Building a multiplex or a custom home in the cities of Vancouver and Burnaby is an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning and understanding of local regulations. If you’re considering to build a duplex, triplex or custom home with a laneway home, here’s a guide to help you navigate the process, including whether you need to hire a contractor or a designer and the permits required.

Remember, we are here to help you with the entire process, as we are licensed Designers / Builders and all trades working with us offer the top-notch services, making sure the city and the insurance inspectors are happy and satisfied.

Do You Need to Hire a Contractor or a Designer?

Hiring a Designer:
Before any construction begins, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out design. Our professional designer can help you create a home that meets your needs, fits the lot, and complies with Vancouver’s zoning and building codes. Our Designers are skilled at maximizing space, ensuring aesthetic appeal, and integrating energy-efficient features. They also prepare detailed plans and drawings required for permit applications. Our past experience with many clients testifies to the high quality and cost-effective service we provide.

Hiring a Contractor:
A licensed contractor is responsible for the actual construction of your home (multiplex, custom home with secondary suite, or a laneway home). They manage the building process, hire subcontractors, procure materials, and ensure that construction meets safety standards and building codes. While you can hire a contractor without a designer if you have your own plans, most projects benefit from professional design input to avoid costly changes during construction.

Permits and Approvals

Yes, you will definitely need to apply for permits before building a new house in Burnaby or Vancouver.

1. Building Permit: This is mandatory for any new construction. The permit ensures that your project complies with the BC Building Code, local bylaws, and safety standards. The application includes submitting your architectural plans, structural details, and engineering reports.
2. Development Permit: Depending on the zoning of your property, you may also require a development permit, which governs how the building fits within the neighbourhood, including setbacks, height limits, and landscaping.
3. Other Permits: There might be additional permits needed for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. If your site is in a sensitive environmental area, extra approvals may be necessary.

Steps to Get Started

1. Research Local Bylaws: Visit the City of Vancouver’s or Burnaby’s website to review zoning regulations, building codes, and permit requirements. Our job is to assist you with this process, so if you see it is too hard to comprehend the items, don’t worry, as we are here to design and help you with all the process.
2. Hire a Designer: Engage an architect or designer to create your home plans aligned with local regulations.
3. Submit Permit Applications: With your design in hand, apply for the necessary permits through the city’s permitting office.
4. Hire a Contractor: Before the permits are approved, hire a licensed contractor to start the permit process and later for construction.
5. Inspections: Throughout the build, city inspectors will visit your site to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

Building a new home in Vancouver or Burnaby involves multiple steps, including hiring professionals and securing permits. Starting with a qualified designer and a licensed contractor will make the process smoother and help you create a home that fits your vision and adheres to all regulations. Always consult with the City’s planning and building departments early to understand all requirements and avoid delays.

When planning to build a new house, one of the most critical steps is hiring the right professional to design your home and prepare the permit application. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option available, this decision can have serious consequences. Who to hire to design your home? Here’s why hiring the lowest-cost individual is not a safe choice:

1. Lack of Experience and Expertise
The cheapest designer or service provider may lack the experience and qualifications necessary to handle the complexities of house design and permit applications. Designing a house involves more than just aesthetics; it requires knowledge of structural integrity, local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental considerations. An inexperienced professional may overlook these details, leading to costly mistakes or delays in construction.

2. Poor Quality of Work
Low-cost services often come with compromises in quality. The cheapest designer might use outdated software, cut corners on important details, or fail to provide thorough plans. Poor-quality designs can lead to issues during construction, such as misaligned structures or inefficient layouts, ultimately costing you more in repairs or adjustments.

3. Risk of Rejected Permits
Permit applications must comply with strict regulations and standards. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can result in rejection by local authorities, causing delays and additional fees. A less experienced professional may not fully understand the requirements, increasing the risk of rejection and wasting valuable time and money.

4. Hidden Costs
While the upfront cost may be low, there could be hidden expenses down the line. Inadequate designs might require frequent revisions, leading to additional charges. Mistakes during construction due to poorly executed plans can result in expensive fixes. What seemed like a cost-saving decision could quickly spiral into a financial burden.

5. Lack of Communication and Support
Cheaper professionals often juggle multiple projects to make up for their low fees, which can lead to poor communication and a lack of personalized attention. You may struggle to get timely updates or responses, leaving you frustrated and uncertain about the progress of your project.

6. Limited Accountability
Low-cost providers may not offer comprehensive contracts or warranties for their work. If issues arise, you may find it difficult to hold them accountable, leaving you to deal with the consequences on your own.

What Should You Do Instead?
You might ask who to hire to design your home, right? When it comes to designing your home and managing permit applications, prioritize quality and expertise over price. Look for professionals with a solid portfolio, positive reviews, and relevant certifications. While their services may cost more upfront, the investment will pay off in the form of a well-designed home, smooth permit approvals, and fewer headaches during construction.

Building a new house is a significant investment, and the design and permit application process is foundational to its success. Don’t compromise on quality by choosing the cheapest option. Instead, focus on finding a skilled and reliable professional who can bring your vision to life while ensuring compliance with all regulations. Remember, the right choice today can save you money, time, and stress in the long run.