BCIN Designer Reviews - Mark H Smith Designs Inc.
Project: Garden Suite, Secondary Suite, Renovations, Addition, Minor Variance
Homeowner review: “Mark was a pleasure to work with. He was friendly, attentive, knowledgeable about the by-laws and codes which saved us a lot of headaches. He also offered expert advise and design suggestions to maximize our projects functionality while minimizing construction costs. If you're looking at doing any project in Toronto, contact Mark and you'll be sure to get honest accurate work at very reasonable pricing. We highly recommend working with Mark!!”
Scope of work: New one bedroom garden suite created by developing a second storey addition that enabled portion of existing garage to be converted into a two storey, one bedroom suite. New basement one bedroom secondary suite created through renovating the single family home. New fire fighter access, entranceway path and patio area created within front yard.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package. Additional Committee of Adjustment minor variances support services package for case research, development, filing and representation at public hearing to successfully obtain zoning by-law minor variance approval for building permits issuance.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Minesh K., Toronto, Ontario
Project: New construction of a two storey single family home with attached two car garage. Conservation authority approval by Niagara Escarpment Commission
Homeowner review: “Lead design, planning, permitting of minimalistic farmhouse in controlled developed zone. Mark H Smith guided our journey to build our new home, from start to finish. From listening to our needs, wants, evaluating options, to concepts, budget realities and all permits. The permitting process was complex being in a special development zone of the Niagara Escarpment. We highly rate Marks professional service, transparent process with the highest governance applied. Yet being personal and easy to deal with.”
Scope of work: New 3800sqft two storey minimalistic farmhouse with integrated two car garage. Site plan coordination for building within larger multi-building area of the property. Conversion of existing farm building into an ancillary building.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package with included conservation authority coordination support services for case research, development and coordination for approval with the Niagara Escarpment Commission as the governing conservation authority for the property.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Christian V., Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Project: Third Storey & Rear Additions, Interior & Exterior Renovations, Secondary Suite, Minor Variances
Homeowner review: “Mark is an effective communicator and provided great service from the day I signed up to the day I received my second set of building permits over a year later. Mark came up with creative solutions for the open concept design I wanted as well as the approach I should take with the city in order to start work on the building quicker. Mark was also an invaluable part of the Committee of Adjustments (“CofA”) process. He diligently prepared the case and did a great job of representing my project and he was successful in obtaining a minor variance for the third floor addition and basement apartment portion of the project.”
Scope of work: Create additional living space through providing third floor and rear additions. Completely renovate existing two storey building on all floors, including underpinning and finishing basement, creating new exterior stair access, and providing new one bedroom secondary suite.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package. Additional Committee of Adjustment minor variances support services package for case research, development, filing and representation at public hearing to successfully obtain zoning by-law minor variance approval for building permits issuance.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nevin S., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Second Storey Side Addition, Rear Second Floor Balcony, Interior Alterations, Minor Variances
Homeowner review: “I retained Mark to design a 2nd story addition above a tandem garage. Mark efficiently guided through the Committee of Approval and Building Permit process despite a few miscues/delays from the City. Mark is very diligent and through, I would highly recommend his services, in so much that I already have lined him up for another project down the road.”
Scope of work: Create additional living and storage space through providing second storey addition that seamlessly integrated into the existing two storey brick home. Provide a new rear second floor balcony. Create a new covered front porch.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package. Additional Committee of Adjustment minor variances support services package for case research, development, filing and representation at public hearing to successfully obtain zoning by-law minor variance approval for building permits issuance.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bryan M., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Building permits for Interior Renovations on multiple floors
Homeowner review: “Mark was great to work with, very detailed and able to facilitate design discussions and help us navigate the design and permit process in Toronto.”
Scope of work: Develop new bathroom floor layouts for 3 piece and 4 piece bathroom layouts that improved the look, feel and use of the main floor and basement bathrooms within the existing single family home. Obtain the necessary building permit and plumbing permit for the proposed work to proceed with construction.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anthony C., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Building permits for a new Front Porch, Driveway widening and front entranceway path.
Homeowner review: “We worked with Mark on the redesign of our front porch and walkway to a fully-covered entranceway. Marks experience as a designer, as well as his familiarity with the City of Toronto permitting process, made everything easy for us. From the outset, Mark met with us in person to see the space, and asked insightful questions that made us consider all aspects of the project. Throughout the design iteration process, Mark was very patient with our questions and revision requests, and we were very happy with the final design. He liaised effectively with engineers to finalize the structural drawings, and maintained strong and clear communication with us throughout the process, despite some delays that were out of his control. He submitted everything to the City on our behalf, and his knowledge of the City permitting process allowed us to receive our permit within a very short time after it was submitted. Overall we are very happy with Mark and would recommend him to anyone seeking a knowledgeable guide through a design and permitting process.”
