R. Viau Drafting & Design provides expert change of use plans in Ottawa, offering code-compliant designs and permit-ready drawings for residential and commercial conversions. R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. CHANGE OF USE PERMIT PLANS OVER 35+ YEARS OF SERVICE Change of Use Permits in Ottawa The team at R.Viau Drafting & Design has helped a multitude of clients in Ottawa with Changing the Use of their buildings. Examples of a Change of Use / Unit Conversion scenarios: Converting a 3 unit building into a 4 unit building Converting a residential building into a retail building Converting an office building or shopping center into apartments or condominiums Converting old factory or warehouse into loft apartments, co-working spaces, or creative studios. Converting a retail space into office space, a fitness center, or a medical clinic. This could involve converting a larger structure, such as a single-family home, a commercial property, or an industrial building, into separate living spaces (apartments, condominiums, or rental units). Residential unit conversions are a common approach to increasing housing density and optimizing the use of available land or existing buildings. Occupancy Classification Buildings are classified into different occupancy types (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), and each type has specific code requirements. A Change of Use Permit ensures the building is correctly classified and that it meets the applicable requirements for that classification. Insurance and Liability To meet the insurance requirements for the new use, as different uses may have different liability risks or insurance needs. Zoning and Legal Compliance: To verify that the new use complies with local zoning laws and ordinances and that it does not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood or community. Reasons for Change of Use Permits Our process Site Visit / Consultation Book us for a site visit to get a free quote. We can also provide standalone consultations which come with a fee. Assessment Plans Our proficient designers will perform a building code and zoning review to assess all requirements. Preliminary schematics come next until a final design has been chosen by you! Permit Plans In-house engineers and BCIN professionals finalize, review and stamp the construction drawings which assures a smooth permit issuance to the city with no hiccups. Permit Issuance We'll submit the permit application and communicate with the city about any other requirements or comments. Construction To make things as seamless as it can be for our clients, we also can do all of the construction and deal with all the inspections.

R.Viau Drafting & Design Ltd. has drafted / constructed covered porches and decks all throughout Ottawa - wether it's retrofitting existing porches or creating new!  R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. PORCH AND DECK PERMIT PLANS OVER 35+ YEARS OF SERVICE Ottawa Porches and Decks Plans R.Viau Drafting & Design Ltd. has drafted / constructed covered porches and decks all throughout Ottawa - wether it's retrofitting existing porches or creating new! A covered porch can be a beautiful and functional addition to your home, enhancing both its appearance and livability. By considering the purpose, style, materials, and features that will best suit your needs, you can create a porch that is both welcoming and comfortable. Planning your project Purpose Outdoor Living Space: If you plan to use it for entertaining, relaxing, or dining, you might want a larger porch Entryway: If it’s primarily for entry, you might want a smaller porch with just enough space for a couple of chairs or a small bench. Style and aesthetic The style of the porch should complement the overall architecture of your home. Consider the following design styles: Traditional Modern/Contemporary: Craftsman/Bungalow Farmhouse Coastal Size and location Consider how much space you have available and where you want the porch. There are a few options for placement: Front Porch Side Porch Wraparound Porch Back Porch Railings Wood railings are traditional and can be custom-designed with spindles or a more solid panel. Metal railings (welded iron or steel) can add a modern or industrial feel. If you want a more open, airy design, consider glass railings that provide visibility and maximize light. Ottawa Deck and Porch Builders Our process Site Visit Book us for a site visit! We'll review your project's goals and guide you into the right direction. Drafting We'll prepare preliminary plans to begin, then prepare official permit plans once we're happy with a result. Permit Application Once we're set with all the plans, we'll prepare a permit application, submit it and deal with all of the city's comments. Construction To make it even more seamless for our clients, we can also manage all the construction required for your project.

R.Viau Drafting is Ottawa's original ULC compliant Fire Shutter Consultant and Installer. We provide and install economic fire shutters at a economic price. We also offer the options of more eloquent and aesthetic fire shutters which do fluctuate in price. Wether you simply wish to improve your building's fire safety or are receiving work orders from the city - give us a call. Fire Shutter Consulting & Installation in Ottawa & Ontario R.Viau Drafting is Ottawa's original ULC compliant Fire Shutter Consultant and Installer. If you have seen a fire shutter in down town Ottawa - odds are we hav e installed it. We also covered most of Ontario and Quebec. Click here to visit our Fire Safety Website!

