If you’re considering remodelling a room by changing the windows and doors to make it more appealing, you’re probably wondering if you need a building permit. Or, perhaps, you want to reconstruct your living room into a modern, comfortable gathering space by adding square footage, but do you need a permit for that too? 

Most homeowners don’t have the slightest knowledge of building permits and sometimes they think they don’t require one when working with considerable upgrades to their home like building an addition. In reality, any home renovation projects, including DIYs, require a permit. Completing the project without the proper permit can lead to drastic consequences.

Here’s what you must understand about permits before starting your renovation project.

What Is A Building Permit?

A building permit is a formal document from the City of Hamilton that authorizes you to begin construction, demolition, addition, or renovation on your property. Your home project must meet the objectives such as health, fire protection, accessibility, resource conservation, and other standards listed in the building code.

You can get a building permit application and other permit forms from your local building department within your municipality or by visiting the ePLANS page for printable forms. Submit the application to your municipality’s permit office, not the provincial government.

Along with your application, you must include:

• Application permit fee
• A scale floor plan
• Detailed construction drawings
• Site survey

As part of the building permit process, the Hamilton Building Permit Department will review your plans and drawings to confirm that the projected work observes the Ontario Building Code Requirements, local zoning bylaw, and other applicable laws.

After reviewing your proposal, you’ll need a zoning adjustment. If the proposed project doesn’t comply with the building code, a permit will not be issued until the necessary adaption is made. If it complies with all applicable laws and building requirements, typically it’ll only take from 1-3 weeks to be issued.

Aside from the building permit, you may also need a few of the following permits:

• Electrical permits
• Plumbing permits
• Gas permits
• Ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) permits
• Demolition permits
• Sign variance permits

Which Home Improvements Require Permits?

Generally, under the Building Code Act, you will be mandated to have a permit to start construction that involves changes to the structure or systems of your home. 

• • Construction of a new building over ten square meters
  • Renovations, repairs, or additions to an existing building
  • Second or third-story additions
  • Drywall repairs to fire separations in multi-unit residential buildings
  • Attach garages, carports
  • Sunrooms
  • Solariums, porches, decks
  • Finishing or partially finishing a basement or other spaces
  • Structural or material alterations (i.e., new bathroom)
  • Installing or modifying heating or plumbing systems
  • Doing electrical work
  • Excavating and/or constructing foundations
  • Basement underpinning
  • Constructing a basement entrance
  • Adding a secondary suite to an existing house
  • Structural or material alterations
  • Adding or removing walls (non-load bearing and load-bearing walls)
  • Adding new windows or doors where there were none before
  • Enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors
  • Enclosing an existing deck, porch, or patio of any size
  • Changing the use of a building (from residential to office or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house)
  • Installation, replacement, or repairs of a private sewage system 

Construction Projects That Don’t Require A Permit

The following are some renovations that don’t need any formal documents and aren’t liable to the provisions of the building code (provided they don’t entail changes to structures or systems of the house):

• • • Re-roofing
    • Adding or replacing insulation
    • Painting
    • Re-cladding exterior walls
    • Re-siding
    • Installing flooring
    • Installing bathroom or kitchen cabinets
    • Replacing of windows and doors (provided the opening is not enlarged)
    • Replacing existing plumbing fixtures in the same location

Consult with your remodelling contractor, or contact your municipal building permit office to determine if you need such a document.

Why Is A Permit Necessary?

Although arranging an authorization may appear inconvenient, this document exists for your safety and anyone on or around your property.

When you or your contractor don’t hold a permit for a project that has already begun and it appears you require a permit for that development, you will then be issued with a “stop work” order and be charged a fine. This will cause a delay in the renovating process until you acquire a permit.

If hazards are discovered within the framework against the safety codes, you might be instructed to redo it at your own expense or be told to stop the new structure completely. After that, when filing an insurance claim, you may even face future financial or legal issues.

Need A Professional Help For Your Home Renovation Project?

If figuring out which proper permits you ought to have for your renovation project and complying with the necessary measures seems like a hassle, hire a professional contractor knowledgeable about Hamilton building permits such as Honest Renovations.

