Frequently Asked Questions
Find comprehensive answers to your questions about residential building permits, additions, load-bearing wall removals, underpinning, and more.
- General
What services does StrongBuilds provide?
StrongBuilds offers a comprehensive suite of residential permitting and structural engineering services across the GTA, specializing in a variety of projects:
- Custom home builds
- Second-storey additions
- Renovations and extensions
- Underpinning (basement lowering)
- Wall removals
- Lane and garden suites
- Accessory structures (garages, decks, cabanas, etc.)
- Inspections (concrete details, framing, or a professional opinion on existing conditions)
What areas does StrongBuilds serve?
StrongBuilds is a licensed structural engineering firm serving the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, Oakville, Oshawa, and Whitby. We also provide remote consultations for residential projects throughout Ontario.
Is StrongBuilds insured?
Yes. StrongBuilds Engineering Inc. holds a Certificate of Authorization from the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) and is fully insured for up to $2,000,000 (errors & omissions). This level of protection is a cornerstone of the StrongBuilds Standard.
Is StrongBuilds a construction company or a drafting service?
Neither. StrongBuilds is a licensed structural engineering firm. Unlike a drafting service, our work is overseen and stamped by a professional engineer (P.Eng). We do not provide labour or project management; we provide the professional engineering, design, and permit services required to ensure your project is safe and legal.
What does a residential structural engineer do?
A residential structural engineer specializes in the bones of your home. At StrongBuilds, our role is to ensure that your building remains safe, stable, and compliant with the Ontario Building Code (OBC). We do this by analyzing load paths (how the weight of your roof, floors, and furniture travels down to the earth) and designing the necessary beams, columns, and foundations to support those loads during renovations or new construction.
What do structural engineers provide for a home renovation?
We provide the technical permit-ready documentation required by your local municipality (e.g., Toronto, Mississauga), including:
- Engineered Drawings: Detailed plans stamped by a professional engineer (P.Eng).
- Structural Calculations: Rigorous data ensuring every beam and post is sized correctly.
- Commitment to General Review: Legal documentation that we will inspect the work to ensure it matches the design.
- Technical Consultations: Expert advice on the feasibility of removing walls or adding storeys.
Why hire a Licensed Structural Engineering Firm instead of a drafting service?
A licensed firm is authorized by the PEO to take professional responsibility for the design, ensuring it is code-compliant and maintains your insurance coverage. This level of professional oversight has become increasingly important to guarantee safety and compliance in residential construction projects.
When do I need to hire a structural engineer instead of a contractor?
You should hire a structural engineer the moment your project involves altering the home’s structural integrity. While a contractor executes the build, a licensed structural engineering firm is legally required to design and stamp the plans for any modification to load-bearing walls, foundations, or roof structures. Hiring an engineer first ensures your contractor provides a safe, code-compliant design.
- Building Permits
How long does it take to obtain building permits in the GTA?
Once all relevant permit documents and drawings are complete and sent to the municipality, permit examiners typically respond within 10 to 14 business days. For larger projects, such as an addition or custom home build, the municipality may take approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The municipality’s response will be either permit approval, a request for information (RFI), or a request for updates to the drawings.
What documents are required for a residential building permit application?
While requirements vary by municipality or project scope, you generally must provide:
- Complete architectural and structural drawings stamped by a professional engineer (P.Eng) and/or architect/BCIN designer.
- Standard permit application forms (Schedule 1 and/or general review forms).
- Homeowner declaration forms.
- A legal survey of your property (essential for additions and accessory structures).
If the city issues building permit change requests, do you complete them free of charge?
StrongBuilds does not charge additional revision fees for minor change requests that keep the project within the same scope of work. Minor layout modifications or technical clarifications requested by an examiner are handled promptly at no extra cost. Major changes, including additional scope or third-party involvement, may incur consultation fees.
What happens if my building permit application is refused?
If a municipality refuses an application due to zoning issues, you may need to apply to the Committee of Adjustment (CoA) for a minor variance. The CoA process can take between 2 and 6 months. While we provide the technical designs for these applications, representation at committee hearings is a separate billable service.
- Custom Homes
Does StrongBuilds provide the full design package for custom homes?
Yes. We provide complete permit packages. Our packages include architectural, structural, and HVAC drawings, ensuring all technical aspects of your custom home or renovation are synchronized for city approval.
Is it possible to include a legal basement apartment in my custom home design?
Absolutely. We frequently design custom homes with secondary suites that meet all Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements for fire safety, emergency exits, and independent HVAC systems. Incorporating a legal rental unit or an in-law suite during the initial design phase is significantly more affordable than retrofitting an existing basement.
Can you help modify architectural visions to be more cost-effective?
Certainly, a major benefit of our integrated design approach is that our in-house engineers assess structural feasibility during the initial drafting phase. We meticulously coordinate architectural and structural details to eliminate unnecessary construction expenses while upholding the StrongBuilds Standard for safety and engineering excellence.
Will you visit the site once my contractor starts building?
