Know your cost before you start
Hiring an architect, engineer, and permit consultant separately costs $12,000–$18,500 for a typical home project. Our integrated packages start at $6,000 — with a fixed price guaranteed.
How pricing works
From free conversation to fixed quote in four steps
Free initial conversation
Tell us about your project. We'll discuss your goals, answer questions, and confirm whether we're a good fit—no cost, no commitment.
Feasibility assessment
We analyze your site and zoning to confirm your project is viable before you invest in a full package.
Get your fixed quote
Based on the assessment, you receive an exact price for your complete permit package. No ranges, no estimates.
Assessment fee credited
Your feasibility assessment investment applies to the full project cost. It's not an extra charge—it's the first step.
What happens when you cut corners
The cheapest option often becomes the most expensive one.
Stock plans that don’t fit your lot
$1,500–$3,000 stock plans need $3,000–$5,000 in modifications to meet your site conditions — and you still need a P.Eng stamp on top of that.
A drafter without engineering credentials
$2,000–$3,000 drawings get rejected without a P.Eng stamp. You pay again for engineering, then again when the drawings need to be redone to match.
Failed inspections delay your contractor
Contractor idle time costs $2,000–$5,000 per month. Projects without professional coordination average 3–4 municipal deficiency letters.
The coordination tax
Separate professionals create conflicting drawings. You pay revision fees on both sides — $1,000–$3,000 per rework cycle — and add weeks to your timeline.
How the cost compares
One integrated package vs. hiring each professional separately
| Service | Hiring Separately | With Nova Scotia Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | $6,000 – $8,000 | Included |
| Structural Engineer | $3,000 – $5,000 | Included |
| Energy Consultant | $1,500 – $2,500 | Included |
| Permit Consultant | $1,500 – $3,000 | Included |
| Coordination (your time) | Weeks of back-and-forth | We handle it |
| Total | $12,000 – $18,500 | From $10,000 |
Ranges based on typical Nova Scotia residential projects. Your exact quote is confirmed at feasibility.
Package pricing
All packages include design, engineering, and permit application support.
Homes & Suites
Basement suites, garden suites, additions, duplexes, and new homes
Feasibility Assessment
Site analysis, zoning review, and preliminary cost estimate. Credited toward your package.
| Project Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basement Suite Convert existing space to rental unit | From $6,000 |
| Garden Suite Detached ADU / backyard home | From $10,000 |
| Addition Expand existing home footprint | From $10,000 |
| Conversion Convert single-family to duplex | From $12,000 |
| New Home Custom single-family residence | From $10,000 |
Exact price confirmed at feasibility assessment
Multi-Unit Development
4 to 12 unit buildings for investors and developers
Feasibility Assessment
Pro forma analysis, zoning optimization, and development strategy. Credited toward your package.
| Building Size | Per Unit |
|---|---|
| 4-Unit Building Quadplex or townhouse | From $10,000/unit |
| 6-Unit Building Small apartment | From $9,500/unit 5% off |
| 8+ Unit Building Mid to large apartment | From $9,000/unit 10% off |
Exact price confirmed at feasibility assessment
What affects your price?
Your exact fixed price is determined during the feasibility assessment. These are the key factors:
One fixed price covers everything — saving you 50-70% vs. hiring an architect, engineer, and permit coordinator separately. See how we delivered a 6-unit development in 2 months at 917 Richard Street.
Government grants may cover part of your project
These programs apply to secondary suites and garden suites. We can help identify which grants apply to your project during the feasibility assessment.
Grant availability and amounts are subject to change. Visit Nova Scotia's program page and Halifax's incentive page for current details.
What you get
Every package delivers these outcomes
A design you'll love that meets code
Floor plans, elevations, sections, and site plans — designed to your vision and compliant from day one.
Engineered to pass inspection the first time
Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering with P.Eng stamp on all required documents.
Built to Nova Scotia building standards
Full compliance with NBC 2020 and Nova Scotia Building Code requirements.
Energy-efficient by design
EnerGuide or energy compliance calculations included as required by your municipality.
We handle the municipality — you don't wait in line
Complete permit application package prepared and submitted on your behalf.
Municipal comments handled at no extra cost
Revisions and responses to municipal feedback are included in your fixed price.
What's not included
These items are separate from your permit package
Common Questions
Answers to frequently asked pricing questions
Your exact price depends on building size, site conditions, structural requirements, and municipal jurisdiction. The feasibility assessment evaluates all of these factors and gives you a locked number before you commit to the full package.
The feasibility assessment is a professional review of your site, zoning, and project requirements. It confirms whether your project is viable before you invest in a full permit package. You receive a detailed report and an exact quote. If you proceed, the assessment fee is credited toward your package cost—so it's not an extra charge, it's the first step.
Municipal revisions are included in your fixed price at no additional cost. We handle all responses to municipal comments because it's a normal part of the permit process. Only changes to your original project scope (like adding a second suite) would require a separate quote.
Hiring an architect, structural engineer, energy consultant, and permit consultant separately typically costs $12,000–$18,500 for a residential project—plus weeks of coordination on your end. Our integrated packages start at $10,000 with everything coordinated for you. See the comparison table above for a full breakdown.
A drafter charges $2,000–$3,000 for floor plans, but floor plans alone won’t get you a building permit. You still need structural engineering ($3,000–$5,000), energy compliance ($1,500–$2,500), and permit coordination ($1,500–$3,000). Total: $8,000–$13,500 — with 3–4 times the timeline, more risk of rejection, and you’re managing it all yourself. Our integrated packages start at $6,000 with everything included.
Start with a feasibility assessment
Find out if your project is viable and get an exact quote. Your assessment fee is credited toward your full package.