Homeowner guides
Know the rules before you build.
Costs, permits and materials for GTA homeowners, written from official sources and our own jobs. Every guide lists its sources.
Permits & rules
Permits & rules · 6 min read
Do you need a permit for a deck in Mississauga, Toronto or Oakville?
When a deck needs a building permit in Mississauga, Toronto and Oakville, what the drawings show, how deep footings go and what a permit adds to cost.
Read the guidePermits & rules · 5 min read
Do you need a permit for a shed in Mississauga, Toronto or Oakville?
The 15 m² shed rule in Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Brampton and Vaughan, with worked examples for 10×12, 10×16 and 12×16 sheds and what zoning adds.
Read the guidePermits & rules · 6 min read
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in the GTA?
Basement permit rules in Toronto, Mississauga and Oakville compared: when finishing needs a permit, what always does, and how ESA electrical rules fit in.
Read the guidePermits & rules · 5 min read
Fence height rules in Mississauga, Toronto and Oakville
How tall a fence can be in Mississauga and Toronto, what to confirm in Oakville, and the rules on permits, pool enclosures, locates and shared fences.
Read the guideMaterials
Materials · 6 min read
Board-on-board fence vs. a standard privacy fence
How board-on-board and single-layer privacy fences are built, why gaps open as boards dry, and how privacy, wind, posts, cost and upkeep compare.
Read the guideMaterials · 5 min read
Pressure-treated vs. cedar for fences, decks, pergolas and tables
How pressure-treated wood, cedar and composite compare on price, looks, weathering, upkeep and weight for GTA fences, decks, pergolas and picnic tables.
Read the guideFree estimate
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