Our job is not only to ensure you have a final space that looks and feels spectacular but also to ensure your project follows municipal and provincial requirements. If you’re still undecided about remodelling your home, our team can present the best plan based on your finances.

 

 

You may be ready to pack your things and sell your property, however, the moment you inspect your house, it may not look so winsome and marketable. Although it might have gone through minor restorations from post to pillar, generally, your house requires some tedious upgrading. You might not consider the state of your home until you think of moving out – but what’s best? There are several things to consider before making a decision.

What Do Buyers Really Want?

When you’ve decided to sell your home, your selling strategy should be based on which type of homeowners you’re targeting. Are you seeking to focus on those who need a move-in-ready place, or are you targeting people who want a fixer-upper home?

You have to construct plans based on your:

• • Timeline
  • Budget
  • Listing price intent

For buyers wanting to overhaul their own homes, saving money is the primary determinant. And, many who like to update or fix up the property simply find pleasure in beautifying their home.

 

Benefits Of Renovating Your House

Before we brood over what renovation plans are best, it’s essential to understand why you’d need to renovate your house in the first place. Making amendments you can treasure for the next several years is one thing; however, spending money on renovations directly before moving out is another.

When you opt for the correct renovation project, your house value can double and draw more potential buyers. When more people dote on your home, you can anticipate more deals, resulting in a much higher sale price.

Factors To Consider

State Of The Real Estate Market

Homes that sit on the market, even for a few days in a hot market, earn many offers and even bidding clashes. You can often escape fewer fixes in a seller’s market before selling, but a home that requires mending will still offer a lower value in any market. In a slow housing market, buyers might not even burden themselves with viewing a home that requires work.

Real Estate Agents As A Resource

It’s essential to hire a local real estate agent who has expertise in selling homes and, primarily, in your residential area. Homes in your suburb listed in the same price bracket must be the benchmark by which you raise your own home. Suppose these homes have elements and luxuries that yours doesn’t; this could suggest the necessity for certain renovations. A real estate agent must be able to give a comparative market analysis which will help you gain insight into whether your property delivers more (or less) than equally established homes.

Timeline For Remodeling Project

Your home remodel projects will take longer than predicted, so be ready and provide what is needed to prevent frustration. For example, replacing the old flooring can take a few days, but a decking installation can take several weeks.

Plan out your short-term and long-term renovation projects. Short-term home improvements could only take a few days to complete (e.g. painting a room), while long-term endeavours (e.g. a complete kitchen remodel) could require hiring a contractor over several weeks. Likewise, you mustn’t expect to include your fixer-upper property for the same value as the squeaky-clean, move-in-ready home.

Be practical about the renovation procedure and timeline and choose your new upgrades before discarding the existing materials. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each remodel option and decide appropriately.

Return On Investment

Will you earn any money back from it at the date of selling? It’s essential to remember the cost vs. value philosophy as to renovations.

Some repairs and modifications will bear more fruit than others; thus, higher return on investment (ROI) regarding resale and property value. More extensive refurbishments are not always better as paying more does not guarantee a higher value yield. Home prices are likely to correspond to local home buyer preferences and the price they’re willing to pay.

What Home Renovations Are Worth Doing Before Selling?

Although you’re thinking of renovating your home, you still have to work on some obvious repairs and upgrades. Remember that renovations must be able to hold off market changes and an array of preferences. You may not gain more money, but it’ll make a difference. If you don’t provide obvious repairs or upgrades, you may need to lower your selling price. We’ve listed some renovations we’d recommend you address before selling your property:

General Repairs

General repairs involve revamping anything that has been destroyed or damaged. When a potential buyer explores your home and sees anything damaged, they interpret that the house is inadequately kept. Likewise, first-time buyers lack some knowledge about home repairs to pinpoint if something’s major or minor.

Replacing or refinishing your flooring and painting the walls are the fastest and most affordable ways to restore a house. However, don’t cover hardwood floors with new carpeting. Another good investment is finishing a basement as it will yield a higher ROI.

Adding a new roof, replacing a damaged roof, and renovating old outlets will enable you to carry on the sale of your home. During review and appraisal, having those upgrades done will boost the home value and lower the probability of being obliged to make repairs or revise pricing later in the process.

