Planning a residential renovation or conversion? Need architecturally approved building permit sets? A zoning review confirms your project's limitations before any other drawings / work get's done. We employ architects who are experts at providing these and other design services. They also work on small commercial projects.  3D Rendering Planning a residential renovation or conversion? Need architecturally approved building permit sets? A zoning review confirms your project's limitations before any other drawings / work get's done. We employ architects who are experts at providing these and other design services. They also work on small commercial projects. Contact us! Email Subject Your message Send Thanks for submitting!

R. Viau Drafting & Design provides secondary unit plans in Ottawa with customized, bylaw-compliant designs and permit-ready drawings for legal rental suites. R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. SECONDARY DWELLING PERMIT PLANS OVER 35+ YEARS OF SERVICE Secondary Dwelling Units / Basement Apartment Plans in Ottawa At R. Viau Drafting & Design, we specialize in designing Secondary Dwelling Units (SDUs) that add value, flexibility, and functionality to your property. Whether you're looking to create a legal basement apartment, garden suite, or coach house, we provide expert guidance and tailored design solutions to meet local zoning and building code requirements in Ottawa and surrounding areas. With over 35 years of experience, our team ensures that every SDU project is thoughtfully planned, efficiently executed, and seamlessly integrated into your existing property. What is a Secondary Dwelling Unit? In Ottawa, homeowners now have the flexibility to add up to three residential units on a single property, thanks to recent legislative changes under Bill 23. Previously, zoning rules allowed for only two. These additional living spaces (often referred to as accessory or secondary units) are fully independent dwellings that can either be built as standalone structures like backyard suites or laneway homes, or created by repurposing existing areas such as basements, garages, or attics. Typically smaller than the main residence, they offer practical solutions for expanding housing availability in urban neighborhoods. Key Characteristics Independent Living: Secondary units are fully equipped with essential amenities such as a private kitchen, bathroom, and living area - allowing for complete day-to-day functionality. On-Site Placement: These dwellings are situated on the same parcel of land as the main home and can be either integrated into the primary structure or built as a separate building. Versatile Functionality: Common uses include generating rental income, housing extended family, providing space for remote work, or serving as private guest accommodations. Advantages of Secondary Units Additional income Leasing an additional living space can generate consistent passive earnings. Space for family These spaces offer comfortable accommodations for elderly parents, grown children, or other family members, supporting multi-generational households. Increased property value Incorporating an ADU or SDU can increase your property’s worth by providing additional living areas. Affordable housing Contribute to easing housing shortages by expanding the rental options within a community. Our Drafting Services Site Evaluation & Feasibility Study Analyze the lot size, setbacks, and access points Check compliance with zoning bylaws, OBC, and fire code. Identify best location for SDU (basement, garage, addition, or detached structure) Detailed Drafting Plans Produce complete, permit-ready construction drawings including: Floor plans Elevations and sections Site and grading plans (if applicable) Fire separation and egress requirements HVAC, plumbing, and electrical layout coordination Permit Application Support Prepare and organize all documentation for municipal permit submission Submit plans and respond to comments or revision requests from city officials Coordinate with other professionals (engineers, surveyors) if needed for approval Optional Construction Support Provide design clarification during construction Recommend trusted contractors if requested Offer site visit services to verify alignment with approved plans

R.Viau Drafting & Design has effectively provided Ottawa with Building Code Reviews for all kinds of projects for the last 35 years. We'll help identify your project's limitations whenever you are making changes to a building or structure that could affect its safety, structural integrity, accessibility, or other elements regulated by building codes. ​​ Building Code Reviews in Ottawa R.Viau Drafting & Design has effectively provided Ottawa with Building Code Reviews for all kinds of projects for the last 35 years. We'll help identify your project's limitations whenever you are making changes to a building or structure that could affect its safety, structural integrity, accessibility, or other elements regulated by building codes. When is a Building Code Review essential ? New construction Any new building, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional, must undergo a building code review to ensure it complies with all applicable codes. Major Alterations If you are making major changes to the layout of your home or building, a Building Code Review will identify the requirements necessary to be compliant. Adding units Whether you're adding a room or a second storey, any addition to an existing building needs to comply with the building code. This includes ensuring that the addition is structurally sound, has appropriate means of egress and complies with fire safety standards. Accessibility Modifications If you need modifications done to your building to provide more accessibility such as adding ramps, providing wider door ways or adjusting bathrooms, a Building Code Review will reveal all your requirements. Our process Site Visit Book us for a site visit! We'll visit the site, review your project's goals and give you a general run down of our expectations with your project. Review & Report We'll attentively review every Building Code aspect that your project will touch and afterwards will prepare a report on all your project requirements. Calculated Decision Once you're equipped with this knowledge, you effectively know what you're up against. We can assist you into moving forward with plans or you can ultimately decide to not pursue this project!

R. VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. Secondary Dwelling Unit Costs TYPICAL COSTS AND ASSISTANCE Efficient way to clear your mortgage Additional / Secondary Dwelling Units (legal basement units / SDU's / ADU's) have become increasingly popular in Ottawa and Ontario for a very good reason. Converting a basement into a separate unit will allow you to settle your mortgage more efficiently and offer more crucial housing to the residents of Ottawa. With years of experience under our belt, we help all of our clients obtain legal additional / secondary units. Finishes and Appliances The appliances and finishes you choose in your kitchens, bathrooms, floors, etc have a huge impact on the cost of your new units. Code Requirements Requirements such as egress windows, concrete basement walk-outs and window wells can influence the total cost. What can influence the costs Typical General Costs Depending on the size of your unit and the amount of bedrooms, you can expect a general cost of $60,000 to $120,000. Wondering if your home is suitable for an SDU? Click here for our inspection page! New Financial Assistance by the Government Mortgage Reforms Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program Mortgage Reforms Today's mortgage reforms are designed to make it easier for homeowners to add secondary suites—such as basement apartments, in-law suites, and laneway homes—building on the federal government’s recent announcement of the most significant mortgage reforms in decades. These reforms are aimed at unlocking homeownership opportunities for Canadians of all generations. Starting December 15, 2024 , Canadians will be able to apply for reformed mortgages, resulting in lower monthly payments. Key changes include: 1. Raising the Insured Mortgage Cap: The $1 million price cap for insured mortgages will be increased to $1.5 million to reflect the current housing market and enable more Canadians to qualify for mortgages with a down payment of less than 20%. This cap, which has remained unchanged since 2012, will allow more Canadians to purchase homes within their financial reach. 2. Expanding 30-Year Mortgage Amortizations: The eligibility for 30-year mortgage amortizations will be extended to all first-time homebuyers and those purchasing new builds, reducing monthly payments and helping more Canadians afford homeownership. This expansion includes both new construction and condominiums. The move is designed to incentivize the building of more homes and address the ongoing housing shortage, in line with the Budget 2024 commitment, which also allows first-time homebuyers purchasing new builds to access 30-year amortizations starting August 1, 2024. These reforms aim to help more Canadians secure affordable homes while also encouraging the construction of additional / secondary dwelling units, which can provide much-needed rental options and support multi-generational living. Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program Ontario's Secondary Suite Incentive Program is an initiative designed to encourage the creation of secondary suites (also known as accessory apartments or in-law suites) within existing homes. The program is aimed at increasing the availability of affordable rental housing in the province by making it easier for homeowners to build or convert basements, garages, or other spaces into legal secondary units. "Through our Housing Accelerator Fund, we’ve already reformed zoning to make this possible, and today, we’re announcing homeowners will soon be able to access up to $40,000 in low-cost loans to make it easier add secondary suites." - The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Key Features of the program Eligibility Criterias Contact Us! Financial Incentives Under the program, homeowners will have access up to $40,000 in low-interest loans Legalizing Existing Units One of the key goals of the program is to make it easier for homeowners to legalize existing secondary suites that may not be up to current building codes or zoning laws. New Zoning Municipalities may offer some flexibility in their zoning and building code requirements to make it easier for homeowners to add secondary suites. Property Ownership: The homeowner must own the property where the secondary suite will be built or legalized. Suitability of the Property The property must be suitable for a secondary suite, meaning there must be adequate space for the suite and the unit must comply with local zoning laws and building codes. Construction Requirements The program typically supports renovations or construction that result in a safe and legal unit. This includes ensuring proper egress (exit in case of fire), ventilation, and fire safety measures.

