Frequently Asked Questions

Often, no. Most of the backyard buildings we build don't need a building permit. In Ontario, smaller detached buildings without plumbing are usually exempt, and many sheds, studios, cabanas and gazebos are designed to fit within those limits from the start.

Larger buildings, garages, and anything with plumbing usually do need one. Either way, we review your plans against the Ontario Building Code and your town's bylaws, tell you which way your project falls, and if a permit is needed, we prepare the drawings and handle the application for you.

In Guelph, a small detached shed or studio without plumbing often doesn't need a building permit, and that's where most of our projects land. Larger buildings, or any building with plumbing, need one. The City's zoning rules (where it sits, how tall it is and how much of the yard it covers) apply either way.

The same goes for Fergus, Elora, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and the rest of our area, though each town has its own bylaws. We check the current rules for your property and design your building to fit them.

Yes. Zoning bylaws apply to every accessory building, permit or not. Building near a septic bed, in a conservation area or in a heritage district can add more requirements.

Your municipality's zoning bylaw sets the limits: the building's size, how much of your yard it can cover, its height, and how close it can sit to your property lines. Most towns also keep accessory buildings out of the front yard.

These limits differ from town to town and lot to lot, so we check them for your property at the consultation and design your building to fit, with the size and look you want.

Generally not. A standard accessory building usually can't be used as living space; a separate dwelling falls under its own rules and permits, which vary by property.

Yes. In Ontario, electrical work is inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), separately from building permits. Even a small, permit-free building that gets lights and outlets needs that work done and filed properly. Our licensed electrical trade takes care of it.

The Building Code is the same across Ontario, but each municipality has its own zoning bylaw. Whether you're in Guelph, Fergus, Elora, Rockwood, Puslinch, Kitchener-Waterloo or Cambridge, we check your municipality's current rules for your specific lot.

Just us. We're your single point of contact from the first site visit to the final walkthrough. We handle design and permits, build the structure, and coordinate trusted concrete, plumbing and electrical specialists, so you never have to manage separate trades.

Nothing. We'll walk your property with you, talk through design, budget and permits, then follow up with a clear plan.

Yes. We carry $2 million in liability insurance and are covered by WSIB. Certificates are available on request.

Every project comes with a 2-year workmanship warranty, including the concrete, plumbing and electrical work we coordinate. If something needs attention, you make one call to us, and we'll be on site within 5 business days, sooner for urgent issues. Read our full warranty.

We're based in Guelph and build within about 75 km, including Fergus, Elora, Rockwood, Puslinch, Erin, Acton, Orangeville, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Milton, Georgetown, Caledon, Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and Brantford. Over the years we've built across Southern Ontario and cottage country, which is why you'll see projects from Muskoka to Mississauga in our portfolio. If you're just outside our area, ask us.