POPULAR QUESTIONS
What We can Do
What are the typical project timeline?
We always aim for 5 – 10 business days for our 1st preliminary design review. Then we will work with you on any design revision you requested and we offer unlimited design revision during the project design phase.
Below is the timeline for your reference & base on our experience. This also depends on which city is reviewing the project.
Small project: 3 to 6 weeks
Home addition project: 2 to 4 months
Custom Home Project: 2 to 4 months.
Are there any hidden fee from permit works?
We offer unlimited design revision to all our projects during the design phase, meaning we don’t charge extra for design revision.
If during building permit review and city plan examiner request clarification or revision to the drawings, we do not charge an additional fee to revise our drawings.
Additional fees are only applicable if the project scope of work is changed.
What is the typical application process ?
Once we have finalized the building permit drawings and submit for the city application, the following are the typical steps and this depends on which city is the property located in.
Zoning Review > Building Permit Review > Building Permit Approval.
How Long does it take permit works response to city comments?
We usually respond to city plan examiner comments within 3 to 5 business days.
Does Permit Works Charge additional fee for for applying building permit?
No, we do not charge an additional fee for our building permit application service. We offer free building permit application service for all our projects.
Can I apply the building permit using permit works drawings?
Yes, but we would not recommend it. Since we offer a free building permit application service to all our projects. Just let us take care of all the hard work for you.
Can I start my construction during building permit application?
The answer is no.
Does Permit Works guarantee zoning compliance of your project?
The short answer is no, as much as we love to ensure your project complies with the zoning before we begin, however it is not possible to do so as city policy changes very often.
Even though we did help you inquire about zoning requirements for your project, we still do not guarantee zoning compliance. Alternatively, we strongly encourage our potential clients to give a city a call and inquire about themselves and get your zoning answer from the city firsthand. It doesn’t mean Permit Works does not care about your project zoning requirements, we simply cannot guarantee it.
What is the next step after signing the fee and service agreement?
Once you have signed our fee and service agreement, our project manager will be in contact with you to arrange a site visit to document the existing condition of your property.
Our 5 to 10 business days preliminary design review starts from the day we came for site measurement.
What should I expect during the site measurement visit from Permit Works staff?
Arrival:
If we booked a time with you for your project, our crew will be coming 15min +/- between the confirmed time.
Measurement:
Usually, site measurement from Permit Works will take from ranging 30min to 1.5 hours and this depends on the nature of your project.
If your project is related to the interior, please ensure that our staff is able to access all areas of the house, meaning every room and the attics. If access is denied and we need to come back once again for the site measurement, an additional fee will be needed for a revisit.
If the project is related to the exterior, please ensure that our staff is able to gain access to the property.
What happen after site measurement?
Once we have come for site measurement, all you need to do is wait. If your project requires a survey, then it is a good time to email that to us. The 1st preliminary design for your review will be ranging from 5 to 10 business days. Please check your spam inbox, if the drawings haven’t arrived one time. If you require an update from us, please feel free to give us a call at 416 989 8900 and we will be happy to assist you.
What will happen if I need a design revision after received my preliminary design?
If you require design revision, you can simply just reply back to the designer who sent you the design and request a revision. The designer who sent you the preliminary design, is the designer assigned to your project. He/ She will assist you all the way to design confirmation and building permit submission.
What is the next step after design confirmation?
Once you deem satisfied with our design then we will move on to the next steps. If your project requires extra consultants such as an HVAC engineer or Structural engineer review, then the project will take between 5 to 10 extra business days to finalize the drawings for permit submission. Once the drawings are finalized by all consultants involved then we are ready for building permit submission.
How long will it takes my building permit to get approve?
According to our experience, usually, it will take 2 to 6 weeks. The timeline mentioned is for reference only. This depends on the city schedule and workload. However, our team will follow up with the city consistently and ensure the project is on track.
If your project requires a minor variance application then you should be expected 2 to 6 months of approval time. This process requires a lot of effort to get through.
What happen if my project does not get approve?
We will review the city comments and revise the drawings to comply with the city requirements. We do not charge a revision fee, as long as the project stays within the agreed scope of work. We will continue to revise the drawings as long as you are willing to work with us.
Why Permit Works does not send me the approved drawings right away?
After the building permit is approved, the drawings will go through another review by our staff first. We want to ensure the city approved the drawings correctly. Sometime, the city will make. Thie process might take 2 to 5 business days.
What is Permit Works payment schedule?
For a simple project, we usually charge 50% for a retainer, and all the remaining fees will be paid prior to the building permit application.
For a more complex project, we usually separate it into four different stages and each payment will be 25% of the total fee. All remaining fees will be paid in full prior to the building permit application.