R. Viau Drafting & Design offers tenant fit-up plans in Ottawa with custom layouts, permit-ready drawings, and expert design for commercial spaces of all sizes. R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. TENANT FIT-UP PLANS OVER 35+ YEARS OF SERVICE Tenant Fit-up plans in Ottawa The team at R.Viau Drafting & Design has helped a multitude of businesses in Ottawa move into leased spaces designed to suit their work. Tenant fit-up plans are created to outline how a commercial or retail space will be customized or renovated to meet the specific needs of a new tenant. These plans are a critical part of the process when a business moves into a leased or rented space and requires modifications to the interior layout, utilities, or design to suit its operations. Customization These plans allow the tenant to customize the space to fit their specific operational requirements, creating a functional environment that supports their business activities. Building Code Compliance Fit-up plans ensure that all changes to the space comply with local building codes and safety regulations. For example, the plans may specify the number of exit doors required based on occupancy load or ensure the layout adheres to fire code requirements. Landlord / Building Owner Approval Fit-up plans are often required by the landlord or building owner before they approve the tenant’s request for changes. They ensure that the alterations won’t damage the building or violate lease agreements and that the building’s infrastructure can support the new layout. Cost Estimation Tenant fit-up plans provide an accurate cost estimate for construction and renovation work. This helps tenants plan their budgets and allows contractors to give quotes for the work based on the detailed plans. Why Are Tenant Fit-Up Plans Important ? Tenant Requirements The tenant specifies their functional needs, aesthetic preferences, and any specialized requirements (equipment, technology, safety systems). Preliminary Plans Our certified designer creates an initial floor plan and layout that incorporates the tenant’s needs and ensures compliance with building codes. Permit Plans & Permit Application Once the design is approved, detailed fit-up plans are created, incorporating all changes, infrastructure upgrades, and compliance requirements. We'll submit for permit and handle all of the city's comments for you! 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. Our Typical Process

R. Viau Drafting & Design provides expert bathroom renovation plans in Ottawa, offering custom designs, permit-ready drawings, and personalized remodeling solutions. R.VIAU DRAFTING & DESIGN LTD. BATHROOM RENOVATION PLANS ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY Bathroom Renovation plans in Ottawa At R. Viau Drafting & Design , we specialize in creating detailed, code-compliant bathroom renovation plans tailored to your unique space and vision. Whether you're updating an outdated layout, expanding for more comfort, or reconfiguring for accessibility, our expert drafting services ensure every element (from plumbing and electrical to fixtures and finishes) is thoughtfully designed and ready for permits or construction. With clear technical drawings and 3D visuals, we help homeowners, contractors, and designers turn ideas into buildable plans - efficiently and accurately. What We Offer Existing Layout & Demolition Plans We start by documenting the current bathroom layout to create a clear picture of what's in place. A demolition plan is then created to indicate which elements will be removed, relocated, or preserved. Proposed Floor Plans We design new layout options based on your needs - whether it’s relocating a shower, expanding storage, or reconfiguring the space for improved functionality. Every plan is tailored to your bathroom’s size, plumbing limitations, and design preferences. Plumbing & Electrical Schematics Accurate plumbing and electrical drawings are critical for both safety and code compliance. We specify all new fixture locations, water line adjustments, drainage paths, lighting positions, outlet placement, and fan ventilation. Home Accessibility Upon request, we can design plans with these criterias in mind: Barrier-Free Layouts Roll-In Showers & Grab Bar Placement Toilet accessibility and more When do you typically need a permit? Structural Changes Any modifications to load-bearing walls, beams, or foundations. Major Plumbing / HVAC changes Installing or significantly altering electrical systems, plumbing, or HVAC systems. 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 do all the construction required for your project.