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Maybe a building inspector posted a stop-work order. Maybe a bylaw notice arrived in the mail. Or maybe you're buying or selling, and someone noticed that the basement, deck or addition never had a permit, perhaps done by a previous owner years ago. However it came up, you're now dealing with what people call illegal, unauthorized or unpermitted work. It's stressful, but it's usually fixable. The key is to deal with it early and in the right order. Here's a plain-language loo

Got a basement suite that was built years ago without permits? Or thinking about turning part of your house into a rental? You're not alone. Legalizing a suite is a common goal for homeowners across the Lower Mainland. The good news: it's in many cases doable. The catch: it takes planning, paperwork and usually some upgrades. Here's a plain-language look at what municipalities across the Lower Mainland are looking for. Requirements vary by municipality, so always confirm the

You quote a basement reno, and the "basement" turns out to be a rented suite that was never permitted. You walk the house and the layout doesn't match what was likely approved: a garage turned into a bedroom, a storage area finished as living space, walls moved or rooms added over the years. The owner says "we don't need a permit for this." Or a stop-work order goes up on the fence halfway through the job. Every contractor in the Lower Mainland runs into illegal, unauthorized