Renovations that legally required a building permit (structural changes, new suites, most plumbing/HVAC changes) or an ESA notification (electrical work, in Ontario, electrical permits come from the Electrical Safety Authority, not the city) but were done without one. The paperwork problem transfers to you at closing.
Quote-driven: permit + inspection fees in the hundreds; legalization can cascade to five figuresAddress before purchaseInteriorElectricalStructure
The quick answer
Renovations that legally required a building permit (structural changes, new suites, most plumbing/HVAC changes) or an ESA notification (electrical work, in Ontario, electrical permits come from the Electrical Safety Authority, not the city) but were done without one. The paperwork problem transfers to you at closing.
Buyers inherit unpermitted work. The municipality can require a retroactive permit, stamped drawings, opening finished walls so inspectors can see concealed work, and upgrades to current code. Insurance can deny claims arising from unpermitted work, and unpermitted electrical can trigger ESA defect notices. "Renovated" without "permitted" is a claim, not a feature, and a freshly renovated older home with no permit history is the paper-trail version of a flip.
How to spot it
You can't see it in photos, you ask. "Which renovations had permits, and were they closed?" Your lawyer can request the municipal property file; ESA can confirm electrical notifications. Visible tells that raise the question: mismatched breaker brands in the panel, amateur drywall transitions, a basement suite in a house that never mentions permits.
What it costs
Inherently quote-driven: permit and inspection fees run in the hundreds, but legalization that requires opened walls and code upgrades can cascade to five figures.
What to do
Before purchase, get the permit question answered in writing and have your lawyer pull the property file on any renovated home. Price unknown paperwork as risk.
Education and triage, not a home inspection. Casaroo raises the question when the evidence pattern suggests renovation, it cannot see permits and never declares work legal or illegal. Your lawyer and municipality confirm.
Common questions
What is Unpermitted work & renovations?
Renovations that legally required a building permit (structural changes, new suites, most plumbing/HVAC changes) or an ESA notification (electrical work, in Ontario, electrical permits come from the Electrical Safety Authority, not the city) but were done without one. The paperwork problem transfers to you at closing.
Why does it matter for home buyers?
Buyers inherit unpermitted work. The municipality can require a retroactive permit, stamped drawings, opening finished walls so inspectors can see concealed work, and upgrades to current code. Insurance can deny claims arising from unpermitted work, and unpermitted electrical can trigger ESA defect notices. "Renovated" without "permitted" is a claim, not a feature, and a freshly renovated older home with no permit history is the paper-trail version of a flip.
How can I spot it?
You can't see it in photos, you ask. "Which renovations had permits, and were they closed?" Your lawyer can request the municipal property file; ESA can confirm electrical notifications. Visible tells that raise the question: mismatched breaker brands in the panel, amateur drywall transitions, a basement suite in a house that never mentions permits.
How much does it cost to fix?
Inherently quote-driven: permit and inspection fees run in the hundreds, but legalization that requires opened walls and code upgrades can cascade to five figures.
Electrical permits in Ontario are issued by the . Casaroo flags, it does not inspect.
Last reviewed 2026-07-10.
This guide is general education, not a home inspection and not advice for your specific property. Always
consult the appropriate licensed professional, and get a licensed home inspection before you remove conditions
or buy. Cost ranges are 2026 estimates that vary by region, size, and access; confirm specifics with a
qualified professional.