Frequently Asked Questions

Building permit is required to ensure that the construction has met bylaws as per Ontario building code  and Zoning requirements. It also help us to ensure fire and structural safety is maintained in the property. 

No permit is required for driveway widening or resurfacing, But a permit is required when a curb cut is required. Bylaws regarding permitted width of  the driveway vary according to lot frontage and cities bylaws.

You need to hire a designer for the permit process. Permit drawings need to be prepared and submitted to the city to  register your basement as a second unit .

The permit process time varies from city to city depending on the volume of application  received. Usually the timeframe for the permit for most of the cities in Ontario is 4-8 weeks. 

Yes, a finished basement permit is required for the basement finished for personal use. There are two basement permits: legal basement permit and Finish basement permit.
The Finished basement permit  is for personal use. A legal basement permit is for rental basement , also called a second unit permit. 

A garden suite is a detached unit which is situated on a lot that does not have public laneway access whereas a laneway suite is located on a lot that abuts a public designated laneway.

Building permit fees are different in each city in GTA.  The building permit fee cna range from $200 -$1200  depending on cities you are applying for. IN most of the cities the permit fee is determined by the area of the basement. 

Egress window is required if there is a bedroom in the basement and does not have a door that directly leads to the exterior. Egress windows are the windows that allow you to escape in case of emergency.

Construction shall start once a building permit has been issued. No construction should commence before the formal building permit is issued.