Kitchen

Kitchen renovations are critical because that space is a gathering place and a strong selling point in any home. An old or gruesome kitchen can destroy a home sale. While this doesn’t suggest you invest in luxury appliances, a minor kitchen remodel might be profitable, like replacing outdated cabinets and countertops.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is generally one of the smallest areas in the house, though its value is higher than most homeowners would assume. It’s where most buyers can picture prepping for the day and relaxing at night. An outdated, leaky faucet or standard showerhead will dissuade potential owners. Replace these old fixtures with modern ones. If there is ample space, consider placing dual sinks – a focal point buyers love in a bathroom that they’re sharing with their family members.

DIY Projects To Increase Profit

A do-it-yourself plan can help save on labour expenses and improve your DIY capability. You can decide on multiple small- to mid-scale tasks with little to no help from an expert:

• • • Replacing doors and windows that are leaking or letting in breezes allows you to revamp your home’s appeal and conserve on electric bills.
    • Paint makes a home appear more extensive and adequately maintained. When doing this, remember that you must use fresh paint in neutral colours like white, beige or grey since you don’t know your buyer’s taste.
    • Well-lit rooms make it easier for clients to visualize a comfortable life in your space. Have two 50W halogen bulbs for every 10 square metres as general guidance. There is no need to install beaming spotlights in every room. Opting for different lighting sources (ambient, task-specific, and accent light fixtures) based on the room’s features is invaluable.

Enhance The Exterior

71% of future homebuyers state a home’s curb appeal is a paramount factor in their purchasing decisions, and that suggests your home’s exterior has to be in the best condition.

• • • Have a neat, fresh coat of paint on the front door
    • Make sure you replace old exterior lighting and add new fixtures
    • Install a new garage door
    • Replace siding and switch to a more durable roofing material
    • Add privacy fence
    • Add pops of colour with flowers and a few potted plants
    • Declutter the yard

Deep clean

Having your home deep cleaned inside and out can add incredible value. A clean property makes it easier for prospective owners to catch any structural damage or upgrades that must be fulfilled. Clean your exterior siding and interior walls. Pressure wash your gateway, sidewalk, and other pathways. You can complete the task yourself or employ professionals.

So, Should You Remodel Your Home Before Selling?

Remember to never over-renovate your home. If you need more information on renovating your property before selling it, call us and ask us about our various renovation services. Our experts promise excellent handiwork to increase the value of your home.

It’s safe to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every area of our lives. From grocery shopping and working out, to our daily 9-5 and nights out, we’ve really had to adjust. If your remote workforce is slowly transitioning back to your office space, some renovations will likely need to take place to minimize the spread of germs and maximize safety. The building owner and business owners can collaborate in order to reduce disease spread amongst employees by integrating specific renovations that can prevent widespread circulation.

If your commercial property is in need of a few COVID-friendly updates and office renovations, here are 3 things you might consider as you begin your reopening efforts.

1. Create Distinct Spaces To Promote Social Distancing

As offices reopen and people return to working in a building together, there will definitely be a need for more space for physically distanced “bubbles”. Creating distinct rooms might mean that you spread out cubicles, divide break areas, update your current benching systems, have separate conference rooms, and use more substantial partitions than what was used in the past.

New, enclosed spaces can ensure employees maintain proper distance and have their own space to work safely. An office renovation should see separate areas as a major focus in order to limit contact between employees. Rearranging desks, creating separate benching systems, and putting up barriers can act as a physical reminder to adhere to COVID guidelines and distancing.

The main goal for this renovation is to naturally facilitate physical distancing between employees and guests by spacing out the office.

Another space renovation that can be considered is to dedicate separate rooms for visitors, deliveries, and other guests. These rooms can help adequately spread out people and reduce outside traffic in the commercial or office space.

2. Install Hygiene Systems For A Cleaner Environment

If there’s any time to make some upgrades to your sanitation systems, it’s now. Ensuring that the air and the office environment are as clean as possible is a vital step that should be taken as you return to work. No matter what kind of commercial space you have, HVAC systems are definitely something to consider.

Upgrading HVAC systems can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your office space. Since COVID is a virus that travels through air particles, it’s important to carefully filter the air in your commercial space so that you are breathing in and spreading clean air. Installing tools and safety equipment like HVAC systems can help curb the spread of the virus amongst office workers and can boost the health of the office.

