Home additions and major renovations can enhance the comfort, functionality and value of your home. These projects often involve significant changes to the structure or layout within a home and require permits to ensure the work meets safety and building code requirements.

Common projects include:

• Expanding the footprint of an existing home or a second storey
• Creating or removing walls to alter floor plans or adding new rooms
• Major kitchen renovations involving structural, plumbing, electrical or gas changes
• Converting existing spaces for new uses
• Extensive interior renovations that affect structural elements of a home

What to know about home additions and major renovations

• Some projects have different permit requirements, including: 
• Basement developments and renovations
• Secondary suites
• Detached garages or sheds
• Installing new windows or doors
• Decks, porches and landings
• Before starting any work, homeowners and/or contractors must obtain the appropriate permits. This helps ensure that construction meets safety standards related to structural integrity, fire protection, ventilation, electrical systems and plumbing. Inspections are required at key stages of the project to verify compliance.
• Depending on the scope of work, separate permits and inspections may be required throughout the project.

Homeowner-led projects

• Homeowners performing HVAC, electrical, plumbing or gas work on homes they own and occupy can request permits on behalf of themselves. Electrical, gas and plumbing cannot be completed by homeowners for any portion of a rental property.
• Homeowner-led trade permits are also subject to an additional $100 fee per trade (electrical, plumbing and/or gas). Fee information is available in the User Fees and Charges Bylaw (pdf).

Hiring a contractor

• Contractors must hold valid trade qualification certificates and have a City of Airdrie business licence. Property owners are responsible for ensuring contractors have valid licences and permits before work begins.
• If you're hiring a contractor or company, research them carefully to protect yourself from renovation scams. Learn more about hiring a contractor in Alberta.

The following must be included in your application (online documents must be submitted as flattened PDFs that allow editing and commenting, and each file must have a clear descriptive title).

Permit applications

Before you apply, required documents should be prepared, including your building plans, plot plan (if applicable) and project summary report. Incomplete applications may delay approvals.

Permit application can be submitted online through myAIRDRIE. Do not begin any work until your permit has been approved and issued. Starting work prior may result in permit fees being doubled.

Apply for your permit

Inspections

Work done under a permit in Airdrie requires City inspections, which can be booked through your myAIRDRIE account. Home additions and major renovations may require multiple inspections:

• Initial inspection: The initial inspection needs to occur prior to insulation or drywall being hung, once all rough-ins including framing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and gas are complete. Same day inspections should be scheduled for framing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and gas.
• Final inspection: Once your basement is complete, you will need to book a mandatory electrical inspection. A final inspection for building, HVAC, plumbing and gas may also be required depending on the project.

How to book an inspection