 R.Viau Drafting & Design has drafted / built second storey additions & homes expansions all over Ottawa. Second storey additions are significant projects that require careful planning and experienced specialists.   R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. STOREY ADDITION PLANS OVER 35+ YEARS OF SERVICE Ottawa Storey Addition Plans At R. Viau Drafting & Design, we specialize in delivering precise and comprehensive storey addition plans that seamlessly blend new construction with your existing home. Whether you're looking to add a second or third level, our expert drafting services focus on maximizing space, enhancing functionality, and maintaining architectural harmony. From detailed structural layouts to electrical and plumbing coordination, our custom plans provide everything you need for a smooth permit process and flawless build. Trust us to help you expand your home’s footprint while elevating its style and value. Second storey additions are significant projects that require careful planning and experienced specialists. R.Viau Drafting & Design has drafted / built second storey additions & homes expansions all over Ottawa. Bill 23 in Ottawa Bill 23, officially known as the More Homes Built Faster Act, is a piece of provincial legislation passed in Ontario, Canada, in 2022. The purpose of the bill is to accelerate the construction of new homes in the province, with the goal of addressing Ontario's housing affordability crisis. Before Bill 23, property owners were only able to build two (2) units on their property. After Bill 23, property owners are now able to build three (3) units on their property. Planning your second storey addition Assess Structural Integrity Before moving forward, it's essential to ensure that your current home can handle the weight of an additional floor. Structural assessments done by our professionals are a critical first step. Set a Realistic Budget Adding a second storey can be expensive, so having a clear understanding of your budget is crucial. Costs can range from $200 to $400+ per square foot depending on design, materials, and location. Total: $200,000 - $500,000+ Design and Functionality Think about how you want to use the new space and how it will fit with your current home. The design will play a major role in both the aesthetic outcome and functionality of your new second storey. Determine Your Needs Consider Layout and Flow Maximize Natural Light Hire the Right Professionals A second-storey addition is a complex project that requires professional expertise. R.Viau Construction & Developments has over 80 years of combined experience with designing and building homes in Ottawa. Book us for a site visit! We'll follow up with a quote that will layout everything that you'll need in a transparent way. Our process Site Visit Book us for a site visit! We'll review your project's goals and guide you into the right direction. Drafting We'll prepare preliminary plans to begin, then prepare official permit plans once we're happy with a result. Permit Application Once we're set with all the plans, we'll prepare a permit application, submit it and deal with all of the city's comments. Construction To make it even more seamless for our clients, we can also manage all the construction required for your project. Building Additions Building Additions Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing Roof Framing completed 00:04 Play Video Now Playing Sheeting of Roof 00:07 Play Video Now Playing Making of Roof Dormers 00:06 Play Video Here's some of our work!

R. Viau Drafting & Design provides expert multiplex plans in Ottawa with optimized layouts, zoning compliance, and permit-ready drawings for multi-unit builds. R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. MULTIPLEX PLANS OVER 35+ YEARS OF SERVICE Duplex, Triplex and Fourplex Plans in Ottawa As Ottawa embraces gentle density and infill housing, multi-unit homes like duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes have become a smart solution for maximizing property value and meeting growing housing demand. At R. Viau Drafting & Design , we specialize in designing clear, code-compliant multi-unit building plans tailored to fit urban lots while respecting zoning bylaws, lot coverage, and building height restrictions. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or developer, our custom plans are optimized for permits, efficiency, and long-term livability - helping you transform your property into a high-performing, multi-family investment. We have built residential buildings in all of Ottawa and surrounding areas. We are experienced Robert, owner of R.Viau Drafting and Design, has 40 years experience with building development and a large number of other construction projects. Contact Us! Bill 23 in Ottawa Bill 23, officially known as the More Homes Built Faster Act, is a piece of provincial legislation passed in Ontario, Canada, in 2022. The purpose of the bill is to accelerate the construction of new homes in the province, with the goal of addressing Ontario's housing affordability crisis. Before Bill 23, property owners were only able to build two (2) units on their property. After Bill 23, property owners are now able to build three (3) units on their property. Permit Plans Process Site Analysis and Preliminary Design Conduct an analysis of the site to understand its topography, zoning requirements, and local infrastructure. Develop initial design concepts that meet these parameters. Create Detailed Drawings Develop the full set of drawings including site plans, floor plans, elevations, structural designs, and MEP layouts Permit Submittal Submit the plans to the city for review. If the project requires a variance, this will likely involve public hearings or consultation periods where neighbors or community members may voice concerns. Revise and Address Feedback The city may request revisions to the plans based on safety, environmental, or zoning concerns. We will adjust the plans as needed to address these feedbacks. Obtain Permits Once the plans are approved, obtain the necessary permits to begin construction. Contact Us!

Since 1982, R. Viau Drafting & Design has grown into a trusted family-run enterprise, expanding into Ottawa Fire Safety and R. Viau Construction & Development—offering expert design, fire protection, and construction services across Ottawa. Contact Us We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re planning a new construction project, looking to renovate, or simply have questions about our services, the team at R. Viau Drafting & Design Ltd. is here to help. 613-804-6157 Let’s Build Something Great Together! We’d love to chat about your ideas and how we can help. contact@rviaudrafting.ca Let’s talk about your project! Send us a message - we’re here to help and excited to hear from you. Contact Form Name(Required) Email(Required) Subject(Required) Phone Describe your project(Required) How did you find us? File upload Upload File Submit R.Viau Drafting & Design Ltd. R. Viau Drafting & Design LTD. was first established in 1982, founded on a passion for precision, creativity, and functional design. What began as a small drafting service has since grown into one of Ottawa’s most trusted and respected design firms. Over the decades, the business has evolved while staying true to its original values of quality craftsmanship and client-focused service. Today, R. Viau Drafting & Design is proud to be a family-run business, carrying forward a legacy of excellence through generations. With deep roots in the community and a commitment to personalized service, we continue to bring a thoughtful, hands-on approach to every project we take on. R.Viau Construction & Developments At R. Viau Construction & Development , we believe in seeing a project through from the first draft to the final build. As the construction and development arm of R. Viau Drafting & Design , we are fully committed to bringing our designs to life with craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail. Our hands-on approach ensures a seamless transition from concept to construction, maintaining the integrity of every plan we create. Deeply invested in Ottawa’s growth, we are actively involved in residential and commercial developments across the city, helping shape communities with quality-built spaces that stand the test of time. Ottawa Fire Safety Founded in 1985 by Robert Viau, Ottawa Fire Safety was built on a vision of providing reliable, high-quality fire protection services to the growing city of Ottawa. What started as a small, dedicated operation has grown into the city’s most prominent and trusted fire protection brand. With decades of experience and commitment to safety, we have earned a reputation for excellence in everything from fire retrofits and inspections to fire safety plans and more. Our close collaboration with the Ottawa Fire Department ensures we stay at the forefront of fire safety standards, continuing to protect our community with the same integrity and dedication that inspired our founding.