Step-by-Step Planning Guide for Home Building Projects in Toronto

If one has to begin a home constructing process in Toronto, then it can be termed as one of the most exciting as well as challenging. That is why with the right guidance this journey is not very complicated to pull through. This guide is intended to map out all the details of planning your project so that you are as ready as possible for any stage of the process.

If you are constructing a brand new home, or if your plans include a major remodel, then this article lays out the required basic procedures.

For Whom Is This Guide Written?

This guide is intended to provide information to anyone that is entering into a major renovation or new construction project in Toronto. Although some of the steps may be universally used, details pertaining to the procedures are unique to Toronto in the course of issuing building permit applications.

Step 1: Find a Reliable General Contractor or Home Builder

The initial and probably the most significant step in your home building process is choosing a qualified General Contractor (GC) or a Home Builder. Sophistically, this will be a simple decision, but it will define the outlook for the whole project, so be careful.

Here are the key factors to consider:

• Compliance with local regulations: Make sure the contractor understands the requirements of the construction laws and by-laws of Toronto.

• Insurance and WSIB coverage: Establish that the contractor has the correct insurance requirement and Workers Safety Insurance Board.

• Experience: Find a contractor with experience in execution of similar tasks and who has received good commendations in the past.

• Transparent Contracts: Demand that a certain contract is properly spelled out to ensure that it’s free and detailed on all contractual terms.

Eschew those contractors who order you to sign legal agreements or pay them some amount of money before they give you estimations. It is quite important for you to avoid falling for such high-pressure sales tactics that the dealers may use on you by beginning to plan early.

Step 2: Conduct a Preliminary Zoning Review

It remains important to note basic principles of zoning statutes that govern your particular piece of land before you go deeper into your project. This step is important since it defines your rights in relation to use or disposal of the property.

Some common zoning questions include:

• How high can I build?
• How far back can I extend?
• What is the maximum building coverage allowed on my property?
• How close can I build to the property line?

These limitations will come to light when the preliminary zoning review has been completed. Every Toronto neighbourhood has its own zoning by-laws and therefore it is important to get acquainted with the same at the initial stage. A zoning review will assist to manage the expectations of community members as well as define the range of work of the project. This step typically involves:

• Reviewing the legislation that has been put in place to chart the zoning of the area to check on the probabilities of encountering barriers.
• Mainly the question of deciding whether the approval of a C of A is required for obtaining the zoning variances.
• Consulting architects or ‘permit designers’ early on to give feasibility of the overall concept.
• If your projects entails you to acquire a zoning variance then be ready for other procedures in the permitting process.
• In most cases, during the preliminary zoning review, the property owners need not present a survey of the property; however, if such a survey is available, it will take less time to review.

Step 3: Obtain Cost Estimates

Having understood the issues to do with zoning limitations, the next step is to request for costs from your preferred contractors. In terms of renovation as well as additional projects, this generally involves a pre-construction survey of existing conditions at the site. A generous budget is a must, but it may not be possible to achieve, hence a good cost estimate is therefore crucial.

Here are some tips for evaluating cost estimates:

• Thorough Assessments: Select gurus who will make some efforts to establish the current status of your compound since they will offer better and genuine quotes.

• Beware of Per-Square-Foot Pricing: It is better to be wary of those contractors who use the per square feet price range, wherein the definition of ‘square feet’ could be somewhat obscure.
• Responsive and Informative: Are also used to contractors who are on time and quick to answer inquiries and are also patient enough to explain things to you.

Consumers should make comparisons of costs and services being offered from different vendors by seeking several estimates. It is unwise to work with the lowest bid as the offer is likely to leave out one or two aspects within the work plan. This step should take not more than a few weeks depending on the project, but may take longer depending on the workload.

Step 4: Secure a Permit Designer or Architect

Then, you need to engage a Permit Designer or Architect to design the idea further and give direction on attaining the permits for erecting the building. Request fee quotations from one or two BCIN Permit Designers or Architects.

A comprehensive fee proposal should include:

• Recording the existing layout of your house if you have one (but this is not compulsory).
• Informing of the zoning bylaws to check for compliance with your project.
• Preparation of layouts of different floor plans and construction structures through computer aided designing technique.
• Work in cooperation with structured mechanics and coordinate with the building code so as to get a fully competent permit application.

Some architects or permit designers also act for clients at the C of A for zoning variations From: Building Permits and Approvals at eHow.com Do not forget to specify whether this particular service is to be covered by their fee quotation. In this stage, it is also a good idea to check on the third party engineering and HVAC design fee should be in the proposal.

Step 5: Secure Financing

Once you have the estimated costs from your contractors and designers it is time to get the money. This step is very important to pave the way for your project to happen unabated without hitches financially.

Common financing options include:

• Refinancing an existing mortgage
• Obtaining a second mortgage
• Applying for a HELOC or Home Equity Line of Credit
• One of the most common ways to solve the issue is to attract private private financing from relatives, friends or investors

Bear in mind that it is wise to set at least 5-10 percent more than the total estimates of costs for any unseen circumstances. The funding measure, safety net, will enable you to move forward with a mind that is at ease for the resources required in your project.

Step 6: Obtain a Topographic Survey

A topographic survey reveals one’s land shape, land formation and any physical fixtures that exist in the piece of land in question. This survey is important for two purposes – the zoning review and in the planning of the construction work. It is used in the establishment of your new house or your new extension, it designates the place, the dimensions, and even the level of your dwelling.

Ideally, this survey should be obtained early on but, it is possible to wait until after, financing has been granted, to avoid the extra costs. This is usually the time taken in the actual survey and may range from 4-8 weeks depending on the surveyor.

Step 7: Begin the Design Process and Complete a Final Zoning Review

From a topographic survey, your Design Partner can then draw up proper plans for your project. This phase is normally procured simultaneously with survey procurement.

The design process typically involves:

• Preliminary Design: Drawing the first concepts of the designs and the placement on the floor taking into consideration your desires as well as the zoning review.

• Detailed Design: Improving the planned designs with structural, mechanical aspects and further with relation to code provisions.

• Final Design and Permit Application: Finalizing the working drawings for the purpose of submitting them to the local municipality for permit to erect a structure.

During this process, your Design Partner will be in touch with your General Contractor so that the granted parameters of the plan correspond to the given scope and cost of the project. This stage requires active involvement since one is still in a position to give feedback on the final design.

Conclusion

By acquiring insight and knowledge about the building permit process in Toronto, one might think that it is arduous; however it can be if one prepares well and has enough information. Thus, learning when you will require a permit, comprehending the process of applying for one, and integrating the best practices will go a long way in acquiring a permit if necessary. Being legal with the Toronto building codes and regulations apart from making your project legal protects your home from danger and serves for many years.

Regardless of the extent of the project you have planned, it is imperative to acquire the correct building permits in the Toronto area before breaking ground on any construction project that you have in mind.

Let FA Engineering to Take Care of Your Home Construction Worries

It’s now time to begin building your dream house with the necessary permits in hand and contracts signed!

You will be well-equipped to handle the challenges of building a home in Toronto if you adhere to our recommendations. You can achieve a successful and fulfilling home construction project by following the above steps, which will assist you in staying on schedule, under budget, and in accordance with your objectives.

FA Engineering is there to make sure your home-building experience runs smoothly. Please contact us at if you would like to discuss your upcoming new home construction, garden suite/laneway suite build, home addition, multiunit conversion, or significant home renovation project with an FA Engineering professional.