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If you own a property or have purchased one with the purpose of building your own home, you will also need to obtain the required approvals from the governing bodies before you can build anything on it. Having a plot of property does not give you carte blanche to create whatever you want. There are rules in place to guide and protect individuals on and around the property in order to ensure their safety and well-being.
These legal authorizations are referred to as permits. This law is governed in Toronto and surrounding areas by the ‘Ontario Building Code,’ which supplies the permits. Anyone wishing to make a significant improvement to their property, such as constructing a second dwelling unit or a basement apartment, are required to obtain a permit from their local governing bodies.
Failure to obtain the necessary permits for any type of alteration, such as destruction, refurbishment, or reconstruction, may result in unfavourable outcomes. Fines issued could range from $50000 to $100,000, based on the severity and frequency of the offence. However, the ramifications go beyond monetary value. In the event of an accident caused by faulty building structures, there is the possibility of damage to property and, in the worst-case scenario, loss of life.
Mistakes To Avoid While Applying Building Permit In Toronto
While you apply for getting building permits for your property or plan, here are a few common mistakes that you should avoid in the process.
Providing incorrect information
Not providing factual information with the idea that it isn’t significant or with the purpose of misleading officials can have disastrous consequences. This could result in significant fines and damages. To avoid delays in the permit approval process, always ensure transparency in the data you give.
Hiring inexperienced design agency/consultant
To save money, property owners may be tempted to hire an inexperienced design agency or consultant to design the structures of their building. However, there is a chance that this decision will completely derail your plans for your ideal home. You wouldn’t want your home to give the impression of being ‘ordinary’ or ‘inexperienced,’ would you?
Submitting incomplete drawings
If some needed inclusions are missing from your building drawings or permit drawings, it may result in higher expenditures and a delay in receiving permits for your plans. If your design consultant ignores crucial drawings, such as heat or electrical safety, it’s a red flag that you should fire them and locate a better one.
Having unrealistic expectations
Sometimes what you want to produce is not possible owing to property limits or the property’s environment. It is possible that some dimensions or projects are not physically achievable. In these circumstances, an expert design firm like us can offer you choices that are the closest to what you require.
Hoping quick turnaround times
Obtaining permit approvals entails a lot of documentation and a series of checks at various levels from municipalities or the relevant governing bodies to ensure that everything submitted is in accordance with the ‘Ontario Building Code.’ Physical verifications of the property are also required as part of the permit approval process, which may take some time. Setting reasonable expectations from the start will assist to alleviate tension.
Not reading the fineprints
The application for building permits for approvals in Toronto may contain a lot of data and touchpoints that must be reviewed because there is a chance you may overlook something that will impede your permit approvals procedure.Always go through the application form more than a few times to understand the points mentioned. Don’t let the rush to secure the permit derail your overall goal.
Referring Outdated Laws
The dynamics of the laws can vary throughout time. As a result, it is critical that you consult to the most recent recommendations issued by the ‘Ontario Building Code’ to ensure that you are up to date on all of the rules and regulations that must be followed in order for your building permit approval process to go well.
Now that we understand the significance of obtaining building permits for your basement apartment or other building units, as well as the mistakes to avoid when applying for one, let’s walk through the process of obtaining one!
To begin, obtain a permit application form from the municipality and submit it along with all essential supporting documents such as building plans, drawings, and so on. There is also a cost involved, which you must pay in order to proceed with the permit request. In order to proceed with the approval, various officials must also come to the site and inspect the structure and designs. While this may seem time consuming and complicated, we are here to assist you not just with the permit drawings, but also with submitting and processing your permission request on your behalf. Our years of experience working with over 40 municipalities simplifies the entire procedure for you. Contact our team at 2267477966 or rnhdesigns21@gmail.com, and we will not only help you obtain building permits, but we will also assist you with design layout plans and drawings to make your dream home a reality.