Architectural Design
& Permit Services

Provided separately, with no obligation
to purchase renovations

Permit‑ready drawings prepared by a licensed specialists, matched to your project.

familiarity

Introduction

Since 2005, homeowners across the Toronto GTA have recognized WeRenovate.com as a complete, One-Stop Platform offering a wide variety of renovation‑related services.

Lawrence
&
Yonge St.

Our Architectural Services Division was developed so that drawings and permits are purchased separately through our licensed, member-BCIN Design Team, giving homeowners full control before selecting a contractor.

Why Is a Completed Permit Required Before We Process a Construction Estimate?

Normally, when you request an estimate from a typical non‑member general contractor, one of two things will happen:

The contractor provides a price that includes the contractor’s hidden, estimated cost for the architectural services.
In such a case, pricing decisions are often made before zoning, permit, or Building Code requirements are even known.

In this first scenario, once the construction contract is signed, it is the contractor—not the homeowner—who controls the drawings and permit process.

This can make it almost impossible to obtain truly competitive construction estimates, effectively “locking in” the client with a single contractor before all critical planning details are confirmed.
The contractor suggests that you first hire your own architectural specialist.

While this approach can improve clarity, it still leaves you navigating the permit and design process on your own, outside of an organized system with coordinated oversight or access to shared benefits.

At WeRenovate.com, a completed permit is required before a construction estimate is processed because it protects all parties involved. Permit‑approved drawings define the exact scope of work, confirm zoning and Building Code (Building Code Act, Ontario) compliance, and remove uncertainty from pricing. Only once this foundation is in place can construction costs be assessed accurately and fairly.

This requirement is also why WeRenovate.com created its own architectural services in the first place.

Our Architectural Services Division was designed to establish a seamless, trackable system for each client—ensuring that all design, permitting, and compliance are completed first, under homeowner ownership and control, and before any contractor hiring decisions are made—while maintaining a clear separation between such architectural services and our contracting services.

By completing the permit process first through WeRenovate.com, you gain direct access to our total platform—including any applicable discounts, subsidy programs, and rebate programs offered to all registered clients.

About Our Architectural Design & Permit Services

Architectural drawings and permit services are provided independently, with no obligation to purchase renovations.

This separation gives homeowners full ownership and control of their drawings and approved permits.

When all contractors are required to price their work based on the same finalized permit drawings, guesswork is removed and estimates become far more consistent and disciplined.

How the Permit Process Works

Every renovation project begins with understanding what is permitted on your property under local zoning and building regulations.

A member architectural specialist will first review your property, project goals, and all applicable municipal requirements. This includes reviewing local zoning rules, building code compliance, and any known planning or permit constraints that may affect the approval.

Based on this initial review, the architectural specialist prepares detailed drawings and permit documentation that reflect applicable zoning rules, building code requirements, and known planning or permit constraints.

Once the drawings are submitted by the specialist, the municipality conducts a formal review of the entire permit application. During this municipal review process, your specialist manages all responses to municipal comments, revision requests, and technical clarifications until permit approval is issued.

Contractor selection should only be finalized after permit approval — whether you choose a member contractor or your own non‑member contractor.

This approach protects each homeowner from delays, redesigns, and cost overruns caused by premature contractor involvement, and ensures construction begins only after permits are approved, compliant, and ready for inspection.

How We Match Our Architectural Specialist to Your Project

Architectural projects vary significantly in scope and complexity, and effective planning depends on pairing the client with a specialist who regularly provides the same type and level of expertise required by the owner’s specific project.

Through our network of licensed BCIN designers, homeowners are matched with professionals who routinely work on similar project types and levels of complexity.

For example, projects such as Basement Apartment Conversions—which often involve zoning compliance review, fire‑separation requirements, and structural modifications—are assigned only to those member‑BCINs who routinely provide drawings for such projects.

This approach ensures each project is handled efficiently by a designer who works within his or her established area of expertise, which represents a major advantage in engaging architectural services through our platform.

Why We Provide Architectural Services Separately

Most renovation contractors bundle the cost of drawings and permit processing directly into their construction price. In doing so, they are often estimating in advance what it will cost to hire an architectural specialist and how long the municipal approval process might take.

Because contractors are not always familiar with the specific zoning rules, by‑laws, and review timelines of every municipality, these assumptions can be wrong. A permit expected to take weeks may ultimately take months to approve, affecting project timing, pricing, and when construction can realistically begin.

Other contractors avoid this risk by referring homeowners to a designer of their choice, shifting responsibility for drawings and permits entirely to the homeowner. While this reduces contractor liability, it often leaves the homeowner coordinating between disconnected parties, with no built‑in alignment or accountability.

