Building Permit FAQ — Ontario
Here are the most common questions Ontario homeowners ask about building permits, BCIN designers, costs, timelines, and requirements. If you don't see your question here, contact us for a free consultation.
What is a BCIN designer in Ontario?
A BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) designer is a professional licensed by the Province of Ontario to prepare and submit building permit drawings. BCIN certification is required for anyone who designs buildings or prepares permit drawings in Ontario. Learn more: What Is BCIN Certification in Ontario?
How much do building permit drawings cost?
Costs vary by project type: basement apartments $2,000–$4,000, home additions $3,000–$6,000, new homes $5,000–$10,000+, decks $1,000–$2,500. See our complete 2026 pricing guide.
How long does a building permit take?
Drawing preparation takes 5–10 business days. Municipal review adds 10–30+ business days depending on project type and municipality. Read our detailed timeline guide.
Do I need a permit for a basement apartment?
Yes. Converting a basement to a legal dwelling unit requires a building permit. Learn about all the requirements in our 2026 basement apartment requirements guide or go directly to our basement apartment permit service page.
Do you serve all of Ontario?
Yes. We serve all Ontario municipalities with special expertise in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and across the GTA. View all service areas →
What if my permit is rejected?
We specialize in resolving permit deficiencies. Learn about our deficiency resolution service.
{CTA_BLOCK}Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BCIN designer in Ontario?
A BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) designer is a professional licensed by the Province of Ontario to prepare and submit building permit drawings. BCIN certification is divided into categories based on building type: House (Part 9), Small Buildings (Part 3), Large Buildings, HVAC, and Plumbing. Ontario Design Studio holds BCIN certification for residential and small building design. All our drawings are prepared by a Civil Engineer with BCIN certification.
How much do building permit drawings cost in Ontario?
Costs vary by project type and complexity. Basement apartments typically range from $2,000–$4,000, home additions $3,000–$6,000, new homes $5,000–$10,000+, and deck permits $1,000–$2,500. Municipal permit application fees are additional. See our complete pricing guide for detailed breakdowns.
How long does it take to prepare permit drawings?
Ontario Design Studio typically delivers permit-ready drawings within 5 to 10 business days depending on project complexity. Rush turnaround is available on request. After submission, municipal review takes an additional 10–30 business days.
Do I need a permit for a basement apartment in Ontario?
Yes. Converting a basement into a legal apartment in Ontario requires a building permit. Key requirements include minimum 1.95m ceiling height, 45-minute fire separation between units, proper egress windows, smoke and CO alarms, and a full kitchen and bathroom. Our team prepares complete OBC-compliant drawings for basement apartment legalizations across the GTA.
Do you serve all of Ontario?
Yes. We prepare building permit drawings for projects across Ontario including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, and all GTA municipalities. We also serve clients in Ottawa, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Barrie, and other Ontario cities.
What happens if my permit is rejected?
If you receive a deficiency notice, Ontario Design Studio can review the rejection, prepare corrected drawings addressing every deficiency point, and assist with resubmission. We deliver corrected drawings in 5–7 business days. Learn more about our permit deficiency resolution service.