Multi-Unit Development
Build 4-12 unit developments faster and for less. Our integrated approach eliminates the coordination chaos and hidden costs that eat into your returns.
The hidden cost of development
Most investors focus on construction costs and permit fees. But the real money drain happens in the spaces between professionals.
Coordination time
You become the project manager, spending 50+ hours coordinating architects, engineers, and consultants who don't communicate with each other.
Rework and revisions
When the structural engineer's design doesn't align with the architect's vision, guess who pays for the redesign? You do. Industry average: 12% of fees.
Carrying costs during delays
Every month of delay costs you lost rent plus financing costs. Traditional approaches average 10-12 months to permit. That's real money leaving your pocket.
Your time and risk
At $150/hour, your time managing this process has real value. And when something goes wrong between handoffs, you're left holding the responsibility.
Calculate your true cost
See the real difference between coordinating professionals yourself versus our integrated approach.
Traditional Approach
Integrated Approach
RAIC fee guidelines
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) publishes recommended fee percentages based on construction value. For multi-unit residential in Atlantic Canada, architectural fees typically range from 8-12% of construction cost. A $2M building traditionally pays $160,000-$240,000 in architectural fees alone.
Traditional fee structure
Under the traditional approach, you pay separately for: architecture (8-12% of construction), structural engineering (1.5-2.5%), mechanical/electrical (2-3%), and permit coordination. For a 6-unit building, this totals $90,000-$130,000 before any rework or delays.
Our integrated pricing
By combining all disciplines under one roof, we eliminate duplication, reduce coordination overhead, and pass savings to you. Our fixed-price packages average $10,000 per unit — 30-40% below traditional market rates for equivalent scope.
Coordination savings
Developer interviews show 50-70 hours typical for coordinating separate professionals on a 6-unit project. At $150/hour opportunity cost, that's $7,500-$10,500 in your time — eliminated with our single-point approach.
Rework elimination
Industry data indicates 10-15% of professional fees go to rework from coordination failures. Our internal team catches conflicts before they become expensive changes.
Timeline comparison
Traditional Nova Scotia multi-unit permits: 10-12 months. Our integrated approach: 10–12 weeks. Validated by projects like 917 Richard Street (1 month to permit).
Tell us about your project and get a detailed response within 1 business day
Real results from real projects
Multi-unit developments we've permitted across Nova Scotia.
6 Units
8 Units
10 Units
20 Units
See what we deliver
Real deliverables from 917 Richard Street — a 6-unit development permitted in 2 months.
Pre-Leasing Renderings
Photorealistic views that help secure tenant commitments and financing before construction starts.
Construction-Ready Plans
Detailed floor plans, elevations, and sections your contractor can build from directly.
Bill of Materials
Complete material and fixture schedules for tighter bids and fewer change orders.
P.Eng-Stamped Engineering
Professional engineer accountability on every structural and code-compliance drawing.
What's included
Everything you need from concept to permit approval, delivered by one integrated team.
Site feasibility assessment
Zoning review, setback analysis, and development potential evaluation
Architectural design
Floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details
Structural engineering
P.Eng stamped structural drawings and calculations
Mechanical & electrical
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system design
Code compliance review
NBC 2020 and Nova Scotia Building Code compliance
Permit submission
Complete application package and municipal liaison
Renderings & visualizations
3D exterior and interior renderings for pre-leasing, investor presentations, and contractor coordination
Popular Locations for Multi-Unit Development
Explore multi-unit permit services in Nova Scotia's most active development markets.
See how we delivered 917 Richard Street — a 6-unit development permitted in just 2 months.
From Permit to Keys
Ready to build after permitting?
Our construction partner, Helio Urban Development, specializes in multi-unit residential builds across Nova Scotia — taking projects from permit to keys with a seamless handoff.
Ready to move faster?
Book a feasibility assessment and we'll analyze your site's development potential within 1 week.
Feasibility assessments from $499 – $999 (credited toward your package)