Our Process

Understand Our Process

At Second Home Ontario, we ensure a smooth and transparent process from start to finish. Here’s how we make your dream project a reality

We start with a thorough feasibility study to evaluate the potential of your project. This involves assessing the site conditions, understanding your requirements, and identifying any potential challenges. This step ensures that your project is viable and lays a strong foundation for the planning and design phases.

If the by-law determines that you are not allowed to add your secondary unit, then Committee of adjustments (COA) could be used to amend these zoning by-laws.

A detailed survey of your property is conducted to gather essential data. This includes measuring the land, noting existing structures, and understanding the topography. Accurate survey data is crucial for precise planning and design, ensuring that every aspect of the project is meticulously accounted for.

Safety is paramount, so we carefully plan and assess all necessary fire access routes. This ensures that your project complies with fire safety regulations, providing peace of mind and ensuring the safety of future occupants.

Navigating local bylaws can be complex, but our team has extensive experience in this area. We ensure that your project complies with all relevant regulations, helping to avoid delays and ensuring a smooth approval process.

We define the full scope of the project, outlining all necessary tasks, timelines, and goals. This provides a clear roadmap for the project, ensuring that everyone involved understands what needs to be done and when.

Our design team begins by creating initial project designs that include detailed floor plans, elevations, and sections. These designs are tailored to your specific needs and preferences, offering a clear vision of how your new space will look and function.

In this phase, we help you visualize your laneway or garden suite with detailed plans and 3D models. This step allows you to see the potential of your new space, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that the design aligns with your vision.

Once the preliminary design is approved, we finalize the design and prepare all necessary construction drawings. We handle the permit application process, ensuring that all required documentation is submitted and approvals are obtained in a timely manner.

Our interior design team works to make your space both beautiful and functional. We arrange furniture, choose colors, and select decor that creates the desired atmosphere and maximizes usability. This attention to detail ensures that your new space is comfortable and inviting.

With over 25 years of on-site experience, we manage all aspects of the construction process. This includes coordinating with inspectors, urban forestry, contractors, and conservation authorities. We handle challenges such as small spaces, limited access, and budget constraints, ensuring that the project stays on track and meets all standards.