If you're planning to renovate your home this year, you've probably got design ideas, material samples, and floor plans on the brain. But before any of that happens, there's one detail that tends to sneak up on people: permits.
We'll be the first to admit they're not the most exciting part of the process, but they're important, and in Calgary, they're often required. Whether you're opening up a wall, finishing a basement, or relocating plumbing, it's worth knowing where the city draws the line between a simple update and a regulated project.
With this in mind, our team at Kavaleer Renovations has discussed everything you need to know about Calgary home renovation permits to get started. Our team has spent years in the remodeling and home building industry, so we know a thing or two about building permits for Calgary home renovations.
At Kavaleer Renovations, we are often asked: 'Do I need a permit to renovate my house?' The answer to this question can be somewhat tricky because it depends on the renovation.
However, what we can say is that in 2025, the rules are clear. If you're touching anything structural or altering systems behind the walls, there's a good chance you'll need a permit.
Below, we've narrowed down a few examples showcasing when you'll actually need a permit for your remodel in Calgary:
And then there are the trade permits. You'll need those if you're doing any significant work on electrical wiring, plumbing, gas lines, or HVAC systems.
That said, not everything needs approval. If you're repainting, swapping out cabinets, or laying new flooring, you're probably in the clear, as long as those changes aren't connected to anything structural or mechanical.
Homeowners can breathe a massive sigh of relief knowing that getting a permit for home renovations in Calgary is relatively straightforward, thanks to the city's simple process. You can apply online through apply.calgary.ca, and contractors typically use the ePermit portal.
Once you start your application, you'll need to submit your plans, including floor layouts, elevations, and any required engineering if your project involves a structure. If everything checks out, you'll get a permit and can move ahead. If something's missing, the city gives you 30 days to revise and meet the renovation permit requirements, then resubmit.
The timeline to obtain a permit depends on what you're doing, but it's essential to learn more about it so that you can check if your renovation permit checklist is complete.
In our experience, straightforward renovations, such as finishing a basement, typically take 10 to 15 business days for approval. Bigger projects, especially those involving additions or zoning considerations, can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
If your renovation requires a development permit first, such as for a legal basement suite, you'll want to factor in up to 120 days, or sometimes more.
Our advice? Build a little wiggle room into your renovation schedule. Permit delays don't happen often, but when they do, it's usually due to missing documentation or a backlog during busy seasons.
Most permit fees in Calgary are reasonable. For a typical basement development or mid-sized renovation, you're looking at $200 to $350 for a building permit. Then, each trade permit for activities such as plumbing, electrical work, and gas is typically just over $100.
Larger or more complex jobs may incur additional fees, particularly if you require engineered drawings or development approval. But on the whole, the permit itself is a small part of the total cost, and one that protects your investment.
We know the permitting process can feel cumbersome, but it's essential that you don't skip it. It's a huge risk, as you could be fined, forced to redo parts of your project, costing you more time and money, or even be hit with a stop order.
So, even if you feel the job is small enough not to warrant a permit or you think you can complete your renovation without the city catching wind, it's best not to tempt fate.
And you're not just getting a permit because of city laws. You also need one for insurance purposes. If you don't complete your remodel by obtaining the right permits, insurance companies are within their rights to decline coverage for damages caused by unpermitted work.
Plus, another concern down the line is if you ever want to sell, it might not be easy. Without being able to provide proof that your renovations were completed in accordance with code and permitting regulations, potential buyers may be deterred and opt for other options. So the bottom line is get the permits. They will make life and your remodel easier.
We hope that our Calgary building permit guide for 2025 has helped you understand the importance of permits, as well as how to obtain them, their associated costs, and the average timelines. If you're ready to build and don't want to deal with it on your own, you can speak with us at Kavaleer Renovations.
We're a design-build firm specializing in renovations and custom builds, so we're familiar with the building permits required for basement remodels, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, and other types of renovations. We are also well-versed in building codes for home renovations, so you don't have to worry about that when you choose us. Contact us here if you want to work with a company that doesn't treat permitting as an afterthought.