By: Koralyn Lemmon
Looking to build a new house, renovate, or add an addition to your home? From changing or adding windows to building a brand-new house, the Safety Codes Act requires all homeowners or contractors to obtain permits for any work covered by municipal Land Use Bylaws and the Alberta Building Code. At Alair, we take on the responsibility of obtaining permits and ensuring compliance, so you don’t have to.
Permit types include Development permits – which are for specific types of development to ensure the local zoning and development bylaws are met. Building permits – are for major construction projects like new buildings, additions, renovations, alterations, repairs, relocations, demolitions, or changes of use in an existing building. You may also need electrical, plumbing, gas, heating and ventilation, or private sewage treatment system (PSTS) permits, depending on your project.
What documents are required when submitting for a permit?
Before you start construction, you’ll need to submit plans with your application, which include a site plan, foundation plan, floor plans, elevations, and cross-sections. You also must submit details of your project or occupancy, the land where your project will be located, specifications, estimated project value, and the name of your contractor.
How long do permits take and what is the cost?
Development permits take 5-7 business days, but may be extended by approximately 3 weeks, project depending. Building permits take 7-10 business days and cannot be issued until the development permit has been issued. During the building season (April 1 – October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.
In Red Deer, Development permits start at $160 and Building permits start at $100, both increasing with the scope of the project. Keep in mind that permit fees can vary.
With our detailed schedules, internal inspections and checklists completed by our project managers, we also avoid potential penalties and additional fees that could arise like re-inspections, permit extensions, or alternative solution reviews.
New Home Warranty
Buying a new home is a big investment, which is why the New Home Buyer Protection Act requires builders or owners to provide warranty coverage. With Alair, you’re covered for up to 10 years for major structural components, as well as 5 years for building envelope protection, 2 years for labour and materials related to delivery and distribution, and 1 year for labour and materials. Our team will help you apply for this coverage, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
But it’s not just about coverage – safety is our top priority. When you get a permit, certified safety codes officers or inspectors will assess your plans and inspect your project at different stages of construction to ensure it meets the bylaws and code. Making changes at the planning stage can save you major costs down the line, and that’s why we plan all our projects 100% before starting construction. With Alair, you can trust that your new home is safe, protected, and built to last
Buying a new home is a big investment, which is why the New Home Buyer Protection Act requires builders or owners to provide warranty coverage. With Alair, you’re covered for up to 10 years for major structural components, as well as 1-5 years for labour and materials related to delivery, distribution, and building envelope protection. Our team will even help you apply for this coverage, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
