How Our Design and Permit Process Works
The typical path from a first conversation to a permit drawing set, and what Neo-Scenic does at each step. Every project is different, so yours may not follow every step.
Not every project follows the same process. A small deck may need only a few steps, while a secondary suite or an addition may need a site visit, coordination with other professionals and more design work. We explain what your project needs at the start.
1. Initial conversation
We discuss your project, what you have in mind and any letters or comments you have received from the municipality. We identify any zoning or municipal requirements that may need further review.
2. Site visit, where needed
By appointment, we measure and document the existing conditions. Existing drawings or a survey, if you have them, can also help. If a visit is needed to assess the project before quoting, it is billed separately. Where applicable, any credit for the visit toward subsequent design services will be confirmed in your written quotation.
3. Written quote
We provide a written quote outlining the proposed scope and fees before drawing work begins. Services outside that scope, such as engineering or permit submission, are quoted separately.
4. Preliminary design
We prepare preliminary drawings of the proposed layout for you to review. This stage typically includes up to three rounds of revisions. Changes after you approve the concept may involve additional fees.
Preliminary drawings can be useful for getting early pricing from contractors. The drawings may still change as the design is finalised and coordinated with other professionals, so quotes based on them may need to be updated.
5. Permit drawings
Once you approve the design, we prepare the drawing set and supporting documents for your permit application.
6. Coordination with other professionals
Some projects need work that Neo-Scenic does not provide itself, such as structural engineering, or engineered components such as roof trusses from a supplier. Where additional engineering or specialist services are required, Neo-Scenic can coordinate these services with qualified professionals. The scope and associated costs are identified separately. Residential HVAC design is also a separate service: you can hire us for it, or use another qualified HVAC designer.
7. Submitting the application and municipal review
You can submit the permit application yourself, or ask us to submit it for you as an optional service. The municipality reviews the application and makes the decision. If the reviewer asks for changes to the drawings, reasonable revisions arising from municipal review are included in our scope. We cannot guarantee approval or say how long the review will take.
Who does what
- Neo-Scenic Designs prepares the design and permit drawings within the agreed scope, and coordinates with other professionals where required.
- The municipality reviews the permit application, decides whether to issue the permit and inspects the work during construction.
- Your contractor builds the project and verifies dimensions and conditions on site.
- Engineers and other qualified professionals provide the parts of the design that need their expertise, where required.
Permit application management (optional)
Permit application management is an optional service you can add to your design and drawing work. Drawing preparation and application submission are separate steps. Submitting an application does not guarantee municipal approval.
Common questions
Can you submit the permit application for me?
Yes, as an optional service. Preparing the drawings and submitting the application are separate steps. If you would like us to submit the application and coordinate with the municipality, we quote that separately. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
Can you guarantee my permit will be approved?
No. The municipality reviews every application and makes the decision. We prepare the drawings for your project, and reasonable drawing revisions arising from municipal review are included in our scope.
Do you work with engineers?
Where the agreed project scope requires it, Neo-Scenic Designs coordinates with qualified engineering professionals and relevant technical suppliers. Engineering services are scoped and quoted separately. Other consultants may be involved, depending on the needs of the project.
How much do permit drawings cost?
It depends on the project: its size, what already exists on site, and which drawings and documents your municipality asks for. Starting prices for common projects are shown on our service pages, before HST. We confirm the scope and fees in a written quote before drawing work begins. If a site visit is needed to assess the project before quoting, it is billed separately. Where applicable, any credit for an initial site visit toward subsequent design services will be confirmed in your written quotation.
Talk to us about your project
Tell us about your project and we will reply with next steps.
Office and site visits by appointment only.