Blog PostHomeownerSelling a Home March 13, 2026

5 Home Renovations in Markham That Don’t Need a Permit

Homeowners often assume every renovation requires a building permit. In fact, some small improvements in Markham can be done without one, as long as the work does not affect the structure, plumbing, or building size.

Here are a few common examples homeowners should know.

1. Small Garden Sheds

  • Detached structures under 15 m² (about 161 sq ft) without plumbing usually do not require a permit.
    Examples include small garden sheds or storage sheds. However, they must still follow zoning rules such as setbacks.

2. Low Decks

  • Decks that are less than 24 inches (600 mm) above ground generally do not require a permit.

3. Landscaping Projects

  • Many landscaping improvements can be done freely, including:
    • Walkways
    • Planters
    • Retaining walls under 1 metre high

4. Cosmetic Interior Renovations

  • Most interior cosmetic upgrades do not require permits, such as:
    • Painting and decorating
    • Replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets
    • General repairs or maintenance

5. Replacing Equipment or Exterior Materials

  • Some replacement work may not require permits, including:
    • Plumbing fixtures
    • Water heaters, furnaces, or air conditioners
    • Roof shingles
    • Windows or doors (without changing the opening size)
    • Important Reminder

Even if a permit is not required, homeowners must still follow local zoning rules and safety standards.
When in doubt, it’s always best to confirm with the city before starting any renovation.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in Markham?

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, an investor, or looking to upgrade your current home, I provide practical tips, market insights, and step-by-step guidance to make your property journey smooth and stress-free.

📞 Contact me today at 647-463-8810 or email cathy.tse@century21.ca for a free consultation and to discuss your next move!

 

萬錦市裝修:5種通常不需要建築許可的工程

很多屋主以為所有裝修都需要申請建築許可,其實並不是。在萬錦市,只要工程不影響房屋結構、管道或建築面積,一些小型改善工程通常可以在不申請許可的情況下進行。

以下是幾個常見例子:

1. 小型花園工具屋

  • 小於15平方米(約161平方呎)且沒有管道設施的附屬建築通常不需要許可,例如:
    • 花園工具屋
    • 小型儲物屋

但仍然需要符合分區規定,例如與地界的距離。

2. 低平台 Deck

  • 離地少於24吋(約600毫米)的平台一般不需要申請建築許可。

3. 園藝景觀工程

  • 很多園藝工程也不需要許可,例如:
    • 行人路
    • 花槽
    • 低於1米 的擋土牆

4. 室內簡單裝修

  • 以下室內改善通常不需要許可:
    • 油漆或裝飾
    • 更換廚房或浴室櫥櫃
    • 一般維修保養
    • 5. 更換設備或材料

以下更換工程通常不需要許可:

  • 水喉裝置
  • 熱水爐、暖氣爐或冷氣機
  • 屋頂瓦片
  • 更換門窗(不改變開口尺寸)
  • 重要提醒

即使工程不需要建築許可,屋主仍然需要遵守 城市分區規定及安全標準。
如果不確定某個工程是否需要申請許可,建議在施工前先向市政府查詢。

想在萬錦市買房或賣房嗎?

無論你是首次置業、投資房產,還是想升級現有房屋,我都能提供 實用建議、市場洞察和全程指導,讓你的房產過程更輕鬆、無壓力。

📞 立即聯絡我:647-463-8810 或電郵 cathy.tse@century21.ca,免費諮詢及討論你的下一步計劃!