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Do I Need a Permit for New Windows or Doors?

This is a question we get asked sometimes, but not as often as Homeowners should be asking! In fact, many Homeowners are aware of the requirements for permits when replacing windows or doors.

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As per the City of Calgary Bylaws:

"Do you need a permit?

A basement development or other interior home renovation (such as main floor renovations) requires a building permit if:

• The basement is being developed for the first time
• You are making structural changes such as moving or removing walls on any floor of the house
• You are creating new openings in interior or exterior walls (new or relocated windows, new doors)
• Exterior renovations that do not add new square footage or structures. For renovations that include a new space, see our page on additions.

Typically, interior renovations and changes to existing basements do NOT need a permit when the work consists of minor cosmetic upgrades, which includes finishes, painting and furniture."

So for standard window and door replacements with the same sizes, you do NOT require a permit.

However, as mentioned above, if you are creating new openings or making structural changes (ie. widening a window or door opening), you do require a Building Permit.

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How Do I Obtain a Building Permit?

You would need to provide your Real Property Report (RPR) and "As-Built" Plans showing the floorplan of the floor you are looking to change as well as the elevation drawing of the wall you are looking to change, along with all existing window sizes. And then you need to show the new window location and size and calculate the total glass area as a % of the total wall area.

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In order to make this process as simple as possible, we can provide the full service Permit Process through our Trusted Partners at Seven Day Permits. They handle the Site Visit, Measurements, Drafting, and Permit Submission process for you.

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How Much Do Building Permits Cost?

Ultimately the permit cost depends on the value of the work being done. The Permit itself is usually not to expensive for a single window or door enlargement. The site measure and drafting is where most of the cost lies. If you are good at creating drawings to scale, you can draw and submit your own and save some money.

However, when you are exceeding 7' wide for a main or upper floor window, or exceeding 4' wide for a basement window, you will likely need the services of a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), which can add $850+ in some cases for their Site Visit, Drawings and Final Close Out Letter.

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When Do I Need Engineering?

The most common situations where an Engineer is required include:

• 7' or Wider Windows or Doors on Walls Above Grade
• 4'+ Wide Windows or Doors on Concrete Walls Below Grade
• When the Total Concrete Wall Length has More than 25% of it Cut Out

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If you are unsure about any of the items listed above, please feel free to reach out to MAXgreen Windows, Siding and Roofing and we would be happy to review your project specifically.

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If you require a permit for any other projects (Basement Development, Additions, Backyard Suites, etc.), please contact Seven Day Permits directly to experience their amazing services. They also give back to the community with every project they complete, which matches our MAXcommunity commitments!