What is a building permit, and when do I have to obtain a building permit?
If you are thinking about doing construction, demolition, renovations or additions to your property, then you could need authorization from the City of Toronto before you begin, this is called a building permit. There are lots of regulations that your plans must comply too, they also include the Ontario Building Code and local Zoning By-laws. There are quite a few circumstances when you will need one, here are some of them: Construct a new building or put on an addition, make structural alterations, some reno’s, demolish or remove all or a portion of a building, alter a building’s use, install, change, or remove partitions and load bearing walls, make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows, put up a garage, balcony or deck, excavate a basement or construct a foundation, install or modify heating, plumbing or air-conditioning systems, install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces or wood burning stoves, create a new basement entrance or second suite the list goes on.
My insurance company is asking a multitude of questions about the property I bought, can my realtor help?
Absolutely, insurance companies will ask you such questions as the square footage of your new house, updates to major mechanical systems, type of construction materials used plus many more. One of the services we can do for you is contact the listing agent looking after the sellers of the house, who will know the answers to the majority of these questions. Exact records are not always possible but an insurance company will sometimes accept the approximate price and date these changes occurred.
I am thinking about buying a property, but not sure whether I should buy a house or a condominium?
We deal mostly with Toronto houses for sale but I can say it depends on your investment aims and strategy. When looking at average Toronto rental prices for a decent condominium it pays for itself, unfortunately the value doesn’t rise very much, but part of a house can be rented out while you are still living in it. One of the services we offer to our clients is personalized advice based on your particular circumstances.
I’ve been looking at condominium units, why is there such a price disparity when they are the same condo in the same building?
By installing an upgraded kitchen or bathroom, being provided with a parking space, how the condominium is finished all add to and are reflected in the price. Units higher up have nicer views, less people around and less noise from above, therefore they attract the higher prices. The asking price is the starting point for any property transaction, so you may find that this price is not what the condo actually sells for.