Another consideration when it comes to office renovation is lowering high-touch surfaces. While many spaces now use automatic doors activated by buttons or sensors, there are still updates that can be done to lower the number of high touch areas in the office. This can be done by installing more motion sensors on doors, door handles, bathroom hand dryers, or faucets. For surfaces that can’t be automated, use easy-to-clean materials so that you can maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the office.

3. Upgrade Current Technology In Office Space

Boosting office health and energy doesn’t stop at hygiene and social distancing. Another renovation consideration involves upgrading your technology in order to accommodate seamless collaboration between in-person and remote workers.

The pandemic has made remote teams the new normal. With most employees working from home over the past year, it is likely that many of them will continue to do so in the coming months or even the rest of the year. In order to enhance virtual collaboration, now is the perfect time for technology in the office space to be updated.

Technology updates would include upgrading your space’s wifi connection, installing large monitors in the conference areas and moving around the other office furniture in order to make collaboration possible.

When you rearrange existing furniture, you are showing your employees that teamwork is essential and needed, regardless of where your employees are. The main goal here is to make working in teams still a reality, even if some employees are working remotely.

Honest Renovations

If you’re looking at getting your commercial or office space ready for your employees, we’ve got you covered! Based in the Hamilton area, Honest Renovations is your one-stop shop for home and office renovations. We serve clients in Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Oakville, Mississauga, Niagara, Stoney Creek, Dundas Flamborough, and the GTA! Our team of building consultants will help you cover all your bases and aid you in overcoming any challenges these renovations might bring.

If you are thinking about renovating your house, you could be thinking about removing a wall or two. It is important to identify a load-bearing wall before you begin your project. At Honest Renovations, we have lots of experience with load-bearing walls, and will explain what a load-bearing wall is, what it does, tips on how you can identify one, and more in this post!

What Are Load-Bearing Walls?

First, a load-bearing wall (also known as a bearing wall) is a wall that is critical to the structural support of the rest of your house. They help transfer the wall load, bearing the weight from the roof, through the walls, and down to the foundation of your house.

Load-bearing walls will exist on every floor of your house, often right on top of one another. This is because loads (the weight) are transferred from one level to another, meaning that the framing posts holding up your room on the top floor are redistributing the weight down to the first floor and foundation of your house.

Removing a load-bearing wall can cause serious structural issues to your home both in the short and long term. To ensure that you do not remove a load-bearing wall, it is important to know how to identify which wall is load-bearing and which is not.

The Structure of Load-Bearing Walls

If you remove a piece of the ceiling or, even better, look at the blueprints to your building, you should be able to see the layout of your walls and floor joists. This provides crucial information to determine what are bearing walls.

When the wall runs parallel to the floor joists above (they run the same way), the load is typically not load-bearing. If the wall runs perpendicular to the floor joists (meaning they run the opposite way), the wall is likely load-bearing and is redistributing the weight from above it.

Another way to tell is by looking at the floor joists. Typically, if the floor joists do not span entirely across the wall, it may be load-bearing. This is not a certain determinant in whether walls are bearing the weight of your house or not. It is best to consult a structural engineer to determine what walls are load-bearing.

Exterior Walls

Exterior walls are the outermost walls of a building. Typically, exterior walls are load-bearing because they support the roof of your house. Think of it this way – what are the first walls that are built during construction? Exterior walls’ posts are always built into the foundation of your home to support the roof that is constructed on top.

While some outer walls may not be completely load-bearing, parts of them are still used to support the structural integrity of your house.

How To Tell If A Wall Is Load Bearing

If you have an interior design or renovation project that you would like to take on, there is a chance you are wondering how to know if a wall is a load-bearing wall or not. Unless you are familiar with home construction and structures, it is a good idea to contact a professional builder or structural engineer. They can easily help you determine which are load-bearing walls and which are not.

Open Your Wall To Inspect The Trusses

A great way to figure out if a wall is load-bearing is to remove the drywall so you can see the wood beams. This may not be possible for everyone, but if you are renovating several rooms in your home.

