Step 2:
Make it
Legal
ent
Re u N id O
e
Basem
G
Doing a DIY basement
renovation? There are
permits and other legal
considerations to take
into account. Here are
six tips to ensure your
renos are legit
1. If it’s a non-structural basement
reno, which includes adding a
wall or laying flooring, you don’t
need a building permit. But if
you’re moving a telepost, adding
an egress window or converting
the space to a rental suite, you
will need a building permit.
Plan It
Before you begin breaking up concrete and putting up
drywall, sit down with pen and paper (or some design
software) to sketch out how you can best use the space
Mark positions of:
water heaters, plumbing,
sump pumps, drainage,
sewage pipes and other
features that can’t be
moved. Create a separate
lighting plan: Detail
where fixtures and
switches will go. You’ll
need this information to
pull an electrical permit.
Measure vertically:
Beams or ductwork can
alter the height of the
ceiling in certain spots.
restricting elements
like door or lighting
placement. Consider potential
water damage:
Examine your foundation
Map out furniture,
noting size and
placement: Consider
if you can physically get
the furniture down into
the basement—queen
beds are notorious for
not clearing low ceiling
heights down stairs.
50
Spring 2018
CAA MAniTOBA
to check for cracks.
Inspect any below-
grade slopes going
toward the basement.
Do they have adequate
drainage? If you plan
to add windows or
exterior doors, be sure
to add drainage to your
to-do list.
3. For an electrical permit, you
may be required to provide a
wiring diagram indicating the
location of receptacles, lights,
switches and all other equipment
to be installed. plumbing permits
may also require a diagram that
shows the location fixtures, as
well as drain and vent pipe sizes.
4. All electrical and plumbing
work must be inspected prior
to covering with insulation or
wallboard.
5. Final inspections don’t just
focus on electrical and plumbing.
An “all trades inspection” looks
to make sure ventilation is up to
code, insulation levels are correct
and minimum ceiling heights are
being met.
6. Inspectors do hundreds of
inspections each month. Respect
their time: Clean up before they
arrive and make sure it’s easy for
them to walk around. If they can’t
complete the work, you could be
charged for additional visits.
Step 1:
2. If you’re doing your own
renovation, apply for electrical
and plumbing permits from your
city planning and development
branch before you begin work.
If wor