Do I need a permit for my Home Renovation?

Most major Home Renovations in BC require a Building Permit, especially if you are altering Structural, Plumbing, or Electrical systems. Always check with your local municipality or consult us for guidance.

What is the first step to get started with my project?

The first step is to request the Original Drawings of your property from your City or township. Once you have these, along with your scope of work, our team can assess the feasibility of your project. Contact us for a complimentary feasibility study.

What documents are needed for a Renovation permit?

You typically need detailed existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, site plans, and sometimes Structural Engineering documents. We prepare all required drawings and can advise on any additional requirements.

Do I need a survey for my Renovation?

A survey is required when you're proposing a home extension in any direction, including decks. Surveys are essential to ensure that your construction will remain within the required setbacks and to provide accurate grading calculations. Survey costs vary depending on which specific services you need (boundary survey, topographic survey, etc.). We recommend contacting us before purchasing your survey so we can advise you on exactly which survey services your specific project requires, potentially saving you unnecessary expenses.

Does my Renovation require a Structural Engineer?

A Structural Engineer is required for several common Renovation scenarios: if you're installing a deck cover that attaches to your house, if you're planning any home extension or addition, if you're opening up or modifying load-bearing walls, or if you're creating new openings in the existing structure (such as windows or doors). These situations involve modifying or adding to your home's Structural elements, which requires professional engineering to ensure safety and code compliance. Canadian Blueprint works closely with licensed Structural engineers and can provide competitive pricing on their services, coordinating seamlessly between design and engineering to ensure your project proceeds smoothly.

Do I need a Development Permit for my project?

In BC, many municipalities have designated Development Permit (DP) Areas where additional approvals are required before building permits can be issued. There are five main types of Development Permit Areas:• Environmental Protection DPs: Required for properties near environmentally sensitive areas like streams, wetlands, or critical habitats.• Wildfire Hazard DPs: Required in areas with significant wildfire risk, typically in or near forested areas.• Foreshore DPs: Required for waterfront properties and those affecting riparian areas.• Form & Character DPs: Required for multi-family and commercial developments to ensure architectural compatibility with neighborhood character.• Duplex DPs: Specifically for duplex developments in certain municipalities.If your property falls within a DP area, you'll need to engage a Qualified Professional (QP) appropriate to the specific DP type—such as a Registered Professional Biologist for Environmental DPs, or a Registered Professional Forester for Wildfire Hazard DPs. The DP application process typically occurs before the building permit application and may add 2-4 months to your project timeline. Canadian Blueprint can help determine if your property is in a DP area and coordinate with the appropriate Qualified Professionals to prepare the necessary documentation.

Do I need an Architect for my project?

In most cases, you don't require an Architect unless your project involves more than five dwelling units as per AIBC.

Do I need an Energy Advisor?

It depends on the scope and cost of your Renovation and local municipal requirements:In some cities like Vancouver, if your Renovation costs more than $20,000, you may need an Energy Advisor for an EnerGuide evaluation. If the Renovation is major (typically $75,000 or more), both pre- and post-Renovation evaluations may be required. If you're applying for rebates through programs like CleanBC or the Canada Greener Homes Grant, an Energy Advisor is required. Some municipalities using the BC Energy Step Code may require energy evaluations for large renovations, especially if they impact insulation, windows, heating, or air sealing.

Can a designer request the Original Drawings on my behalf?

Yes, but the designer must provide proof of authorization from the property owner.

Can the designer apply for the permit on my behalf?

Yes, a designer can apply as your agent, which means they will be responsible for all inspections and outcomes throughout the process. However, for both legal and practical reasons, it is usually best for the owner or contractor to apply, as they are involved from start to finish.

Do I need as-built measuring for my project?

As-built measuring is needed when the City has no Original Drawings of your home or business, or if there have been significant changes since the last building permit set of drawings. A significant change is anything that's hard to mark on the existing set of drawings. Our team uses advanced LiDAR scanning technology, which takes 360-degree photos and precisely measures rooms. This method is efficient, reducing what used to take 8 hours down to just 3, and it also minimizes human error. Note that as-built measuring is different from a land survey. While we focus on measuring the interior of the building, a certified land surveyor handles the exterior, measuring property boundaries, land grades, and the exact location of the house in relation to the lot.

After applying, how long will it take to get my permit?

The typical turnaround time for a building permit is 4–8 weeks after submitting your application. During busy periods, especially in cities like Vancouver, it can take up to 12 weeks.

How much will my permit drawings cost?

The cost of your permit drawings depends on a few things. For instance, will there be any changes to the structure? (If so, we'll need to bring in a Structural Engineer). Were you able to obtain the Original Drawings from the City? (If not, we'll need measure the existing space). Is there any work that was done without a permit that isn't included in your plans? (The City requires all unpermitted work to be taken care of before they'll issue a permit). Due to these kinds of details, the only way for us to give you an accurate price is to do a feasibility study. Contact us today for your free study!

