ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING
The Best Architectural Services for Toronto Homeowners
At F|A Engineering, We provide best architectural services in Toronto to homeowners, builders, realtors, and developers. Our team consists of P.Eng and BCIN Designers who are experts in Ontario Building Code (OBC). We prioritize in designing innovative structures that meet the needs and desire of our clients. Our aesthetically pleasing home designs (Modern or Traditional) are highly functional in nature. We prepare construction drawings for multiple needs that include but are not limited to:
New Construction
Requires extensive planning and design prior to submission for a building permit. Some of the blueprints that are required include:
- Site plan- Depicts the property lines, location of proposed structure with dimensions, zoning chart (containing floor space index, gross floor area, grade elevations), setbacks from property lines, lot area, parking area/driveway, right of way and/or easements.
- Landscaping plan- Generally depicts the soft landscaping (grass and/or planters etc.) and hard landscaping (asphalt driveways and/or interlocking stones walkway or driveway).
- Site Grading plan, Interior Floor plans, Elevations, Multiple Cross sections, Energy Efficiency Design Summary, Structural Engineering Plans and Construction notes.
We at F|A Engineering draft the aforementioned requirements to Ontario Building Code standards and stamped by a Professional Engineer.
This scope of work has similar building plans requirements to a new construction. The required drawings include: Site plan presenting the extent of addition, landscaping plan, interior existing floor plans, interior proposed floor plans, existing four side elevations, proposed four side elevations, multiple OBC conforming cross section views and applicable construction notes.
Underpinning refers to the construction method used to create more headroom in the basement and/or to strengthen the existing foundation. This process involves breaking the existing basement slab and excavating underneath the existing footing in order to pour high compressive strength concrete. Underpinning is a common structural practice in Toronto homes where basement is to be used as living space or where structural reinforcement is required in order to maintain safety and structural longevity. The drawings required for this scope of construction include: site plan to determine the angle of repose, existing floor plans, proposed floor plans, underpinning plan, cross section view and underpinning related construction notes. An engineer’s review is normally required throughout the course of underpinning.
A secondary unit is a self-contained accommodation unit with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas. The secondary unit can be located in the basement or second floor permitting the Ontario Building Code, Zoning bylaw and Fire Code requirements are met. Adding a secondary unit provides living arrangements for extended family or tenants to earn additional income. The requirements for a secondary unit differ for a newly constructed home to a home that is older than 5 years.
Common construction drawings that are required for adding a secondary unit to a dwelling include: Site plan, existing floor plans, proposed floor plans, secondary unit fire separation plans and construction notes.
Similar to the concept of adding a secondary unit to a dwelling; an existing structure or dwelling can be converted to a multiplex depending on the number of storeys. Each unit will need to adhere to fire code, zoning bylaws and Ontario Building Code. We can assist in preparation of these drawings for submission in order to obtain a building permit. Commonly required plans are: site plan, existing floor plans, proposed floor plans, each residential unit fire separation plans and construction notes. We can also help in consultation to determine if development charges will apply by the Building Department of subject municipality. City of Toronto typically does not require any development charges for up to four units in a single residential structure.
Separate Entrances are often required for converting the basement into a legal secondary unit. Separate entrances can be above grade (side door entrances) or below grade (basement walk out). The below grade entrances are typically located at the rear of property due to limitation of setbacks on the side yards. The walkout entrances typically consist of a site plan, walkout structural plan, walk out cross section view and related construction notes. The perimeter wall of the walk.
Attached or detached garage can be designed based on the client’s requirements. Both types of garage require a site plan, landscaping plan, proposed structural plan, four side elevations and structural cross section.
We can assist in preparation of structural plan for load bearing wall removal and provide on-site monitoring during the removal process, if required by the client. Typically, the plans required for load bearing wall removal include: existing interior floor plans, proposed interior floor plans, roof plan (if any concentrated load on the wall), structural plans and construction notes.
Laneway homes, also known as laneway houses or laneway suites, are a type of secondary dwelling unit that is typically located at the rear of a residential property, accessible from a laneway rather than a main street. Similarly garden homes also known as garden houses or garden suites are a type of secondary dwelling unit that are located in the backyards but have access from the side yard or main home rather than a public laneway.
Both types of homes have become a popular housing option and are a hot trend in real estate of many cities, including Toronto, due to their potential to increase housing density in existing neighborhoods and provide additional rental income or living space for homeowners. Our designs are energy efficient with low carbon footprints that are built to last. The architectural and engineering requirements for obtaining a building permit includes: site plan, proposed interior floor plans, proposed four side elevations, multiple cross sections and applicable construction notes.