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Home constructions and renovations

How much time and money need to acquire permit for expand windows in Aurora?

Alvin 26/06/2026 - 4:25 PM

How much time and money need to acquire permit for expand windows in Aurora? I want to get rid of a very narrow brick wall between 2 front windows and expand basement windows to install a egress window. The location of the house is in Aurora.

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4 Answers

OMC Decor

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Scarborough
Yeah, you’ll definitely need a full building permit for this in Aurora, ON. Just swapping windows in the same openings is usually fine without one, but enlarging them (like knocking out that narrow brick section between the front windows or cutting bigger holes in the basement for an egress window) counts as structural work, so the town wants to sign off on it. From what I’ve seen on the Town of Aurora site, the permit itself is pretty reasonable — minimum around $342 for small residential stuff like this, plus maybe another $168 or so for zoning review if they ask for it. The big chunk is getting a structural engineer to draw up and stamp the plans (lintel details, load-bearing stuff, etc.), which usually runs $800–$2,500 depending on how detailed they get. So realistically, just to get the permit approved you’re probably looking at $1,200–$3,500 total before you even touch the actual construction. Timeline-wise, plan on 1–4 weeks to get your drawings and paperwork together (hiring a local designer or engineer really speeds this up), then the town usually takes about 10 business days to review if everything’s clean. It can stretch to 2–8 weeks if they want revisions, so overall expect 4–12 weeks from start to approval. Super easy to apply: just hop on their online portal at cvportal.aurora.ca/Portal or shoot an email to building@aurora.ca. You’ll need the application form, before-and-after drawings, and the engineering stuff. Pro tip — get a local engineer who’s done Aurora jobs before; it saves a ton of back-and-forth. If you want, fire off a quick email to the building department with your address and they’ll usually tell you exactly what they need for your place.
Answered10 May 2026
2

2662226 Alberta I c

Rating: 5 out of 5
Water Valley
* Make window openings bigger * Remove brick between windows * Cut a larger basement egress window Because that counts as structural work. Approximate costs mentioned: * Permit: about $342+ * Possible zoning review: about $168 * Structural engineer drawings/stamp: about $800–$2,500 Estimated total before construction: * Around $1,200–$3,500 Timeline: * Roughly 4–12 weeks total for drawings + approval. They also mention needing: * Application form * Before/after drawings * Engineering details And they recommend using a local engineer familiar with Aurora permits.
Answered12 May 2026
0

Anonymous user

Yes, this type of project in Aurora will require a building permit because the window openings are being enlarged and part of the exterior wall structure is being modified. Removing the narrow brick section between the front windows normally requires proper structural support, and enlarging basement windows for an egress setup must meet Ontario Building Code requirements. Typical costs before construction usually include: * Permit fees: approximately CAD $350–$700 * Drawings and/or engineering (if required): often CAD $800–$2,500 * Total permit/preparation costs before construction commonly land around CAD $1,200–$3,500 depending on the house and scope of work Timeline-wise, most homeowners should expect anywhere from 2–8 weeks for approvals depending on how complete the application package is and whether revisions are requested by the town. These projects are very common and usually move much smoother when measurements, drawings, and structural details are prepared correctly from the start.
Answered12 May 2026
0

Bilal north peak construction ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Calgary, Alberta
Expanding front windows and enlarging a basement window for an egress opening typically requires a building permit because the work involves structural changes to the exterior wall. The permit cost and approval time vary depending on the scope of the project and the municipality’s current processing times. In addition to the permit, you may also need structural drawings or engineering details if a load-bearing wall is being modified. Before starting work, I recommend contacting the Town of Aurora’s Building Department or working with a qualified contractor who can prepare the permit application and confirm all code requirements, including the minimum size for the egress window. Having the proper permits and inspections completed will help ensure the work meets building code requirements and avoid issues if you sell the home in the future.
Answered26 June 2026
0