Your project type
New homes, additions, renovations, garages, decks, basement apartments, second units, garden suites, ADUs, and structural alterations.
Free project review · No obligation to proceed
Know what your permit project needs before you pay for drawings.
Get a free, project-specific starting review for your addition, renovation, second unit, custom home, deck, garage, or existing-work permit issue.
Start with your name and email. We’ll follow up about your property and plans, then explain the likely drawings, information and professional coordination involved.
- No existing drawings required
- Simple contact form
- No obligation to proceed
A clear place to begin
You don’t need to understand the Building Code before contacting us.
Many homeowners know what they want to build but are unsure what their municipality may ask for. Before committing to construction, it helps to understand the likely drawing, property-information, and consultant requirements.
The free BCIN Permit Readiness Check reviews your starting point. We explain what you have, what may be missing, and what to confirm with the municipality before a formal application.
Request my free review →What we review
Three parts of your permit starting point
Your existing information
Surveys, house plans, measurements, site plans, previous drawings, engineering reports, photos, and municipal comments.
Likely permit needs
Architectural drawings, existing-condition documentation, site information, energy documentation, engineering coordination, and application support.
Requirements vary by property, municipality, and project scope. The review identifies likely needs; the municipality makes official determinations.
- You just purchased a property
- You’re planning a renovation or addition
- You want to build a garage or deck
- You want to add a second dwelling unit
- You received an Order to Comply
- You already spoke with the municipality
- You’re unsure whether a permit is required
- You’re comparing residential design companies
How it works
Four straightforward steps
Tell us about the project
Leave your name and email in the short form so we can begin a conversation.
Discuss the property
We’ll follow up about your property, proposed work and any documents you already have.
We review the information
A BCIN-qualified residential designer evaluates the information within the firm’s design scope.
Receive the next steps
We summarize what you have, what may be needed, and a practical route forward.
What you’ll receive
Useful guidance—not a generic checklist
This is an informational review, not a permit approval, code ruling, legal opinion, zoning confirmation, or guarantee of municipal acceptance.
Why ESCL Design
Residential permit guidance that stays practical and personal.
Municipalities we serve
Local help across Barrie and Simcoe County
- Barrie
- Alliston
- Innisfil
- Orillia
- Springwater
- Essa
- Bradford West Gwillimbury
- Collingwood
- Wasaga Beach
- Midland
- Oro-Medonte
- Simcoe County
Frequently asked questions
Questions before you request the check
Every project is different. These answers explain what the free review can—and cannot—determine.
Is the Permit Readiness Check really free?
Yes. The initial informational review is free and there is no obligation to retain ESCL Design for paid services.
Do I need drawings before contacting you?
No. Start with your name and email. We’ll follow up about your property and proposed work; existing drawings, photos, surveys or sketches can be shared by email if you have them.
Can you tell me if I need a building permit?
We can provide an initial project-specific assessment and identify likely permit considerations. The applicable municipality is the authority that makes official permit determinations.
Can ESCL Design prepare my permit drawings?
Yes, for eligible residential projects within the firm’s qualified design scope. After the readiness review, we can outline a proposed drawing scope and identify other consultants when required.
Can ESCL Design submit my permit application?
Permit submission support can be discussed as part of the project scope. The property owner remains responsible for application information, fees, authorizations, and municipal decisions.
What if I already received municipal comments?
Email the comments to info@escldesign.ca, or mention them when we follow up. We can review design-related items and identify whether architectural revisions or another consultant may be needed.
How can I share drawings and photos?
Start with the short contact form. We’ll follow up by email so you can share any drawings, photos or property documents needed for your review.
How long does the review take?
Timing depends on current availability and the complexity of the information submitted. ESCL Design will confirm the expected review timing after receiving the request.
Free informational review
Request Your Free BCIN Permit Readiness Check
Start with your name and email. We’ll ask about the property and your plans in our follow-up.
- No obligation to proceed
- Phone and SMS consent are optional
- Official determinations remain with the municipality