Leckie Drafting Services Inc. provides permit-ready residential drawings for houses, cottages, garages, and accessory buildings across Ontario.
This page answers common questions about permit drawings, process, scope, BCIN requirements, and project fit.
Do I need permit drawings for a building permit in Ontario?
Yes. Most residential construction projects in Ontario require permit drawings for submission to the local municipality.
These drawings are used by the building department to review compliance with the Ontario Building Code before issuing a permit.
What drawings are required for a building permit?
Typical permit submissions may include:
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Building sections
- Construction details
- Structural information where required
Additional drawings or documents may be required depending on the municipality and project scope.
Can I draw my own house plans in Ontario?
In some cases, homeowners are permitted to prepare their own drawings.
However, drawings must still comply with the Ontario Building Code and be clear, complete, and suitable for permit review.
Most projects benefit from working with a qualified designer to ensure the drawings meet permit requirements and avoid delays.
Do permit drawings need a BCIN designer?
For most residential projects under Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code, drawings must be prepared or reviewed by a designer with a valid BCIN.
Leckie Drafting Services Inc. provides both full drawing services and BCIN review and authorization for qualifying projects.
What is BCIN review and authorization?
BCIN review and authorization is a service where drawings prepared by another designer are reviewed for Ontario Building Code compliance.
This typically includes:
- Drawing review and markup
- Compliance-related revisions
- Final authorization for permit submission
- Schedule 1 and EEDS where applicable
The original designer remains responsible for preparing and revising the drawings.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ontario?
Building permit timelines in Ontario vary depending on:
- Municipality requirements and workload
- Project scope and complexity
- Completeness of submitted drawings
- Typically 10–30 business days after complete submission
Permit timelines are often reduced when drawings are clear, complete, and prepared for efficient municipal review.
How much do permit drawings cost in Ontario?
Permit drawing costs vary depending on:
- Building size
- Project type
- Structural complexity
- Level of detail required
Typical residential permit drawing projects often range from approximately $2,000 to $6,000+ depending on scope and complexity.
Smaller projects such as BCIN review, decks, or simple accessory structures may fall below this range, depending on the level of work required.
BCIN review pricing assumes drawings are substantially complete and may vary if significant revisions are required.
Accurate pricing is provided based on project details, sketch plans, and scope.
How long does it take to complete permit drawings?
Timeline depends on project size and responsiveness during the revision process.
Typical workflow includes:
- Preliminary drawings
- Client markup and feedback
- Revisions
- Final permit set
Projects move fastest when clients provide clear direction and timely feedback.
What is your process?
The process is structured and efficient:
- Project information and sketch or reference plan provided
- Preliminary drawings are prepared
- Client reviews and marks up changes
- Revisions are completed
- Final permit drawings are issued after final payment
This process is designed to keep projects clear, controlled, and moving forward.
Can you work from my sketch or reference plan?
Yes. Most projects begin with a sketch, sample plan, or marked-up reference drawing.
These are used as the starting point to develop a permit-ready drawing package.
Do you provide design services?
The service is focused on permit drawings, not conceptual or aesthetic design.
Clients should generally have a clear idea of what they want to build before starting.
Do you provide site plans?
No. Site plans are not typically included and are often prepared by other professionals depending on the project and municipality.
Do you provide septic design?
No. Septic design is completed by a qualified septic designer.
Do you provide HVAC, plumbing, or electrical layouts?
No. These are typically completed by the appropriate contractors or specialists as part of their own scope of work.
Do you provide structural engineering?
Structural engineering is not included as part of the standard permit drawing package.
Engineering may still be required depending on the project.
Do you manage construction or coordinate trades?
No. Construction management, contractor coordination, and on-site involvement are not part of the service.
Are your drawings ready for permit submission?
Yes. Drawings are prepared as permit-ready residential documentation for submission to the local building department.
Do you guarantee permit approval?
No. Permit approval is determined by the municipality.
Drawings are prepared to meet Ontario Building Code requirements, but final approval is always at the discretion of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Do you work anywhere in Ontario?
Yes. New houses, cottages, garages, accessory buildings, and BCIN review services are typically provided across Ontario using a remote workflow.
Do you do site visits?
Most projects are completed remotely.
Site visits may be required for certain additions or projects involving existing buildings, depending on location and scope.
What type of client is the best fit?
The best fit is someone who:
- Knows what they want to build
- Has a sketch or reference plan
- Wants permit-ready drawings
- Prefers a structured, efficient process
What type of project is not a good fit?
Projects may not be a good fit if they involve:
- Conceptual design exploration
- Ongoing redesign and multiple iterations
- Extensive coordination or project management
- Services outside the defined scope
What should I include when requesting a quote?
To determine scope and pricing, include:
- Project type
- Municipality / location
- Approximate building size
- New or existing structure
- Sketch or reference plan
- Desired timeline
Next Step
If your project aligns with the services outlined above, visit the Contact / Project Intake page to submit your information and get started.