When the wall is open, you can look at the beams ceiling/floor joists above it are perpendicular to the walls. If the joists are parallel to the wall, then it is non-load bearing and the wall could be removed.

Take a Trip To Your Attic

You can figure out the structure of your walls without needing to tear up your ceiling! If you have an attic, you can easily figure out what point of your wall is structurally important.

Your attic will allow you to look at every beam in your ceiling. This is important because a beam can tell a lot about each wall. If a beam has braces from the rafters of your attic, this is a tell-tale sign that the wall would be holding the weight of your building.

Go Underneath Your Home

You can identify a structurally important wall through your unfinished basement just as you would a ceiling. Visit your basement or crawlspace to inspect your floor’s joists without needing to rip it up. You can see if there is a wall or other supporting infrastructure (beam, column, jack posts, etc) that are directly below and following the wall above.

Just like load-bearing walls, a beam or jack post is bearing wall load sent from your roof to your floor.

Before Opening Up Your Space, Call A Professional

Load-bearing walls play an important role in ensuring that your home is structurally sound, but they can be difficult to point out in your home. If you want to determine if a wall is holding the weight of your home, it may be best to hire a structural engineer’s services. This is especially true if you want to remove a load bearing wall.

When it comes to transforming your home, there are many benefits of a finished basement. An unfinished basement can feel cold and uninviting whereas a fully finished basement can be welcoming and a nice chill space for you and your family. Creating a finished basement can be tricky, but it’s worth it to get that home office, extra bedroom or secondary living room.

For residents in Hamilton, Ontario, homes with finished basements are a hot-ticket item and learning how finishing a basement can positively impact the value of your home can help when it comes to selling. Taking on a project that helps finish your basement can help you lower your living costs and helps you invest your income long-term. The benefits of a finished basement are endless, but these top reasons may make you decide to take the plunge and contact trusted basement finishing professionals.

1. Gives You Extra Space

The main benefit of a fully finished basement is the extra storage space you’ll get. Finishing your basement allows you to use the space in your basement for storing various items you may not use year-round. By finishing your basement, your adding room and creating a functional space in your basement that you’ll want to spend time in. You could even put up walls and add a new bedroom to increase space in your upper levels too, which could help you earn extra income.

2. Reduces Your Energy Bill

Another one of the main benefits of a finished basement is that it adds insulation and warms your cold basement in a short timeframe, which ultimately reduces your overall costs. If you currently have a concrete floor in your basement, consider the benefits of putting tiling, vinyl, laminate, carpeting or other great basement flooring options down. In terms of added insulation, a new floor can help keep you comfortable and lower the energy bill in your home.

3. A Finished Basement is Versatile

Finishing a basement is a great way to add additional rooms in your home that you can use for a multitude of reasons. You could use your new basement as a storage space, workout space, or you could finish your basement and utilize the area as a large new master bedroom. Many people are using the extra space in their finished basement as a home office or a recreation room for their family to spend time in. Finished basements are one of the most versatile spaces in any home and having a space that can transform into a variety of spaces will ultimately add value to your home.

4. A Nice Space To Spend time

When you create a beautiful living space in your finished basement you create a cozy atmosphere and a great place to spend time with your family. Basements are a place people want to watch movies or for children to play. An unfinished basement can get in the way of spending quality time with your family and taking advantage of the added space can help you make the most out of your property. Creating a functional area in your basement that adds value to your home and makes you want to spend time in basements.

5. Increases your Home value

The best benefit of taking on a basement renovation project for homeowners is the value that gets added to your home. Finishing your basement is an easy way to increase the value of your property and many buyers are looking for homes that specifically have finished basements. Completing any renovation is a great investment for homeowners but working to finish your basement or add an extra room may be the best route to take if you’re looking to seriously up the value of your home.

Reaping The Benefits Of A Finished Basement

When it comes to basements, you need trusted professionals who help take your unfinished basement and turn it into a great space by adding high-quality details to transform your living space. Simple things like adding insulation, creating an extra room or building a new storage area can add value to your home and positively impact your life. When it comes to working on your basement, consider what you want the overall outcome to be, and contact trusted professionals to give you an honest quote. Finished basements are in, and it’s time you got in on this trend!