Can anyone provide me some guidance or tips for purchasing a property with the intention of adding an additional dwelling unit or second unit.

Hello everyone, I'm a newcomer to the real estate scene in Canada, and I'm looking to embark on a major renovation project for an existing house. I would greatly appreciate hearing from individuals who have hands-on experience with substantial home renovations. Specifically, I'm interested in insights on: 1. Permitting Process: What was your experience with obtaining permits for major renovations? Are there specific considerations or challenges one should be aware of in the Canadian context? 2. Structural Changes: If you've undertaken significant changes like adding a new basement or modifying the existing structure, how did you navigate the process? Any lessons learned or recommendations? 3. Mechanical Systems: How did you approach updates to plumbing, furnace, and other mechanical systems? Were there any surprises or considerations unique to the renovation process? 4. Overall Challenges: What were the most significant challenges you faced during your major renovation, and how did you overcome them? I'm eager to learn from your experiences and gain valuable insights before diving into any type of this project. Any advice, tips, or anecdotes would be immensely helpful.