Frequently Asked Questions
When do you need to apply for a building permit?
Examples of projects that require building permits include:
- A new building, including temporary and farm buildings
- Renovating a building, or a material alteration of a building
- An addition to a building, including sunrooms
- Building a deck
- Altering the interior of a building, including finishing a basement
- Moving a building
- Demolishing a building
- Changing the use or occupancy of a building
- Building a fireplace and chimney
- Installing a wood stove or chimney
- Altering or remodeling a plumbing and/or HVAC system
- Installing or modifying a sprinkler system
- Installing or modifying a fire alarm system
- Constructing a retaining wall and any other designated structures
- Installation or alteration to an on-site sewage system
Where can you build a secondary or third dwelling?
Different municipalities have different bylaws. GTA and York Region both have programs to allow for secondary dwellings to accommodate population growth and to mitigate housing crisis.
How to maximise potential income stream from your current house or an investment property?
For the primary residence, by legalizing or finishing your basement and turning it into an apartment. For an investment property to take the same approach and create multi-unit rental property.
What are the potential risks of building any additions or finishing a basement apartment without proper permits?
There will be financial penalties and fines for any Illegal basement apartments or any additions or modifications to the building.
Who would be the right team to help you plan, design, and provide support during the construction?
You would need a multidisciplinary team to help you with the process from the planning phase to the completion of the project. Our team can provide the required services from the inception of the project.
What happens after the initial contact?
We will arrange for a site visit and a meeting with the client to understand the scope of work and then will prepare a quote for our services and will be available to go over the details as per client's request.
What is the payment schedule?
For the design phase, depending on the scope and scale of the project, typically the first payment is forty percent of the contract and will be due on signing, the second payment is forty percent of the contract and will be due on submission of the permit applications and drawings, the remaining is due once the building permit is issued. For the construction phase, it depends on the delivery method of the contract and varies between fixed cost or percentage of the construction cost.
How much is the cost of finishing a legal basement?
It varies based on the selection of finishing material, appliances and other details and it depends on the existing condition, access and age of the building and ranges from $90/sqft to $160/sqft and over.
What is Legal vs. Illegal basement apartments?
A legal basement apartment has its own address and garbage allotment and has been designed and constructed as per applicable codes, standards and in compliance with the municipality bylaws for Fire and Life Safety requirements. It should have proper egress and fire separation between the floors and access points.
What is a functional layout?
A functional layout is when you consider comfort, path of travel and flow, room sizes, natural lighting and energy, into the design and layout of the space.
What are the best practices to find the right contractor?
Competitive bidding and qualification process.
What is support during construction?
Preparing construction contract, selection and evaluation of contractors, review and periodic site visits to ensure work is compliant with the permit drawings, validation of the change orders and arrangement of inspections required by the city.
What are the benefits of having a construction management team involved during the construction phase?
To handle all construction related matters with the contractors on behalf of the owner.
How long does it take to obtain a building permit for small, medium and large projects?
Depending on the complexity and variations to the design required, approximately 2 to 6 months.
What is optioneering and how does it impact the design process?
Providing alternative design options to the client to capture all the needs and wants of the project is part of the planning and optioneering phase.
What can you expect after the contract is signed?
Development of the design options, selection of the prefered option, development of the detailed design for permit application submission, review and response to comments by the building or planning examiner, updating the design based on agreed changes with the city and client and finlay issuance of the building permit and project close-out.
What are the progress updates and design iterations?
As part of the planning phase, depending on the contract, a couple of design options and iterations will be presented to the client to ensure the design captures the elements that are aligned with client's visions and expectations. Progress updates are to ensure the client is aware of the development of the design and progression.
How to ensure the visions and expectations of the owners are respected and considered during the design phase?
Through proper communications and review sessions of the design options with the clients.
What tools and software do we use during the design and engineering process?
We primarily use Revit for design and 3D modeling the architectural work and different softwares for analysis and engineering work.
What municipalities and jurisdictions have we worked with before?
We have done projects all over the Greater Toronto Area.
Are there any financing options available for the design cost?
Yes, please contact us at info@cconco.com for more information.
How to forecast and revenue for any rental dwellings and what is the return rate of investment for small projects?
We can perform full financial market analysis for our clients to ensure transparency and expected rate of return upon request.