Always budget extra for surprises.Skipping Permits – Even small renovations may require permits.

Unfortunately - my current lot for my primary is 1 acre and VERY sloped, and close to a water source (creek), so the county has not even allowed me to permit my downstairs finished basement without an extremely costly renovation to our septic (over $60,000, and that doesn't count demo'ing and replacing our driveway to get to the existing tank and leachfield), and even if I could permit it, it would essentially need to be a treehouse in the redwoods due to the slope (not a bad idea though, I would actually love a livable treehouse on this lot!

They also are implementing a new STR permit for those in the county but not in the city.

The state will get its pound of flesh and my liabilities were better managed by executing perfect permitted work and excellent insurance.I'd sincerely recommend having a savvy CPA, Lawyer & Insurance broker.

It depends if the downstairs is permitted as an ADU, zoning, and what municipality it's located in.

I’ve come across details regarding the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, and it seems there are exceptions for buyers with a valid work permit or for properties outside Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA) or Census Agglomerations (CA).Do you know if certain types of work permits are more favorable for this purpose?

A PM knows how to get the utilities going quicker if permits are needed. 

Typically, RS3 permits SFHs and two-flats, by right.

There are a few different avenues that my clients have been exploring, including getting unpermitted units actually permitted.

If the house doesn't pass the occupancy inspection before closing, the municipality can usually issue a temporary occupancy permit.