Yes. A licensed structural engineering firm is often required to perform site inspections at key stages of the build. We visit your site to inspect foundation reinforcement, framing, and structural steel installation. Following these visits, we provide the formal engineering reports that municipal inspectors require to pass your structural inspections and keep the project moving forward.
- Residential Additions
How do I determine if my house can support a second-storey addition?
Determining whether your house can support an additional storey depends on multiple factors related to your existing structure.
A thorough review of the entire load path affected by the new loads is necessary. This review covers everything from the floor joists and walls down to the foundation wall and footings. The goal is to identify the minimum required structure or outline any necessary reinforcements.
The common governing factor for an addition is often the size of your existing foundation footings. To ensure adequacy for supporting a second storey, you may require a soil test for verification of a strong soil bearing capacity.
If the footings are deemed inadequate, alternatives would include underpinning or other structural reinforcement to accommodate the additional loads.
None of the structure in my home is exposed. How do you know it can support a second-storey addition?
For existing dwellings that are in a finished state (meaning the drywall and finishings have not yet been removed for the renovation), we rely on making educated assumptions about your existing structure. These assumptions are based on the knowledge gained from similar homes we have worked with.
This process involves:
- Explicit Documentation: All assumptions are clearly indicated on the design drawings.
- On-Site Verification: The contractor is required to verify these assumptions on site, typically after demolition, and before the start of construction.
- Prompt Revisions: If there are any discrepancies with the assumed structure or if surprising site conditions are encountered, we promptly address any structural design revisions.
- Underpinning (Basement Lowering)
How does a basement get underpinned (lowered)?
To lower your basement, contractors perform the necessary excavations beneath your home’s foundation footings in stages. These excavations are typically 2 to 4 feet wide, spaced approximately 6 to 9 feet apart. After preparing the formwork, contractors pour concrete into the excavations. Once the concrete is cured, contractors begin the next stage of excavations. Most homes require 3 to 4 stages of underpinning to complete the process.
What happens to the interior basement walls or columns during underpinning?
The basement lowering process necessitates the removal of all interior partition walls and structural columns. StrongBuilds would provide a permanent structural design to replace any load-bearing walls or columns that must be removed for the underpinning work.
I have a semi-detached home. Does that change anything in the underpinning process?
To underpin a shared wall (known as a party wall), you must first obtain a written agreement from your neighbour. This signed agreement is necessary to secure the administrative permit required for the underpinning work. StrongBuilds can provide the necessary agreement templates.
If my neighbour does not agree to underpin the shared wall, what should we do?
You can still underpin your basement; however, the structural detail at the party wall will vary. If your neighbour does not agree to underpinning the shared wall, the shared wall can be benched, or we can provide a custom-tailored hybrid underpin/benching structural solution. The latter would not encroach beyond the property line and minimize loss of space in your basement to bench the wall.
What is the difference between underpinning and benching?
Underpinning involves extending your foundation footings deeper into the ground, allowing for a full-height basement without losing floor space. Benching involves leaving existing footings in place and building a concrete “bench” inside the basement. Benching is often more cost-effective but reduces the room’s usable square footage.
Will I lose basement space with underpinning?
Typically, underpinning is aligned with the interior footing projection, which usually reduces usable basement area by about 4 to 6 inches along the foundation walls. However, where site conditions allow, we offer an alternative: “flush underpinning.” This technique aligns with the exterior wall face, preserving the full basement space.
Do I need a survey to obtain an underpinning permit?
Typically, yes, a copy of your legal survey is required for the permit application. While we can prepare a site plan without one, acceptance by the municipal examiner is uncommon and subject to their review.
Do I need a permit for a basement walkout or a separate entrance?
Yes. Any modification to the foundation or the creation of a new entrance requires a building permit. Our designs include the necessary structural reinforcements for the new opening, as well as drainage and retaining wall specifications to ensure the walkout is safe and code-compliant.
- Wall Removals
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Determining if a wall is load-bearing depends on the existing conditions of your home and requires a diligent structural review. We undertake this assessment by looking at the visible site conditions, your home’s geometry, and by drawing upon experience with similar homes.
Here are some general indicators and considerations:
- Definite Load-Bearing Sign: If you can see the floor joists spliced and overlapped above the top plates of a wall, that wall is 100% load-bearing.
- Other Load-Bearing Scenarios: Some walls may still be load-bearing even when the floor joists run parallel to them. This occurs, for example, if the wall supports an exterior wall, another load-bearing wall from an upper floor, or specific concentrated loads (point loads).
- Load Sharing Walls: Many walls, especially in older houses, may be considered load sharing. While not primary load-bearing, they may help with floor deflections and vibrations. The removal of a wall that appears non-load-bearing could still potentially lead to unwanted floor deflections or vibrations in a home.
Ultimately, a proper assessment requires diligent review of your structural load path to make an accurate determination.
Are there specific structural requirements for a lane or garden suite?
Yes. Garden suites require engineered foundation designs that comply with the Ontario Building Code. Depending on site conditions and design, foundations may include slab-on-grade, crawlspace, helical piles, or other engineered systems. Because garden suites are standalone dwelling units, permit applications must also include mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, and structural drawings in the building permit package.
