Frequently asked questions

Not for most houses. A detached single-family house of no more than two storeys, with no more than one basement and under 600 m², can be designed without an architect. Up to three storeys and under 600 m², the plans are signed by a professional technologist. For larger projects, we work with a partner architect.

From $3,000 for an accessory building, $6,000 for a home addition, a renovation, a new home or a cottage, and $1,200 for a design project. The final price depends on the floor area and the complexity. It is payable in two 50% instalments.

When the project or the municipality requires it, the plans are signed and sealed by the professional technologist (T.P.) we work with. Structural calculations are handled by engineers.

Usually 2 weeks to 1.5 months after signing and receiving your documents, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The timeline also depends on how quickly each step is approved. The service offer sets out the schedule for your project.

A catalogue plan is drawn in advance, for a lot that is not yours. Our plans are drawn for your lot, your budget, your municipality's regulations and the way you live, with two rounds of modifications included. The starting price is posted up front and paid in two 50% instalments.

Every lot and every building is different. The starting price corresponds to a simple project; after our first conversation, you receive a service offer with the exact price, valid for 60 days.

No. GST and QST are added to the prices shown.

Fees for engineers, the professional technologist or an architect when required, the certificate of location, the land survey, the soil study and the municipality's permit fees.

You do, as the owner, but we support you: we prepare the plans requested and answer the municipality's questions.

We adjust the plans. Changes requested after the final plans have been delivered are billed at the hourly rate of $125/hour.

The certificate of location or the land survey plan, your sketches or inspiration images, and your budget.

Not necessarily. Orienting the house well costs nothing extra on paper. For materials and systems, we show you the real costs and the available grants, and you decide.

A home addition always requires a permit. For a renovation, it depends on the work and on your municipality: we check this with you from the first conversation.

No. The survey of the existing building is part of the mandate: we measure on site what the project needs.

Yes. Catherine specializes in restoring century-old buildings: we preserve the character of the house while adapting it to today.

Most municipalities require plans to issue a garage permit: site plan, floor plan and elevations. We check your city's requirements with you.

A small independent dwelling added to a residential lot, in a detached or attached building. The rules vary from one municipality to another: it is the first thing we check.

Often yes, if the zoning bylaw allows it. We confirm this before we start drawing.

It depends on the work and on your municipality, especially if walls are moved. We check this with you.

Yes, on request: finishes, colours, light fixtures and furniture, at the hourly rate of $125/hour.