FAQs
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The first step in the journey to your new space is creating architectural plans. This document translates your dreams into concrete construction drawings which form the basis of your instruction to the contractors and enable you to apply for a building permit. The more details you can identify about your needs and wishes the easier the process becomes. There are many ways to solve a problem and my specialty as your designer is finding the best solution to suit your space and your lifestyle.
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If you plan to make changes to a building which include any structural, plumbing or electrical changes (beyond changing a sink or hanging a new light fixture), a building permit is required. Even removing old lath & plaster without changing/removing the wall structure requires a permit as your insulation will need to be upgraded to meet today’s building codes. If you are uncertain, please ask your designer or contact your local building officials to be sure. Generally, if you need drawings to build it, you will need a permit. Electrical systems are covered under a separate permit issued and inspected by the Electrical Safety Association (ESA).
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Yes, I am registered and insured with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), and hold a valid BCIN to stamp residential and small commercial building plans.
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Yes, I have over 12 years’ experience in helping my clients obtain building permits for a wide variety of projects.
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The length of the design process depends on the scale of your project. You will live with the finished project for years and changes are expensive once construction begins, so I would encourage you to be patient with the design process! Depending on the size of your project and the number of design revisions, it can take from 4-16 weeks or more to create your permit package.
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The right designer will be someone who ‘gets’ you and what you want to create. They understand you and your family and will work with you to bring your vision to life. As your designer, I will strive to understand your lifestyle and guide you in creating a beautiful space which will function for you. By bringing years of experience and a fresh eye to your project I can also suggest some alternatives you might not have considered and that will provide the perfect balance you are looking for!
Design Professionals:
The subject of architecture, design & construction has a multitude of disciplines whose skills have some overlap, but each has their area of expertise, and they regularly work together to create your project. Who you chose to work with, and which specialties will be consulted, will depend on the size, scope, and complexity of your project.
Interior Decorator:
Interior decorators guide you in decorating the interior of your existing spaces. They help you choose colors, paints, finishes, furniture, floor and window coverings, and lighting to create a look which expresses you.
This work should not require permits, certification, or construction.
Interior Designer:
Interior Designers can decorate your space, but they also redesign your space to update your home. They work with a BCIN registered Designer, Architect, or Engineer when structural changes are required.
BCIN Registered Designer / Architectural Technologist:
Trained in building science, construction methods & materials, design & architectural history, with a focus on the technical aspects of construction, a Registered Designer can guide you in developing your project from concept to completion.
As a Registered Designer, I have completed provincial certification examinations and am authorized to create and sign construction drawings for residential & small commercial projects within Ontario. I work closely with Engineers and Interior Decorators as needed.
Engineers:
Civil Engineer:
Civil engineers focus solely on the safety of building structures. Civil engineers analyze and evaluate the structural integrity of building designs. They can also create grading plans for your site.
Truss Engineers:
Truss engineers are civil engineers who specialize in the structural integrity of roof systems.
Geo-technical Engineer:
Geotechnical engineering is the study of the behaviour of soils under the influence of loading forces and soil-water interactions. They assist in the design of foundations and retaining walls.
Surveyor:
Surveyors direct and conduct legal surveys to determine property boundaries, site buildings/structures, and prepare and maintain plans & records.
Landscape Designer/ Landscape Architect:
A Landscape Designer, or Landscape Architect, is responsible for preparing landscape design solutions to suit site conditions and client preferences.
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By increasing insulation and paying attention to construction and design details, we can reduce heating/cooling costs, reduce daytime lighting requirements, and simplify the cleaning & maintenance of your space, leaving you more time to simply enjoy your home. Ask me about using PassivHaus or NetZero elements in your next construction project.
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A livable space is a beautiful, thoughtfully-designed space that is effortless to maintain and relaxing to spend time in.
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‘Lifetime Home’ is a set of principles to create homes which are inclusive, accessible, adaptable, sustainable and cost-efficient. By removing accessibility issues, Lifetime Homes aim to be livable in by the largest segment of the population, while remaining aesthetically pleasing and affordable.
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PassivHaus is a high performance building standard which can reduce a home's energy consumption by up to 90% of the average traditional home.
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NetZero is a home which generates as much energy as it uses. New technology and materials are constantly improving, allowing more homes to become NetZero.