Recently, I worked with clients preparing to sell their home. They had completed several updates over the years — all well done and thoughtfully maintained. But as we prepared to list, one issue surfaced: the work had been done without permits.

When we received an offer, the buyers became hesitant once they learned no permits had been pulled. In today’s buyer’s market, where conditions already favour purchasers, that lack of documentation was enough to make them walk away. The sale fell apart.

It was a difficult lesson, and one worth sharing:
👉 If a permit is required, take the steps to get it. It’s worth it.

What Is Unpermitted Work?

Unpermitted work refers to renovations, additions, or alterations done without approval from your local building authority. Each municipality within the province — and even within the Fraser Valley region — has its own set of bylaws and building regulations. What requires a permit in White Rock may differ slightly from Surrey or Langley, but generally, permits are needed for projects involving:

• Structural modifications

• Plumbing or electrical systems

• Additions or basement suites

• Major kitchen or bathroom renovations

While it might be tempting to skip the process to save time or money, the long-term risks far outweigh the short-term benefits.

The Risks of Skipping Permits

1. Buyer hesitation and reduced sale value
   Homes with unpermitted work can scare off buyers — or at minimum, drive down offers. Many buyers don’t want to assume the risk or future cost of legalizing work.

2. Possible fines and forced corrections
   Municipalities can require homeowners to bring the work up to code or even tear it out completely. That can mean hiring an architect, paying retroactive fees, and undergoing multiple inspections.

3. Insurance and mortgage complications
   If an incident occurs in an area that wasn’t legally permitted — like a basement suite or addition — your insurance claim could be denied, and mortgage lenders may have issues with financing.

4. Disclosure obligations
   When selling, homeowners are legally required to disclose any unpermitted work. Failing to do so could expose you to legal action down the road.

How to Get a Permit

The best place to start is your local municipality’s building or permit department. Visit your city or town’s website and search for terms like “building permits,” “renovations,” or “home improvements.”

For example, homeowners in White Rock, Surrey, and Langley can access online portals that outline which projects need approval, required documents, and estimated processing times.

If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, reach out to the building department directly — they can review your plans and confirm what’s required before you begin.

You might be surprised at the range of projects that require approval. Beyond major renovations, many municipalities also require permits for projects homeowners often overlook, such as:

• Building or enlarging a deck, patio or driveway

• Adding a fence over a certain height

• Installing an above-ground pool or hot tub

• Constructing a laneway home, garage, or large shed

• Adding a ramp or elevating device for accessibility

• Building a workshop, treehouse, or other accessory structure over a certain size

Because requirements vary widely between municipalities — and sometimes even between neighbourhoods — it’s always best to check before you build. Confirming your permits upfront ensures your renovation goes smoothly and protects you from costly issues later on.

How to Fix It If You’ve Already Done the Work

If you’ve completed renovations without a permit, don’t panic — there are ways to make it right:

• Contact your local building department to confirm what’s required for retroactive approval.

• Hire a licensed contractor or engineer to inspect the work and ensure it meets current code.

• Apply for an “as-built” or retrospective permit — this process legalizes past work once it passes inspection.

• Keep records of all drawings, receipts, and correspondence to show future buyers that the issue has been resolved properly.

The process may take time and involve some cost, but it can protect your home’s value, your peace of mind, and your ability to sell without obstacles.

Final Thoughts

Permits can feel like a hassle, especially for smaller projects — but skipping them often leads to far bigger problems later. My clients learned this firsthand, and I’ve seen others go through the same thing.

So before starting that renovation, check with your local municipality about whether permits are required. Pulling the permit isn’t just about following the rules — it’s about protecting your investment.

If you’re considering selling your home and aren’t sure if past work was properly permitted, I’d be happy to help you review your options and connect you with the right resources to get things in order.

📄 Municipal Permit Resources

• City of White Rock – Permits & Building Department
  Applications, Forms & Guidelines

• City of Surrey – Residential Building Permits
  Interior Renovation Permit Details

• City of Langley – Building Permits & Licensing
  Permits & Licensing Overview
  

As the air turns crisp and the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for fall. Taking care of a few key tasks now can help protect your property, prevent costly repairs, and keep everything running smoothly through the colder months. Here’s a practical checklist to guide you:

Clean Out the Gutters

Falling leaves may be beautiful, but they can clog gutters and downspouts quickly. A blockage can lead to water overflow, roof damage, and even foundation issues. Clearing your gutters now ensures rainwater flows where it should once the wet season begins.

Store Patio Furniture

After a summer of use, outdoor furniture deserves a little care. Clean and dry your chairs, tables, and cushions before storing them in the garage or shed. If storage isn’t an option, invest in durable covers to protect them from rain and frost.

Tidy the Yard

Raking leaves, trimming hedges, and cutting back perennials will help keep your yard looking fresh. Fall is also the best time to fertilize your lawn, reseed bare patches, and plant bulbs so you can enjoy a colorful garden come spring.

Finish Outdoor Projects

If you still have painting, fence repairs, or deck staining left unfinished from summer, don’t wait. Cooler fall weather is ideal for tackling these projects before rain and frost make them impossible.

Inspect the Roof and Exterior

Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles and schedule repairs if needed. While you’re at it, look over your siding, paint, and caulking around windows and doors to keep drafts and moisture out.

Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

With earlier sunsets, good exterior lighting becomes more important. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, clean light fixtures, and consider motion-sensor or solar lights for added safety and convenience.

Prepare for Colder Weather

Before temperatures drop, disconnect and drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets to avoid frozen pipes. If you have an irrigation system, book a professional winterization. Inside, swap out your furnace filter, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and stock up on firewood if you have a fireplace.

Final Thoughts

Fall preparation is about more than just curb appeal—it’s about protecting your home and avoiding bigger headaches down the road. With a little effort now, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on the cozy comforts of the season.