A Costs & Planning

What’s the difference between a BCIN designer and an architect?

For many residential projects and smaller buildings covered under Ontario Building Code Part 9, a qualified BCIN designer can prepare the required permit drawings and design documents.

Projects such as basement renovations, interior alterations, home additions, garages, decks, and many garden suites can often be handled by a BCIN designer. Architects are generally required for buildings or projects that fall outside the scope of a BCIN designer’s qualifications or involve more complex building types.

The right professional depends on your project’s size, complexity, and regulatory requirements—not simply the type of project.

Are municipal permit fees included in your design fee?

No. Municipal permit fees are separate from our design and drawing fees.

Our services cover the preparation of your permit drawing package and, where included in your service, support with the permit submission process. Permit fees are paid directly to the applicable municipality and vary depending on the project and the city.

Additional costs may also apply depending on the project, such as engineering, surveying, zoning reviews, or other specialist reports when required.

How much do permit drawings cost?

There is no single price for every project. The cost depends on factors such as the size and complexity of the building, existing conditions, scope of work, and the level of documentation required for permit approval.

For an accurate estimate, we review your project details before providing a quote. Providing existing drawings, measurements, photos, or a clear description of the proposed work can help us determine the scope more efficiently.

Can I get a quote before starting?

Yes. We can review your project information and provide a quote based on the scope of work.

For a faster assessment, be prepared to provide basic information such as the property address, project type, approximate size, existing plans if available, and a description of what you want to build or change.

The more complete the information, the more accurately we can assess the project from the beginning.

Do you handle commercial projects?

Yes. We provide design and permit drawing services for a range of commercial projects, including retail spaces, offices, restaurants, tenant improvements, and commercial renovations.

Commercial projects can involve additional requirements compared with residential work, so the scope and professional requirements are reviewed on a project-by-project basis.

What other costs should I plan for?

Permit drawings are only one part of the overall project budget. Depending on your project, you may also need to budget for:

• Municipal building permit fees
• Structural engineering
• HVAC or mechanical design
• Electrical design or coordination
• Land surveying
• Site plans or grading information
• Zoning or minor variance applications
• Additional reports or studies required by the municipality

Not every project requires all of these services. We identify additional requirements as the project is reviewed.

How do I verify a designer’s credentials?

Before hiring anyone to prepare permit drawings, it is reasonable to ask about their qualifications and experience with projects similar to yours.

For projects within the scope of Ontario’s BCIN system, you can ask the designer about their BCIN qualifications and registration information and verify applicable credentials through the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s public registry.

Planning ahead can save time and money

A well-planned project is easier to price, design, and submit for approval. Before starting your drawings, make sure you understand your project’s scope, budget, property constraints, and permit requirements.

If you’re unsure where to start, send us your project details and we can help you understand the design and permit requirements before you commit to the next step.