Interior Alteration Permit Design

What 828 Design can prepare

For permit-required residential alterations, the drawing package can include:

• existing and proposed floor plans
• demolition and new-partition information
• sections and construction details where required
• structural-opening or load-bearing-wall information within applicable scope
• coordinated plumbing, HVAC/mechanical and Building Code-related electrical/lighting information where applicable
• permit submission support and municipal response coordination where included

What changes can trigger a permit review?

We look at the actual construction scope rather than assume every renovation is treated the same.

• adding, removing or relocating walls
• changes to load-bearing structure or structural openings
• stairs, guards, exits or changes to room/use arrangements
• new or relocated plumbing fixtures and drains
• HVAC/mechanical changes tied to the renovation
• new dwelling units, fire separations or other life-safety changes

Cosmetic work versus permit work

Like-for-like finishes, cabinetry or some fixture replacements may not require a building permit when no regulated building work is affected. Once the renovation changes structure, walls, exits, plumbing, occupancy/use or other regulated systems, a permit review may be required. We confirm the actual scope before quoting permit drawings.

Common interior-renovation permit questions

Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen?

A finish-only kitchen renovation may not require a building permit, while removing walls, changing structure or adding/relocating regulated building systems can trigger permit requirements.

Can I move non-load-bearing walls without a permit?

Do not assume a wall is exempt simply because it appears non-load-bearing. Municipal rules can require permits for material alterations and changes to room layout, exits or other regulated conditions.

Can you include a load-bearing wall removal in the same package?

Yes where included in scope. Structural design responsibility is handled within applicable qualification, with professional engineering coordinated where required.

What if plumbing fixtures are moving?

The renovation may require plumbing permit information and coordination depending on the work and municipality.

Does replacing windows or doors count as an interior alteration?

Like-for-like replacement can be different from creating, enlarging or relocating an opening. Structural or material changes to exterior openings commonly require permit review.

Can I begin demolition before the permit?

If the demolition affects work that requires a permit or removes conditions needed to verify the design, starting early can create problems. The permit/design path should be established first.

Build the approved renovation—not a different one

Once the permit is issued, the contractor should work from the approved plans. Material layout, structural or building-service changes should be reviewed before they are built because they may require revised permit documents.

What to send for a quote

• property address and municipality
• photos of the rooms being renovated
• existing floor plan or a hand sketch with approximate dimensions
• description of walls, doors, stairs or rooms being changed
• list of plumbing/HVAC changes if known
• prior drawings or permit records if available

Related residential permit services

Load-Bearing Wall & Structural Opening · Exterior Alteration · Plumbing Permit Drawings · HVAC & Mechanical Permit Drawings

828 Design Inc. — BCIN building design & permit services. Content reviewed for current Ontario permit context: August 2026. Requirements are confirmed for the property, municipality and agreed project scope. Qualifications & responsibility →