Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The first step is to get a Survey and determine your wish list. Once you have a Survey, your wish list, our team can assess the feasibility of your project. Contact us for a complimentary feasibility study.

Question 2

What documents are needed for a new home permit?

Accepted Answer

You need a property survey, site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, energy compliance documents, and Structural Engineering drawings. We prepare all required drawings and can advise on any additional requirements.

Question 3

Besides drawings, which other professionals will I need for my Custom Home project?

Accepted Answer

In the Lower Mainland of BC, including Vancouver, a Custom Home project requires specific professionals to meet local regulations:• A BC Land Surveyor for property surveys and site plans.• A Structural Engineer registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC to design and certify Structural elements.• A Certified Energy Advisor to ensure compliance with BC Energy Step Code requirements.• A Geotechnical Engineer for soil assessment and foundation recommendations, especially in areas with challenging terrain or near water bodies.• An Arborist if there are trees on or near your property.• A Building Envelope Specialist, particularly required in Vancouver's rainy climate.• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineers or Certified Trades Persons depending on project complexity and municipal requirements.• A Civil Engineer for site servicing, grading, and stormwater management in some municipalities.• A Sprinkler Engineer for fire suppression systems, which is increasingly being required in many municipalities. Specifically, sprinkler engineering is required when: adding more than 5 sprinkler heads, relocating more than 20 sprinklers, or when proposing any additions to an existing sprinklered building.• A professional to prepare CSA F280 Reports (Heat Loss and Heat Gain Calculation), which are required for heating and cooling system design.• A Qualified Professional (QP) if your project is within a Development Permit (DP) area, as outlined in the next question.Canadian Blueprint can not only advise which professionals are required for your specific project and municipality, but we can also recommend experienced professionals we've worked with successfully in the past, helping to streamline your project and ensure quality work.

Question 4

Do I need a Development Permit for my project?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Do I need an Architect for my project?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Do I need an Energy Advisor?

Accepted Answer

As of May 1, 2023, the BC Building Code mandates that most new residential buildings comply with Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code. This requirement necessitates collaboration with a certified Energy Advisor (EA) during the design and construction phases.

Question 7

Can a designer request the Original Drawings on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Can the designer apply for the permit on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Do I need as-built measuring for my project?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Do you include 3D models with all custom home designs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Every custom home project includes comprehensive 3D modeling at no extra cost. This allows you to see exactly what you're getting before construction begins, make informed design decisions, and avoid costly changes during building.

Question 12

Can you help with design and permit drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialize in all types of Custom Home projects—whether you need permit drawings for a Single Family Dwelling, Laneway or Coach Home, Duplex, or Triplex. No project is too big or too small. Contact us for expert design and code-compliant permit drawings for your new home.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

For New Custom Homes or buildings, please provide your name, phone number, email, project address, and a description of your vision (number of rooms, basement or suite, desired square footage, etc.). If you have a property survey, that’s ideal—if not, we can still start with GIS mapping, but a survey will be required before moving forward. If you have a concept or inspiration in mind, let us know!

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How long does a feasibility assessment take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What do I receive as part of a feasibility assessment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Is there a cost for a feasibility assessment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What types of New Build projects do you offer feasibility assessments for?

Accepted Answer

We provide feasibility assessments for New Custom Homes, Duplexes, Triplexes, Multi-Family Buildings, and more. If you're planning to build from the ground up, we'll help you determine what's possible on your lot and what's required for approval.

Question 19

What happens after the feasibility assessment for my New Build?

Accepted Answer

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 help you develop preliminary plans, review design concepts, and coordinate with required professionals. We'll prepare all necessary drawings for permit submission, assist with application forms, and revise plans as needed to secure permit approval. Our team supports you from concept to completion, making your new home vision a reality.

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