Planning a Build for Next Year?

Let Tamlin Help!

If you want to build your new cottage or getaway retreat for next year now is the time to plan!

If you own land that is in an area that gets a lot of snow, you should take photos now before the snow arrives. We can use your site plan or survey for accurate measurements of the lot. It can easily take months to research the size and style of dwelling and to review the myriad of building codes and permit requirements that have to be met. You will also have to consider having plans and permit drawings completed, which all conform to your building site and local code requirements. With the continued introduction of more stringent building rules, including environmental regulations, energy code (BC) and upgraded seismic requirements (depending on the building zone), there are significantly more hurdles to overcome and loads of documentation that can result in delays prior to starting the actual build.

Building Permit Process

For a typical permit application a site survey is one of the first items asked for. This is critical for confirming the building footprint of your home and locations of specific services (such as water/well, septic and hydro/gas). Other items such as “Geotech” or soils tests may be required to establish the requirements for structural engineering on footings and foundations and this may even change the location of your home. For remote or low-lying lots “Perc” tests are commonly carried out to establish soil conditions for septic systems. Don’t forget that test holes can help to find large rocks or boulders which may change the foundation from full basement to partial basement or even to crawlspace.
For any building project the above requirements will be different depending on each lot and location. Whether you are planning to coordinate the work yourself or hire a builder, there are many steps that can affect the planning time.