In 2026, many homeowners in Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are running into the same unexpected issue:
their renovation isn’t delayed because of materials or labor — it’s delayed because of permits.
Even simple remodels are taking longer to get approved, and those delays are now affecting both timelines and final costs.
Permit Backlogs Are Growing in Major Cities
Across several U.S. cities and Canadian municipalities, permit departments are handling:
• Higher application volumes
• Fewer staff than pre-2020 levels
• More complex compliance checks
In places like Toronto and Vancouver, homeowners report waiting weeks longer than expected for approvals, even for standard kitchen or basement renovations.
These slowdowns ripple through contractor schedules.
Why Small Delays Become Big Problems
A permit delay of just one or two weeks can cause:
• Missed contractor start windows
• Rescheduled subcontractors
• Extended labor costs
Contractors often can’t pause and resume smoothly — when a permit stalls, the project gets pushed behind others already approved.
Permits Are Now Affecting Quotes
In 2026, many contractors are adjusting how they quote projects:
• Adding buffers for approval delays
• Including flexible start dates
• Charging higher prices for jobs requiring permits
This is especially common in New York, Los Angeles, and dense Canadian cities, where inspection schedules are tight.
Higher quotes aren’t always about profit — they’re about covering lost time.
Which Renovations Are Most Affected
Permit delays most commonly impact:
• Kitchens involving plumbing or electrical changes
• Basement renovations
• Structural modifications
• Additions and exterior work
Homeowners often underestimate how early permits need to be submitted.
What Homeowners Can Do Differently in 2026
• Submitting permits earlier than planned
• Asking contractors about permit timelines upfront
• Avoiding mid-project scope changes that trigger re-approval
Planning around permits has become just as important as choosing materials.
Discussion
If you’re renovating in the U.S. or Canada, have permits slowed your project this year?
Which city are you in, and how long did approval take?
Sharing real timelines helps others plan better.