We are attempting to make our kitchen open concept with our living/dining room by creating either a half wall or putting in a window (what is the correct name for that?) The wall is load bearing. Do we need a permit for that type of reno? What would be a realistic budget to set aside for that type of reno (Canadian)? Any words of wisdom?
Thanks

a half wall is what id call a knee wall. Usually comes up 4ft tall or so and is capped off with a 1x7 and maybe some trim around the bottom edge of the 1x7 to dress it up and cover the sheetrock edge.

if the wall is load bearing you are supposed to get a permit, ill leave it at that, would any one find out if you don't? I doubt it. People do this type stuff all the time with no permits.
the permits serve 2 purposes 1 makes sure you pay extra taxes, and 2 makes sure your not going to do something stupid and tear your house down.
as for a price on that, it all depends on how much your tearing out, as for a window or a see through, you want need a beam for this, but just a header is all. To span the distance of the window. Now if you want a knee wall your looking at a lot more money being that it involves removing a wall and installing a support beam either in the attic or just under the ceiling joist.

a budget for the window I'm guesses here maybe around $1500 +
that would cover removing the sheetrock and reframing the wall, mudding the sheetrock 3 coats and painting the wall.

Good answer Glavine . You beat me to another one I would give them the same Info. Have a good day

doing the same thing.

not only am I putting a header in, but one end of the header will be supported by a fiberglass column (Dixie Pacific) with a 4X4 down the center of it. It should look very sharp and between the column ( loads of over 15,000 lbs.) and the 4X4 I will have no problem carrying the load.

Oh, I'm also putting a lolly column in the basement below it to ensure the load passes to the ground. I only have a single 2X10 in the floor where I am working, with loads you need to be careful. It's not only what is in the living space to carry above, BUT also what is below to pass the load to ground.

And, yes, it is being inspected. In my humble opinion, it's the cheapest money spent for an expert opinion and set of eyes to ensure I don't screw up on the big stuff.