3 reasons a BCIN Designer is the perfect Pro

Are you just starting to think about the idea of renovating your home, adding an addition, or building a new house from scratch?

It can be difficult to decide whether to take on the design yourself or hire a professional. Many people assume they need an Architect or Engineer to help them with the technical aspects, but there is another class of designer that can assist you and figure out all the details of your project:

the BCIN Designer.

Here are the top 3 reasons a BCIN Designer is the perfect pro to help you on your reno journey!

1. DRAWINGS ARE A REQUIREMENT

Whether you want to construct, demolish, or renovate, almost any change to a building requires a permit. And when a permit is required, drawings are required.

As a homeowner, you could prepare drawings yourself, especially if you have a working knowledge of construction practices and principles. However, if you do this, you’re taking on all of the risk and liability of the project if something goes wrong. Also, there is a ton of detail that needs to go into drawings for permit application. So even if you know the construction, knowing design and drafting is an entirely different matter.

A BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) holder is permitted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to engage in the business of providing design activities to the public, subject to the Ontario Building Code and can sign off on all construction drawings and specifications being submitted for permit.

Since you need drawings to apply for your permit, you might as well get someone who is registered, insured, and educated to provide them!

2. YOU DON’T NEED AN ARCHITECT

The building industry has changed a lot in recent years, mostly due to the Ontario Building Code. The OBC has essentially created a new profession and title: Designer.

A BCIN Designer is able to help you with nearly any project you are likely to have. There are some size and height limitations for projects that a BCIN Designer can sign-off on, but for most residential and small commercial projects, you don’t need an Architect.

Plus, Architects and Architectural firms tend to focus on bigger projects, and their policies and fees can make working with an Architect an expensive, time-consuming and complicated process.

So it’s up to you if you think you need an Architect for your project. And for many large-scale projects, an Architect is probably the right choice. But for your average home or office project, a BCIN Designer can provide all the skills and expertise you need at a much more affordable price!

3. MAKE YOUR PROJECT RUN MORE SMOOTHLY

Construction and renos are stressful. Especially when its your home and the process could disrupt the way you live your day-to-day life. But having a complete, accurate set of BCIN drawings to work from can help make the process as painless as possible.

Your beautiful, easy-to-read set of plans will help everyone involved in the project stay on the same page (yes, pun intended). Contractors, trades, and the homeowner will all know exactly what’s going on and what the project needs to look like when completed.

Details and information included in the drawing package such as material specifications, energy efficiency requirements, and window/door schedules can also help save time and money.

Source: Green Slate Designs