frequently asked question

Services

Dinh Design Studio offers a wide range of services both in residential and small commercial sectors. These services include Custom Home Design, Addition, Basement Second Unit, Multiplex Dwellings, Garden Suites, Interior Alterations, Accessory Structures, Deck permits and 3D Rendering Services.

Dinh Design Studio specialize in Residential projects which can range from Basement Second Units, Additions, and Custom Home Design.

We take projects all over the GTA, Hamilton, Kitchener, Barrie, Peterborough, and all the way to Ottawa.

Design and Building Permit Process

Our process always starts with the client. We consult with the client to identify the scope of the project. Once an agreement has been settled, we conduct a site measurement, determine the condition of the building and confirm the scope of the project. We draft proposed plans and modify based on your feedback while ensuring a code compliant and structurally sound design. When the design is finalized, we submit a building permit application.

Projects such as Additions or Extensive Renovations that involve Load-Bearing removals or HVAC reconfiguration require additional consultations from an HVAC Engineer or Structural Engineer to finalize the design.

Site measurement typically takes 1 hour, but this varies depending on the scope of the project and the size of the building. We highly suggest that we are given access to all areas of the building to determine a more accurate layout of the as-builts.

The process typically involves a zoning review, building permit review and building permit approval. We prepare all the required forms and documents on your behalf so you don’t have to!

A building permit approval depends on various factors such as the scope and location of the project. A small project (i.e., Basement Second Units) may take between 2 to 6 weeks, while a larger project (i.e. Home Additions and Custom Home) can take between 2 to 4 months. The process also depends on which city is reviewing the project.

Fees

  1. The design fee depends on the scope of the project.
  2. Basement Second Unit:
  3. Home Addition:
  4. Custom Home Design:
  5. Interior alteration:

The Building Permit fee is a separate transaction from the design fees and will be made payable to the city. The fee depends on the scope of the project and location.

  1. If the project involves a Structural Engineer or an HVAC Engineer, additional fees will be applied.
  2. Additional fees will also apply if the scope of the project changes.

Yes! We work within our client’s budget. Depending on the scale of the project, the budget may have a larger impact on the proposed design.

Basement Apartment (Basement Second Unit)

Building Code Requirements Less than 5 years old 5 years and older
Min. Height 2300 mm (7'-7”) (75%) with clear height of 2100 mm (6'-11”) 1950 mm (6'-5”)
Min. Fire Separation of Walls and Ceiling 60 mins 15 min FRR (some cities require 30 min)
Entrance requirement Separate entrance is required and need to have direct access to outside.
Egress requirement An egress window may be required depending on the condition of the building.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Yes, some may require smoke alarms to be interconnected.
Min. Window (Glazing) Requirements Bedroom: 2.5% Glazing of overall bedroom area Living and Dining: 5% Glazing of overall Living and (or) Dining area
Parking Spaces Some cities require 1 additional parking for each additional unit.

Interior Renovations

Yes, a permit is required for basement renovations if it involves changes to structural elements, electrical, plumbing and adding or removing walls.

Yes, you can make changes to the approved drawings, but this will require additional permits.

No, it is advisable to proceed with construction without a Building Permit. This will result in fines, stop-work orders and other legal complications.
Dinh Design Studio is here to help with the design and permit process. Our expertise and guidance ensure that your experience is smooth sailing.