Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit

Navigating the permit process: a crucial step in home modifications

Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence. Which modifications require a permit vary by city. Also, some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing permit laws.

In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans and pay fees to the city. In addition, the improvements are given a value. If they increase the value of the property, this may result in an increase in property taxes. Inspections are often required, and this means having to schedule and then wait for inspectors to approve the work to be done. This process can be time consuming and inconvenient in the short run. It is for this reason that some homeowners skip the permit process.

If a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future and getting a permit retroactively can frequently be significantly more expensive and much more problematic than having obtained the permit before work commenced. If work is not done in accordance with city procedures or if the inspector is unable to determine if the work has been done properly, the homeowner could be required to open walls, tear up floors, so that the inspection may take place. In addition, by law, work not permitted where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may cause the owner to discount their sale price or perform costly or time-consuming repairs before title can be transferred.


For prospective buyers of a property, save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits. You may obtain these permits by going directly to Building & Safety in the municipality in which the property is located or by hiring a “permit puller” who will research the permits for you.

Share this post on

Best Selling Experience : Why the Little Things Matter More Than Ever

By Hudson Smith • February 18, 2026
Every once in a while, someone goes above and beyond. For me, there have been moments—across different industries and stages of life—where people didn’t just meet expectations, they exceeded them. Those experiences stay with you. They guide you. Honestly, they become a benchmark for how you try to show up every single day. It doesn’t always happen in real estate or sales, but it absolutely influences how I approach my work. In some of those standout moments, I’ve even joked with the person delivering the experience, asking if they were looking for a career change. That’s how impactful it was. After 21 years in sales, I’ve learned something simple but powerful: "We can can always do more. The real question is whether we choose to." 

Family Day 2026 in Guelph, Ontario: Best Winter Activities & Events for Families

February 11, 2026
Free Outdoor Activities Guelph Families Love

2026 Ontario Statutory Holiday Dates

January 13, 2026
There’s nothing quite like realizing you have an extra day off coming up. Statutory holidays (often called stat holidays) are paid days off that give employees in Ontario a chance to rest, recharge, or enjoy a long weekend. Knowing when these holidays fall can make planning your work schedule and personal time much easier. This guide is designed to help you quickly check Ontario stat holidays for 2026, plan time off in advance, and stay organized throughout the year whether you’re booking a vacation, managing schedules, or simply looking ahead to your next break. Below are the official Ontario stat holiday dates for 2026 that you can mark on your calendar. 👉 Download the Free 2026 Stat Holiday Guide
See More Posts