How do I check if previous renovations were permitted?

Checking if previous renovations were permitted is crucial for insurance, resale, and safety reasons - you can verify this through the City of Ottawa's building records and inspection history.

The most reliable way to check permit history is to contact the City of Ottawa Building Code Services directly at 613-580-2424 or visit their office at 110 Laurier Avenue West. You'll need to provide your property address and may need to show proof of ownership. The city maintains records of all building permits issued, inspections completed, and occupancy certificates granted. This search typically costs around $25-50 and provides a comprehensive history of permitted work on your property.

You can also check online through the City of Ottawa's building permit portal at ottawa.ca/building, though the online records may not go back as far as phone or in-person requests. For properties with extensive renovation history, requesting a full building file review gives you the most complete picture. This is especially important if you're buying a home or planning additional renovations, as unpermitted work can create complications with insurance claims and future permits.

Signs that work may have been unpermitted include electrical panels with handwritten labels, plumbing that doesn't match the rest of the house, finished basements without proper egress windows, or additions that seem "tacked on" without proper integration. In Ottawa's older neighborhoods like the Glebe or Westboro, many homes have decades of modifications, and not all homeowners historically pulled permits for smaller projects.

If you discover unpermitted work, don't panic - but do address it properly. Minor cosmetic work rarely causes issues, but structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC modifications need to be brought up to code. You may need to apply for retroactive permits or have the work inspected by a qualified professional. For major unpermitted renovations like basement apartments or kitchen additions, you'll likely need to bring everything up to current Ontario Building Code standards, which can be expensive.

When buying a home in Ottawa, always ask the seller for permit documentation, especially for recent renovations. Your home inspector should flag obvious unpermitted work, but they can't see inside walls or verify permit compliance. If you're planning your own renovations and discover unpermitted work that affects your project, address it before proceeding - building on unpermitted work can create liability issues and complicate future sales.

For a thorough evaluation of your property's permit history and any necessary remediation work, contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation. We can help you understand what needs to be addressed and guide you through the permit process for any corrections needed.