How To Apply for a Permit When Renovating Your Kitchen

Knowing how to apply for a permit when renovating your kitchen can save you the trouble of hiring an expert. Building and plumbing permits are a requirement for building renovations, alterations, and additions in this city. However, most municipal by-laws may not require permits for renovations less than $5,000 in construction value as long as the contractor won't make life safety or structural changes to the property. Nevertheless, the City of Winnipeg must approve any home renovation. You need the city's approval to work with your home's plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. The permit system enables the city to review the renovation plans, audit individual homes' construction, and ensure the renovations comply with electrical and building codes, zoning laws, and other relevant ordinances.

By implementing the permit system, the city reduces property changes or renovations that may violate building or zoning codes. Also, the system ensures the city has more consistency between properties and that buildings meet higher quality standards.

What You Should Know

Applying for a permit when renovating a kitchen starts by obtaining the application forms from the local building department. Most departments have these forms on their websites. Also, you'll find guidelines for filling in the documents, outlining the necessary information to provide. Once you have the forms, complete the application and submit your plan drawings. Also, pay the necessary fees. You can contact the department via email if you need additional support. Nevertheless, most resources for applying for a permit when remodeling your kitchen are available online.

Can You Renovate Your Kitchen Without a Permit?

While you may handle minor kitchen renovation projects without a permit or work with a company that doesn't acquire a renovation permit, many bad things might happen. For instance, you may have to redo the renovation to meet some building code requirements. That means you'll incur additional costs. Also, you may have to remove the renovation if it needs to comply with the local building code. Again, this will cost you more money. Besides, you will incur the permit cost even if you ignore obtaining it and redoing the project becomes necessary. Moreover, the local authority or municipality can take legal action against you to ensure you pay for the permit. Additional fines and fees may also apply.

Selling your property may also be challenging even if you hide your unauthorized renovation from the authorities. For instance, a home inspector may notice signs of non-permitted renovations and report them to the buyer if they don't meet code requirements. Thus, renovating your kitchen with a permit can complicate the sale, leading to more problems with the city.

Do it Right

Understanding the process of getting a permit will save you future troubles with the City authorities. Generally, skipping renovation permits to save money is not worth the future challenges. That's why working with experts who help you apply for a license and renovate your kitchen is paramount. Call Elite Winnipeg Kitchen Renovations now for professional help with your project.