January 1st, 2025 saw Ontario introduce a major overhaul of its building code, its first significant revision since 2012. The update includes approximately 2,000 changes, which aim to address evolving needs in construction. These cover sustainable practices, materials, and safety while moving closely with Canada’s National Building Code.
This article explores key changes and how they will affect homeowners seeking to renovate their properties and building contractors in 2025 and beyond.
Key changes to Ontario’s Building Code
The 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) has been introduced to increase focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, improve accessibility for disabled people, streamline processes and improve building safety.
Let’s explore these changes and enhancements in more detail:
Energy efficiency and sustainability
The OBC includes several new requirements for buildings to ensure they meet sustainability and efficiency requirements.
These include:
- Using higher R-values for insulation to improve thermal performance
- Mandated installation of high-performance glazing to minimize heat loss
- Promoting energy-efficient heating technologies, such as heat pumps and new Heating, Ventilation and Aircon (HVAC) systems
- Using sustainable building materials and practices
- Implementing improved waste management regulations for construction sites. These include increasing provision for recycling
- Using fixtures and fittings to save water and conserve other resources
Accessibility
Inclusivity is another cornerstone of the new code, introducing stricter standards for accessibility:
- Improved demand for ramps
- Installation of elevators to ensure accessibility between floors
- Mandatory door widths accessible for wheelchair users
- Stricter guidelines for providing accessible restrooms and other facilities
- Use of braille and tactile signage for those with sight loss
- Use of symbols indicating access areas for people with hearing loss
Streamlined processes
While introducing several new requirements for new and refurbished buildings, the code also aims to simplify the construction process by:
- Introducing digital permit applications
- Offering more transparent and more detailed guidelines to ensure compliance
- Removing bureaucratic delays through a streamlined approval process
Fire safety and structural integrity
Safety remains a top priority in the 2024 OBC, with several key requirements introduced, enhanced, and updated.
These include:
- New fire resistance ratings
- Enhanced sprinkler requirements for residential dwellings and commercial buildings
- Updated structural design standards to improve earthquake resilience
- Introduction of radon gas protection measures
- Installation of safety meshes under septic tank lids to prevent accidents
Impact of the new OBC on contractors
Changes to the OBC will significantly impact contractors. From adapting their building practices and processes and changing how they use materials, the updates aim to ensure a safer, more sustainable working environment.
Here’s how contractors are affected by the updates:
Increased compliance
With over 2000 changes in the new OBC, the burden of compliance and understanding each change is firmly placed on contractors.
This includes understanding stricter requirements for sustainability, efficiency, and accessibility. As a result, contractors will have to ensure staff are fully trained while adopting new project planning and management practices to ensure compliance.
Embrace sustainability
With the OBC mandating higher R-values for insulation, changes to glazing requirements and installation of energy-efficient heating systems, contractors must incorporate these elements into their designs.
As a result, contractors will need to source compliant materials, which could increase costs and installation techniques.
Simplified approval processes
The introduction of digital permit applications marks a significant shift towards online processes that simplify and speed up the approval processes.
While this should aid contractors by reducing delays, contractors will have to invest in new digital tools and training to ensure a seamless shift from traditional methods.
Cost implications
Compliance with the 2024 OBC ensures longer-term cost-savings in the long term. Thanks to improved build quality and more energy-efficient buildings, short-term costs for contractors may increase.
For example, sustainable and energy-efficient materials cost more, while project timelines may increase as installation teams adapt to these new standards. In addition, potential financial penalties for non-compliance may arise during the transition period.
Uniformity with national standards
Meanwhile, the OBC has been deliberately harmonized with the National Building Code, eliminating over 1,700 variations.
As a result, regulatory complexity for contractors working across provinces will be reduced, helping contractors streamline operations and practices to meet the standards.
Impact on homeowners
Meanwhile, homeowners planning extensive construction or renovation projects will also be impacted by the updated OBC. While benefiting from improved sustainability and build quality, other implications exist.
Here’s how you could be affected by the code:
Higher initial costs
The enhanced requirements for efficiency and sustainability will likely increase material costs, at least in the short term.
For instance, changing requirements for insulation, heating systems, windows, and durable and sustainable building materials could increase initial costs before realizing the benefits of reduced energy bills.
Improved safety
Meanwhile, homeowners will benefit from safer living environments due to improved safety requirements introduced by the code.
Radon gas protection measures reduce health risks, while improved sprinkler systems and fire-resistant materials aid protection against fire, making for a safer living environment.
Increased property values
Homes that incorporate updated sustainability, efficiency, and safety requirements will benefit from higher property values than those constructed or renovated under previous code versions.
With the housing market favouring a growing shift in interest toward eco-friendly homes, newly renovated properties could provide homeowners with a significant return on investment when the time comes to sell.
The Transition Period
Homeowners and contractors should know the transition period for introducing the new code.
Any projects initiated between January 1 and March 31, 2025, can submit plans under the 2012 or 2024 OBC if their working drawings were completed by December 31, 2024. After March 31, all plans must adhere to the 2024 requirements.
The final word
If you’re planning a new home renovation project in 2025, knowing what’s contained within the updated OBC will help you understand the costs and long-term benefits and help you enjoy a sustainable, safe home.
Indeed, if you’re planning a renovation project, consider partnering with Easy Reno, a trusted Ontario-based contractor. In addition to navigating these new building requirements with minimal fuss, Easy Reno’s expert team ensures your new build meets and exceeds these standards, providing peace of mind every step of the way.
In addition, contractors can rely on suppliers like Bernardi to provide code-compliant, high-quality materials on time, every time.
From accessible ramps to energy-efficient heating system materials, Bernardi removes the stress of procuring materials while complying with the new regulations.
