standard Method of Fire Endurance Tests Of Building Construction and Materials”, which is published by the Underwiters’ Laboratories of Canada. (This standard is very similar to the primary US fire-resistance standard ASTM E119). A fire rated door must also have a label/stamp from ULC and/ or CSA indicating that it meets Canadian code requirements for a specific fire rating.,br> Contact information for ULC and CSA is found on the Resources Page.
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Visitor: Joyce
Saint John, NB
April 2008.

Question:
I would like to know the building codes for drainage of water from a neighbor’s property. Namely run off from rain in the eve trough and drain tiles around a foundation, can the owner of the property run this water into a ditch and then into the persons property across the road from them. This is causing a major problem for the property across the road.

Answer:
There are standards in the building codes, which refer to drainage of downspouts and foundations.
For example: "Foundation drains shall drain to a sewer, drainage ditch or dry well.Surface drainage: The building shall be located or the building site graded so that water will not accumulate at or near the building and will not adversely affect adjacent properties." Local by-laws must also be taken into consideration.
Contact The city of Saint Johns by phone or through their website. Phone: 506-658-2911.Website: www.cityofsaintjohn.com. The city inspectors can determine if this particular drainage setup complies with the codes and local by-laws.
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Visitor: Mark
Kenora, Ontario
April 2008.

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

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Visitor: Heather
Riverview / Moncton, New Brunswick
February 2008.

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
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