What renovations need a building permit in Ontario?

Generally: structural alterations, additions, new or moved plumbing, heating system changes, new window or door openings, second suites and decks or porches above a certain size or height. Cosmetic work such as painting, flooring and replacing cabinets usually does not.

What happens if work is done without a permit?

The municipality can issue an order to stop work or to open up finished areas for inspection, and unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance and when selling the house.

Do you do design and building permits projects in Toronto?

Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.

Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?

Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.

Home
Locations
Toronto
Design and Building Permits

New homes · Toronto

Design and Building Permits in Toronto

Good construction starts with drawings that can actually be approved and built. We handle design and permits as part of the project, so the people drawing it are the people building it. In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.

Call (647) 718-3913 Book a consultation

Line drawing of the front elevation of a brick house — Elevation study, Damavand project

Scope

What is included.

Measured survey of the existing house
Layout options and design development
Structural engineering
Permit drawings to Ontario Building Code
Building permit application and follow-up
Committee of Adjustment applications for minor variances

Cost

What it costs.

By quote

The cost of design and building permits depends on the size and condition of the house and the finishes chosen, so we price it after a site visit. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 for a quote.

Local knowledge

Design and Building Permits in Toronto.

Homes like these
On older streets, new houses and major redesigns have to work with narrow lots and zoning written to keep the scale of the street.
Housing
In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.
Permits
Building permits in Toronto are issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park.
Suites and multiplexes
Toronto permits laneway suites, garden suites and, on most residential lots, up to four units in a house. That makes basement apartments and rear additions more feasible here than in many suburbs.
Tight lots
Narrow lots and shared walls mean additions and underpinning often need a minor variance or a neighbour's cooperation, so the approvals take planning.

Before you start

What to know.

When a permit is needed
In Ontario a building permit is generally required for structural changes, additions, new or relocated plumbing, changes to heating systems, new openings, basement apartments and new buildings. Each municipality publishes its own list.
Zoning is separate
A permit is only issued for work that complies with the zoning by-law. If it does not, a minor variance has to be approved first.
Inspections
Permitted work is inspected at set stages, such as framing, insulation and final. We book the inspections and stay on site for them.

How we work

One team for every stage.

AssessWe survey the house as it stands.
Design and permitsDrawings and approvals before work starts.
Strip-outWhat is worn out comes off.
RebuildStructure, wiring, plumbing and walls.
FinishesCabinetry, tile, floors and paint.
HandoverWalkthrough and documents.

Questions

Design and Building Permits in Toronto: the short answers.

How much does design and building permits cost in Toronto?: The cost of design and building permits depends on the size and condition of the house and the finishes chosen, so we price it after a site visit. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 for a quote.
What renovations need a building permit in Ontario?: Generally: structural alterations, additions, new or moved plumbing, heating system changes, new window or door openings, second suites and decks or porches above a certain size or height. Cosmetic work such as painting, flooring and replacing cabinets usually does not.
What happens if work is done without a permit?: The municipality can issue an order to stop work or to open up finished areas for inspection, and unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance and when selling the house.
Do you do design and building permits projects in Toronto?: Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?: Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.