in Nova Scotia you need a permit to build a dwelling then you go from there...
electrical
sewer and septic
plumbing
you even need an occupancy permit once your done!
you need permits for everything... not just so the township knows what you house is worth (tax wise) but without permits you could be told to take the building sown or worse yet finish the project without permits ... have a complication such as a fire and the insurance company telling you to...