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You've got the plan, you've got the quote, you've picked the contractor... Then someone at the coffee shop says "you'll need a permit for that" and suddenly you're two hours deep in a municipal website trying to figure out what a Part 9 building is. Let's clear it up. Here's what actually needs a permit in Port Alberni and the surrounding Island communities, what doesn't, who you apply to depending on where you live, and what happens if you decide to skip it. The short answer

You've planned the project. You've got a rough idea what it'll cost. Now comes the part that decides whether the whole thing goes smoothly or turns into a two-year headache you tell people about at parties. Choosing the contractor. This is where most renovations go wrong. Not in the framing, not in the tile, not in the budget spreadsheet. In the handshake. So here's how to hire a contractor in Port Alberni properly, including a few things almost nobody tells homeowners until

You've decided to renovate. Good. Now comes the question everyone actually wants answered before anything else: what's this going to cost me? Here's the honest version. Nobody can give you a real number without seeing your home, your plans, and what's hiding behind your walls. Anyone who quotes you a firm price over the phone is guessing. But you didn't come here for a shrug, so let's talk ballpark; real 2026 numbers for a Port Alberni home. The short answer For a typical Por

A renovation is one of the best investments you can make in your home, but the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one usually comes down to what happens before the first wall comes down. Good preparation keeps your timeline on track, your budget under control, and your day-to-day life livable while the work is underway. If you're planning a home renovation in Port Alberni, a little local know-how goes a long way. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to ge