Building Permits: What You Need to Know Before You Build
When planning a construction project securing the proper building permits is a critical step in the construction process. At Island Heights Construction, we handle the entire building permit process for you, ensuring full compliance with local regulations. By taking care of the paperwork and approvals, we help keep your project on track and stress free from start to finish.
Whether you’re constructing a new home, planning an addition, or updating your existing space, our team simplifies the permit process, allowing you to focus on your vision while we handle the paperwork.
Why Are Building Permits Important?
Building permits serve several essential purposes:
- Legal Compliance: Ensures your project adheres to local building codes and zoning regulations.
- Safety Assurance: Protects homeowners, occupants, and the community by ensuring proper adhesion to the BC Building code.
- Smooth Inspections: Securing the proper permits helps you avoid costly delays and potential legal complications.
- Property Value Protection: Properly permitted work maintains property value and avoids complications when selling.
By partnering with a knowledgeable contractor like Island Heights Construction, you can rest assured that your project will meet all municipal requirements.
Do You Need a Building Permit?
In most municipalities construction projects require a permit for the following projects:
- New residential home builds or additions.
- Commercial building or commercial alterations.
- Removing or modifying a load bearing wall or adding a window.
- Carport to garage conversions, deck rebuilds, or accessory building additions.
- Secondary suites or carriage homes.
- Retaining walls over 1.2 meters.
- Swimming pools and hot tubs.
- Major plumbing or electrical upgrades (plumbing and electrical permits required).
If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, we can assess the requirements and guide you through the process.
How We Handle the Building Permit Process for You
At Island Heights Construction, we take care of every step of the permit process, so you don’t have to. Here’s how we streamline the process:
- Initial Consultation & Planning
- We discuss your project scope, vision, and requirements.
- During the drafting and design stage we review zoning bylaws and applicable building codes to ensure compliance.
- When necessary, we consult with the local municipality for preliminary questions and approvals.
- Preparation of Permit Documents
- We handle the entire permit application process, including compiling architectural and structural drawings and completing all required forms. We also coordinate with engineers and energy consultants if specialized reports or compliance documents are necessary.
- Submission & Approval Management
- We submit the application on your behalf to the local municipalities.
- We coordinate any revisions or additional requirements requested by city/town officials.
- We follow up to ensure timely approval, keeping you updated on progress.
- Inspections & Compliance
- We coordinate required inspections throughout the construction process.
- We ensure work is completed to code and address any issues that arise.
- We obtain all final inspections and approvals throughout the construction process, ensuring full compliance with local jurisdictions.
How Long Does the Building Permit Process Take?
Permit processing times vary depending on the project type and complexity. Generally:
- Simple residential permits (e.g., renovations, minor additions) can take 4-6 weeks.
- New home construction can take 12-16 weeks.
- Commercial projects and alterations can take up to 16-20 weeks.
To prevent unnecessary delays, we ensure that all documents are complete and accurate before submission.
Avoid Costly Mistakes – Work with an Experienced Contractor
Skipping permits or failing inspections can lead to fines, project delays, and even legal issues. As your contractor, Island Heights Construction ensures that all permits are in place, so you can build with confidence.
By choosing us, you benefit from:
✔ Years of experience navigating building regulations.
✔ Seamless handling of paperwork and city approvals.
✔ Expert coordination with clients, engineers, architects, and inspectors.
✔ A hassle-free construction process from start to finish.
✔BuilderTrend – dedicated software that allows clients to follow along the construction progress from home or abroad.
Start Your Project with Island Heights Construction
Planning a project? Let us take the stress out of the building permit process. Contact Island Heights Construction today to discuss your project, and we’ll handle the permits while you focus on bringing your vision to life.
Call us at: (250) 937-8765
Email us at: sales@islandheights.ca