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Canada – Property Building and Renovation

Planning Permission in Canada

In Canada, it is necessary to apply for planning permission to build or renovate a property. The procedure is as follows:

  • Obtain a building permit from your local municipality
  • Submit plans and specifications for your project to the municipality for approval
  • Wait for the municipality to issue a building permit before beginning construction or renovation

Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, and Preservation Orders

If your property is listed or located within a conservation area or preservation order, there are additional rules and regulations to follow.

  • Listed buildings may have restrictions on the type of changes that can be made to the property’s exterior
  • Conservation areas and preservation orders may have restrictions on the type of changes that can be made to the property’s exterior or surrounding landscape

Finding Reliable Builders in Canada

When looking for a builder in Canada, it’s important to find someone reliable and trustworthy. One way to do this is to look for builders who belong to a professional organization.

  • The Canadian Home Builders’ Association is a professional organization that represents builders and contractors in Canada. They can be contacted at info@chba.ca or 1-800-387-7996.

Permits and Licences

When building or renovating a property in Canada, there are several permits and licenses you may need to obtain.

  • Building permit: Required for any new construction or major renovation
  • Electrical permit: Required for any electrical work
  • Plumbing permit: Required for any plumbing work

Finding a Local Architect in Canada

If you need an architect to design your project, you can find one through the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

  • Royal Architectural Institute of Canada: info@raic.org or 613-241-3600

Buying Land in Canada

If you’re buying land in Canada, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of.


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  • Make sure you have planning permission before purchasing land
  • Check the boundaries of the land to ensure they match the land registry
  • Be aware of any environmental or conservation restrictions that may affect the land
  • Check for any outstanding taxes or debts on the land