Our approach is different:

Architectural design and permit services are provided separately so homeowners retain full ownership and control of their drawings and approved permits. At the same time, when a homeowner later chooses to proceed with a member contractor, there is built‑in coordination between the architectural specialist and the contractor.
In those cases, homeowners may qualify for an Architectural Rebate of up to $1,500 when construction is performed by a member contractor.

In addition, purchasing architectural services provides access to other subsidy, discount, and program benefits offered through WeRenovate.com — benefits that are not available when drawings and permits are bundled into a standard renovation contract.
This structure gives homeowners clarity, flexibility, and control — while still preserving coordination, accountability, and meaningful financial advantages.

About Our Architectural Specialists

Our architectural services are delivered by fully licensed BCIN designers and associated professionals, including structural engineers where required.

Our team has extensive experience supporting residential renovation projects, permit applications, and compliance‑related matters, with all work prepared to meet applicable Building Code and municipal requirements.

Types of Architectural Services

Our architectural services are provided independently of any construction work and may be engaged on a standalone basis.

These services are commonly required for permit applications, zoning compliance, renovations, additions, secondary suites, or to resolve permit‑compliance issues.

There is no obligation to proceed with renovations or to retain WeRenovate for construction services.

Permit‑ready architectural drawings for renovations and additions
Request Permit-ready drawings
Zoning review and design coordination to meet municipal requirements
Confirm zoning and design feasibility
Secondary suite designs, including basement, laneway, and garden suites
Review secondary suite requirements
As‑built drawings for existing or previously altered structures
Document existing conditions
Permit compliance and violation‑resolution drawings
Address a permit or compliance issue
Revisions to previously submitted or rejected permit drawings
Correct or revise an existing submission
Design coordination with engineers and municipal reviewers, where required
Coordinate technical approvals

Which Architectural Services Apply to Your Situation?

Not every renovation project requires the same level or type of architectural support.

The services involved depend on the scope of work, the nature of the changes being proposed, and how the municipality classifies the project.

This section helps clarify which architectural services are typically involved based on common project conditions.

Architectural services are typically engaged when a project involves one or more of the following conditions:

• Structural changes such as removing or modifying load‑bearing walls
• Basement underpinning, new entrances, or foundation alterations
• Layout changes affecting stairs, exits, or required room sizes
• Renovation work started or completed without permits
• Municipal notices, stop‑work orders, or compliance requirements

In many cases, only one architectural service is required. In other situations, multiple services may be needed depending on how the work is reviewed by the municipality.

A licensed designer can confirm what is required before drawings are prepared or permits are submitted, helping avoid unnecessary scope, delays, or revisions.

Permit Compliance Services

Structural Modifications

Structural drawings are required where renovations involve load‑bearing elements or structural modifications.

These drawings support permit review and inspections and are prepared in coordination with qualified structural engineers where necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Building Code and municipal requirements.

Permit Compliance Services

Our Permit Compliance Services are delivered through a dedicated Permit Compliance Team specializing exclusively in stop‑work orders, compliance orders, and permit‑related enforcement matters.

A selected senior member of this team first reviews any paperwork or notices you have received from the municipality and then develops a structured plan to resolve the matter.

All communications between you (the homeowner) and the municipality are handled on your behalf by your assigned Permit Compliance Specialist, ensuring responses, submissions, and follow‑ups are managed accurately, professionally, and in alignment with municipal and Building Code requirements.

Surveys

Surveys are commonly required to support permit applications, mortgage financing, and real‑estate transactions.

Our architectural team coordinates and reviews survey documentation to ensure property boundaries, existing conditions, and site information are accurately reflected for municipal review and approval.

Structural Modificatons

Structural modifications are required where renovations involve load‑bearing walls, structural openings, underpinning, or other changes affecting the building structure.

Our architectural team prepares the required documentation and drawings, coordinated with qualified structural engineers where required, to support permit approval and municipal inspections.

Layout & Design

Layout and design services support the planning and visualization of proposed renovations before permits are issued or construction begins.

These services may include floor layouts, elevations, and three‑dimensional representations used to confirm space planning, functionality, and compliance with applicable Building Code and municipal requirements.

Estimating Procedures

Our estimating procedures follow a structured, step‑by‑step process designed to ensure clarity, accuracy, and transparency before any work begins.

Estimates are prepared based on confirmed project scope, finalized drawings, and applicable permit requirements, allowing property owners to make informed decisions with a clear understanding of costs, timelines, and next steps.