When is a building permit required for a residential deck in the GTA?
In most GTA municipalities, including Toronto and Mississauga, a building permit is generally required if the deck is attached to the house or is more than 24 inches (600 mm) above the adjacent grade. StrongBuilds ensures your deck design accounts for structural load requirements, proper ledger attachment, and lateral load resistance to prevent the common structural failures seen in non-engineered builds.
What are the foundation requirements for a detached garage or car shed?
Small detached garages often use a thickened-edge floating slab or slab-on-grade foundation. Larger garages, garages attached to the main dwelling, or structures intended to support heavier loads may require frost-protected foundations or other engineered footing systems designed to meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code. StrongBuilds provides the precise reinforced concrete specifications needed to prevent slab cracking, frost movement, and long-term structural shifting.
Can a detached garage be engineered to support heavy EV charging infrastructure or a car lift?
Yes. Modern detached garages are increasingly used for heavy equipment and electric vehicle infrastructure. If you plan to install a Level 2 EV charger or a car lift, the concrete slab requires specialized reinforcement to prevent cracking under the concentrated load. We design your garage foundation by specifying increased rebar density and thickened concrete sections at high-stress points.
Does StrongBuilds handle zoning and setback checks for accessory structures?
Yes. Before we begin the structural design for a garden suite, garage, or deck, we review the local zoning bylaws for your specific GTA property. We identify mandatory setbacks from property lines and maximum lot coverage limits. This proactive approach ensures that the design we produce is actually buildable and won’t be rejected by the city during the permit review process.
- Accessory Structures (Lane or Garden Suites, Decks, Garages)
What qualifies as an accessory structure?
Accessory structures include detached garages, decks, cabanas, and lane or garden suites. StrongBuilds provides a complete permit and design package for these projects, ensuring they comply with local zoning bylaws and the Ontario Building Code.
Are there specific structural requirements for a lane or garden suite?
Yes. Garden suites require engineered foundation designs that comply with the Ontario Building Code. Depending on site conditions and design, foundations may include slab-on-grade, crawlspace, helical piles, or other engineered systems. Because garden suites are standalone dwelling units, permit applications must also include mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, and structural drawings in the building permit package.
When is a building permit required for a residential deck in the GTA?
In most GTA municipalities, including Toronto and Mississauga, a building permit is generally required if the deck is attached to the house or is more than 24 inches (600 mm) above the adjacent grade. StrongBuilds ensures your deck design accounts for structural load requirements, proper ledger attachment, and lateral load resistance to prevent the common structural failures seen in non-engineered builds.
What are the foundation requirements for a detached garage or car shed?
Small detached garages often use a thickened-edge floating slab or slab-on-grade foundation. Larger garages, garages attached to the main dwelling, or structures intended to support heavier loads may require frost-protected foundations or other engineered footing systems designed to meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code. StrongBuilds provides the precise reinforced concrete specifications needed to prevent slab cracking, frost movement, and long-term structural shifting.
Can a detached garage be engineered to support heavy EV charging infrastructure or a car lift?
Yes. Modern detached garages are increasingly used for heavy equipment and electric vehicle infrastructure. If you plan to install a Level 2 EV charger or a car lift, the concrete slab requires specialized reinforcement to prevent cracking under the concentrated load. We design your garage foundation by specifying increased rebar density and thickened concrete sections at high-stress points.
Does StrongBuilds handle zoning and setback checks for accessory structures?
Yes. Before we begin the structural design for a garden suite, garage, or deck, we review the local zoning bylaws for your specific GTA property. We identify mandatory setbacks from property lines and maximum lot coverage limits. This proactive approach ensures that the design we produce is actually buildable and won’t be rejected by the city during the permit review process.
Do I need a survey to obtain an underpinning permit?
Typically, yes, a copy of your legal survey is required for the permit application. While we can prepare a site plan without one, acceptance by the municipal examiner is uncommon and subject to their review.
Do I need a permit for a basement walkout or a separate entrance?
Yes. Any modification to the foundation or the creation of a new entrance requires a building permit. Our designs include the necessary structural reinforcements for the new opening, as well as drainage and retaining wall specifications to ensure the walkout is safe and code-compliant.
- Structural Inspections & Professional Opinions
When should I book a framing or concrete inspection?
Inspections should be booked after the contractor has completed the work but before it is covered by drywall or backfill. StrongBuilds provides professional framing and concrete inspections to verify that construction aligns with the engineered drawings and meets Ontario Building Code (OBC) standards.
Do you provide structural reports for existing conditions?
Yes. We provide professional opinions and written reports for existing conditions, such as foundation cracks, sagging floors, or post-purchase inspections. These reports are stamped by a licensed professional engineer (P.Eng) and can be used for insurance or real estate purposes.
How can you assess my home's structure if the walls are finished?
We make educated structural assumptions based on your home’s geometry and similar projects we have completed. These are explicitly noted on engineering drawings and verified by the contractor after demolition.
Hire Us For Your Next Project
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