Frequently Asked Questions

What does “permit-ready” mean?

Permit-ready means that our architectural drawings are prepared by licensed and insured designers and are specifically designed to comply with all applicable requirements of the Ontario Building Code (OBC). This is the foundation of every plan we produce. Each drawing package typically includes structural design, foundation details, floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, and all other information normally required to demonstrate Building Code compliance for a garage permit application in Ontario.

Because our drawings are fully code-compliant and professionally prepared, they are ready to be submitted to your local municipality as part of your building permit application.

It is important to understand, however, that building permit approval depends on more than just Ontario Building Code compliance. In many cases, the primary comments from municipalities relate not to the structural design itself, but to zoning and property-specific by-law requirements such as setbacks from property lines, maximum building height, lot coverage, and permitted uses.

For this reason, we strongly encourage homeowners to review the zoning and by-law restrictions that apply to their property before selecting a garage design. Confirming these requirements in advance helps ensure that the plan you choose is suitable for your lot and can reduce the likelihood of revisions, additional costs, or delays during the permit approval process.

Please note that some municipalities may also require additional documents, such as a site plan, grading plan, conservation authority approvals, or other supporting information depending on your property's location and specific circumstances.

Do your plans comply with local zoning and bylaws?

While all of our garage designs are Ontario
Building Code-compliant, each municipality in Ontario has its own zoning bylaws
that regulate things like building size, height, lot coverage, and placement on
your property. It’s important to check with your local building department to
ensure the design you choose aligns with your property’s zoning requirements.

Can I customize a garage plan?

Yes — we offer a Garage Plan
Customization Add-On
that allows you to personalize your plan with a
variety of common design changes, including:

  • Adjusting wall heights
  • Changing siding or roofing materials
  • Modifying window and door sizes or placements
  • Upgrading to insulated and drywalled interiors
  • Altering the roof pitch

If you're looking to make changes outside
of this list
—such as adding a second storey, changing the overall layout or
dimensions, or other structural modifications—you’ll need to select the “Additional
Services (Additional Design Customizations)”
option when adding the
customization to your cart.

This selection acts as a deposit toward
your custom work
, and any additional fees will be based on the scope of
changes discussed during your consultation.

If you’re unsure whether your changes
qualify, feel free to contact us first—we’re happy to help!

What do I need to get a building permit in Ontario?

In most cases, you'll need:

  • A permit-ready architectural drawing (which we provide)
  • A site plan showing where the garage will be located on your
    property
  • A grading or drainage plan (depending on your municipality)
  • A completed permit application form We recommend contacting
    your local building department for a complete checklist based on your
    location.

Do you provide site plans or property surveys?

No, we do not provide property surveys or site-specific grading or drainage plans.
These documents are typically prepared by a licensed surveyor or civil
engineer. We recommend contacting a local surveying company or checking with
your municipality for a list of qualified professionals in your area.



Can I build one of your garages myself?

Our plans are designed to be understood by
contractors and builders familiar with Ontario code requirements. If you're a
seasoned DIYer or contractor, yes, you can build using our plans. However, some
municipalities may require certain parts of the work (like concrete or
electrical) to be done by licensed professionals.

How do I receive the plans after purchase?

All plans are delivered digitally as a PDF
via email.

  • Stock plans are typically sent
    within 2–5 business days.
  • Customized plans are delivered
    within 5–10 business days, depending on the scope of changes.

If further revisions are needed, we’ll
provide an estimated turnaround time for the updated drawings.

Do you offer support during the permit process?

Yes - we’re here to help. Our plans are
designed to meet the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and are created to be broadly
accepted across the province. All structural components, including load
ratings, comply with OBC standards and should be approved by your local
building department.

If your municipality requests minor
revisions or clarifications to meet permitting requirements, we’ll provide
those adjustments at no extra cost.

However, if your project requires changes
outside the scope of the Ontario Building Code - such as zoning variances,
specific municipal by-law requirements, or site-specific design changes -
additional fees may apply depending on the complexity of the revisions.