Permit drawings for additions, renovations and new builds.
Whether you’re adding a second storey, opening up a floor plan or building a new house within BCIN House scope, the municipality needs the same thing before you can start: a complete, code-compliant drawing package. We prepare it, coordinate any licensed trade work it needs, and see it through to an issued permit.
What does the work actually touch?
Start with what the work changes.
- SurePlanPermit drawings and submission.Not needed
- Outside licensed professionalStamped structural design, coordinated by us.Not needed
- Licensed Electrical ContractorElectrical work and the ESA permit.Not needed
- MunicipalityWorth a quick confirmation call.Not yet
A general guide, not a ruling. Your municipality has the final word, so confirm before assuming no permit applies.
What kinds of renovation project do we draw?
Three kinds: additions, renovations and alterations, and new builds, all through one process.
Additions
New square footage added to an existing house: a second storey, a rear or side extension.
- Typical trigger
- Need more space without moving
Renovations & alterations
Layout changes inside the existing footprint: moving walls, gut renovations, basement finishing.
- Typical trigger
- Reworking how the house is used
New builds
A new detached or semi-detached house, within BCIN House scope.
- Typical trigger
- A teardown, or a vacant infill lot
Do you actually need a permit?
Short answer: if it touches structure, adds space, or changes plumbing or fire separation, yes. Cosmetic work, like paint, flooring or cabinets in place, usually doesn’t.
New square footage
An addition, a garage conversion or a second storey always needs a permit.
Load-bearing walls
Removing or altering one needs a permit, and the structural work needs a licensed professional’s stamp.
Basement finishing
A new bathroom, new walls or new electrical needs a permit, even inside the existing footprint.
Cosmetic work
Paint, flooring and cabinetry generally don’t. Confirm with the municipality before assuming.
This is the honest short version. For the full breakdown, see Do I Need a Permit? and Basic vs. Major Renovation.
Who does the structural design?
An outside licensed professional, coordinated by us. Removing or altering a load-bearing wall is one of the most common renovation triggers. We coordinate the structural design with an outside licensed professional as part of the drawing package, so you get one point of contact instead of hiring someone separately.
Planning to take out a wall? See Load-Bearing Wall Removal.
How does a renovation project work?
In six steps, from quote to issued permit, the same shape as every permit project.
Quote
We confirm it needs a permit and quote the work.
Site measure
We measure and draw the house as it is now.
Design and permit drawings
Existing and proposed plans, sections, details and the forms.
Structural coordination
With an outside licensed professional, where the structure changes.
Submission and comments
Filed with your municipality, and examiner comments answered.
Permit issued
Permit issued, construction can start.
Pick the question closest to yours.
Do I Need a Permit?
A self-check before you call anyone.
Basic vs. Major Renovation
What separates a cosmetic renovation from one that needs a permit.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal
Coordinated with an outside licensed professional, start to permit.
Renovations FAQ
Timelines, fees, inspections and permit questions.
Tell us what you’re planning. We’ll tell you what the permit needs.
A plain answer on what triggers a permit for your project, before you spend anything on drawings.