Construction/Contractor Fast Facts

This fact sheet outlines the regulations and permits you may need to operate as a Construction/Contractor in Nova Scotia. Listed, are sources of industry information that will help you understand some of the issues to consider before starting your business. You are also invited to review some of our other business information guides; they include the Business Start-Up Info-Guide , Taxation Info-Guide, Construction Contacts and Business Plan for Small Construction Firms .

Additional information can be obtained by calling one of our Business Information Officers or visiting our library.

Summary

PERMITS

The following is a list of the permits you may need in order to operate a Construction/Contracting business in Nova Scotia. Please keep in mind that there might be additional permits that you require which are not listed, or some of these permits may not be applicable to your business.

Business Registration

Most businesses are required to register in Nova Scotia. When you register your business, you will also receive a business number, which is required for taxation purposes. Often suppliers will also request a business number before offering you credit.

For further information, call (902) 424-7770 or toll free 1-800-670-4357 see the document Registry of Joint Stock Companies or visit the web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/rjsc/forms.stm

Building Near a Highway and Access to Property Permit: Residential and Commercial

Anyone who wants to erect a structure within 100 metres (330 feet), or create access to a listed public highway in Nova Scotia.

For further information, call your local N.S. Department of Transportation and Public Works or visit http://www.gov.ns.ca/tran/contactus.asp for contact information of the office in your area.

Electrical Wiring Permit

This permit is needed by anyone who wants to install a new electrical installation or modify an existing electrical installation -- and anyone installing communications cables in non-residential applications.

For further information, call (902) 424-5721. Visit the Nova Scotia Permits Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/laborfm/Paal240.stm .

Municipal Building/Development Permits

Most municipalities and towns have permits which are required by anyone who wants to erect, construct, add to, alter, replace, or relocate any building or part of a building or structure. You can find the contact information for your municipality in the phone book or at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relation web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal.

Municipal Demolition Permit

Most municipalities and towns have permits which are required by anyone who wishes to demolish a building or part of a building within that Municipality. You can find the contact information for your municipality in the phone book or at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relation web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal

Municipal Permits

Most municipalities in Nova Scotia have permits and licences, which are required in order to operate a business. The type of permits and requirements can vary greatly so it is important that you contact your local municipality to determine what you need. You can find the contact information for your municipality in the phone book or at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal.

Septic Tank Installer Licence

This permit is needed by anyone who wants to install septic systems (on-site sewage disposal systems) in Nova Scotia.

For further information, call (902)424-5300. Visit the Nova Scotia Permits Directory: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/enviro/Paal177.stm .

Worker's Compensation Board

Most firms, which employ three or more workers, need to register for coverage. Any employer who fails to register but is required to do so under the Act may be liable for the full cost of any workplace accident, plus additional penalties.

For further information, call Employer Services: 1-877-211-9267 see the document Workers' Compensation Board or visit the web site: http://www.wcb.ns.ca

ASSOCIATIONS

Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association

Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association (NSHBA) is the voice of the residential construction industry in Nova Scotia.

For further information, call (902) 450-5554 or toll free at 1-800 668-2001. see the document or visit the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association web site: http://www.nshba.ns.ca.

C/NSBSC REFERENCE LIBRARY

The Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre (C/NSBSC) Reference Library is a great resource for potential and established entrepreneurs. Resources are available for the public's use within the library during regular hours of operation. The following lists some of the Construction/Contractor resources available for use in the C/NSBSC Reference Library:

Construction Marketing: A Professional Approach - Thomas Telford, 1992.

Housing Market Outlook - Halifax - January 2001

Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business : A step-by-step business plan - Self-Counsel Press, 1998.

There are many more excellent resources for Construction/Contractor businesses at the C/NSBSC Library located at 1575 Brunswick Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You can also access a selection of our most popular reference books at one of the Community Business Resource Sites located throughout the province. Call our toll-free number for the site nearest you or see the document .

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

Building Abroad : A Guide for the Canadian Contractor - http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incc-cc.nsf/en/Home
Building Code Act - http://www.gov.ns.ca/legi/legc/statutes/buildcod.htm
Code of Ethics for Members of the NS Home Builders Association - http://www.nshba.ns.ca
Industry Canada Construction Reviews - http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/infi-if.nsf/en/home
Nova Scotia Home Builders Association - http://www.nshba.ns.ca
Regulations for the Nova Scotia Building Code Act -http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/bc3897.htm
Search Tender Notices - http://www.gov.ns.ca/tran/tour/search_t.asp

If you are unable to access any of the above websites, please call one of our Business Information Officers who may be able to help you find the contact information you need.