Can you help with design and permit drawings?

Yes, we specialize in all types of Home Renovations—whether you need permit drawings for a new Secondary Suite, a proposed deck, or a full-scale Renovation. No project is too big or too small. Contact us for expert design and code-compliant permit drawings for your Renovation.

What information do you need to check the feasibility for my Renovation?

For Home Renovations, we’ll need your name, phone number, email, project address, and a description of your Renovation goals. If you have Original Drawings from the City, please provide them. If not, we can arrange as-built measuring to ensure accuracy. The more information you provide, the more tailored and reliable our feasibility assessment will be.

What is a feasibility assessment, and why is it important?

A feasibility assessment is a crucial first step that helps you avoid costly surprises. We review your project's details, local bylaws, and site conditions to determine what's possible and what professionals or documents you'll need. This way, you don't risk spending money on plans or permits the City won't approve. Our goal is to give you clear, honest guidance so you can move forward with confidence, knowing exactly what's required for success.

How long does a feasibility assessment take?

We aim to complete most feasibility assessments within 1–3 business days. In many cases, you'll receive feedback within a day. If additional information or documents are needed, we'll let you know right away to keep your project moving forward.

What do I receive as part of a feasibility assessment?

You'll receive a clear summary of what's possible for your project, including a quote for our services and recommendations for any additional professionals you may need. If you'd like a detailed breakdown, we can provide a comprehensive assessment outlining the pros, cons, and next steps. Once you're ready to proceed, we'll provide a full list of the drawings and documents we'll prepare for your permit application.

Is there a cost for a feasibility assessment?

No—our initial feasibility assessment is complimentary. We believe in earning your trust by showing the value we provide up front. Once you see the level of detail and care we put into your project, we're confident you'll want to work with us.

Can you assess feasibility for my Renovation if I don’t have Original Drawings or a survey?

Although you may not have a copy of the Original Drawings, the City may have them on file. If the City does have Original Drawings, we require a copy before we can proceed with the assessment. If the City does not have them, we can arrange as-built measuring and use satellite and street view imagery to verify your property's current state—just like the City does. This ensures our assessment is accurate and up to date.

What types of Renovation projects do you offer feasibility assessments for?

We provide feasibility assessments for all types of Home Renovations and Additions, including Interior Remodels, Extensions, Secondary Suites, Decks, and more. If you're considering any change to your home, we can help you understand what's possible before you invest in design or permits.

What happens after the feasibility assessment for my Home Renovation?

After your feasibility assessment, if you're ready to move forward, we'll send you an agreement to sign and officially award us the job. Once the agreement is in place, we'll document existing conditions, create proposed plans, and prepare all necessary drawings for permit submission. We coordinate with engineers and other specialists, assist with application forms, and revise plans as needed to secure permit approval. Our team is with you from the first idea to the final permit, ensuring a smooth, successful Renovation.

Home Renovation
Permits

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500+

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Home Renovation Services

From initial feasibility checks to Permit-Ready Construction Drawings, we produce Code-Compliant Building Permit plans for Renovations of every scale—including Additions, Secondary Suites, and kitchen remodels. We ensure all plans meet the BC Building Code and local bylaws to get your project approved with fewer delays.

Our Featured Renovation Projects

Explore our completed Renovation Projects across Greater Vancouver and BC. From kitchen expansions and Home Additions to full basement developments, we help homeowners transform their spaces while ensuring full compliance with Building Codes.

About Us

Unlocking your property's full potential shouldn't be complicated. Whether you're adding a Secondary Suite, expanding your kitchen, or transforming your basement, we combine creative design solutions with deep knowledge of Building Codes and local permit requirements to make your renovation a success.

We guide you from initial Feasibility Assessment through final Permit Approval, making what can feel overwhelming simple and stress-free. Since 2015, we've helped hundreds of homeowners across BC create the home they've always wanted—on time, on budget, and fully compliant.

500+

Permits
Approved

100%

Code
Compliance

Google
Rating

10+

Years
Experience

Edward Vega

Certified Technician

"Every renovation tells a story of transformation. We're here to ensure your story unfolds smoothly, with expert guidance through every step of the permit process."

500+

Permits
Approved

Google
Rating

10+

Years
Experience

What Our Clients Say

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say about working with Canadian Blueprint.

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To provide you with accurate information and meaningful assistance, we request specific details about your project. The information you share helps us understand your needs, prepare relevant insights, and ensure we can contact you efficiently.

All information is handled confidentially and used solely to evaluate how we can best serve your project requirements.

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Fill out the form below for a free feasibility study, and we'll determine if your project is feasible and provide you with a free quote.

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Coquitlam, BC V3K 6C9

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We proudly provide our building permit and design services throughout British Columbia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Home Renovation Permits and our design services.

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Watch our detailed video guide on getting a building permit for your home renovation in BC, covering required drawings, zoning requirements, and common BC Building Code considerations.

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