Scope of work: To develop a new front porch that integrated with the existing semidetached bungalow along with improving space for car parking within the front yard of the driveway and pedestrian access to the main entrance of the single family home. Obtain the necessary building permit for the proposed work.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jane M., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Building permits for interior renovations to provide a new two bedroom secondary suite.
Homeowner review: “Mark helped turn our cluttered thoughts into permit ready drawings necessary to convert an existing one bedroom unit into a legal, two bedroom second suite. His attention to detail, and open, honest approach made him a pleasure to work with. We've already spoken to him about our next project.”
Scope of work: To develop a secondary suite conversion within an existing detached single family home that provided a second two bedroom unit through redesigning the basement layout to make better use of the available space and relocate the mechnical room to better support the building services while no longer impeding on the living space of the new unit. Obtain the necessary building permit and plumbing permit for the proposed work.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scott B., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Building permits for interior and exterior renovations. Underpinning and finishing the existing basement. New rear deck and access to the main building from the rear yard. Master plan developed for future second floor addition project in 5 years to continue building on top of initial investment from first project.
Homeowner review: “Mark helped us to re-imagine our bungalow. From the first meeting Mark focused on getting to know us, our immediate and future needs and wishes. He has been very collaborative, communicative, and transparent through the whole process. He helped us to navigate challenges that came up during construction and offered sound advice. His attention to detail and knowledge of city building code and processes was a critical skill set we relied heavily upon to get permits approved. We are very happy with Mark's work, appreciate for the care he gave to our project.”
Scope of work: To develop a renovated first floor layout for the bungalow that increased living space, improved stair layout to access basement and provided new access point to the rear yard along with developing a new living space within an underpinned finished basement for the single family home. Obtain the necessary building permit, HVAC permit, drain permit and plumbing permit for the proposed work.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package. Additional design services provided to develop master plan for integrating future second floor addition project on top of first project’s completed construction.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mallory H., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Building permits for a new single storey rear addition
Homeowner review: “I engaged Mark to help design a backyard extension and obtain the building permit. He is professional, communicates well and answers questions promptly and thoroughly. I never felt that I was taking up too much of his time. He recommended other professionals at my request but I never felt pressured to use any of his contacts. Mark is a pleasure to deal with and I recommend him without hesitation. You can stop looking elsewhere. Just hire Mark.”
Scope of work: To develop a rear single storey addition that connected to the single family home and provided lots of natural light and views of the rear yard while integrating with and expanding the existing kitchen and dining area as well as providing a guest bedroom and bathroom. Obtain the necessary building permit, HVAC permit and plumbing permits for the proposed work.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Asit P., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Interior renovations for removal of several load bearing walls for one dwelling unit within existing triplex.
Homeowner review: “Mark was engaged by our construction company to provide initial design concepts and ultimately submit final design plans to the City of Toronto for building permit approval. From the first consult to the final delivery of the permits, Mark was a pleasure to work with. He took the time needed to get to know our clients and to understand their vision for their kitchen renovation. His attention to detail is unmatched. We are now poised to begin construction with permits and drawings needed to engage electrical, framing and structural trades. We confidently recommend Mark for all of your design and permit application needs.”
Scope of work: To develop a revised floor layout for a 2 bedroom dwelling unit that created a new, combined kitchen, living and dining area that could benefit from the natural light and existing windows in the home and also creating a new entry, mudroom and bathroom for the unit. Several load bearing walls were designed to be replaced with new beams as details that contributed to the finished spaces. Obtain the necessary building permit and plumbing permit for the proposed work.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dean W., Toronto, Ontario
Project: New study suite with integrated covered carport as ancillary building within rear yard.
Homeowner review: “Mark simplified a very complicated rear project at our home and made the process efficient, smooth and professional. He had strong suggestions that added great value to our property and we are very satisfied working with him & look forward to future projects.”
Scope of work: To develop a study suite within the rear yard with an integrated carport with one parking space.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Herschel K., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Garage demolition and parking pad coordination in rear yard.
Homeowner review: “Mark's advice and guidance (from conception to permit application, follow up and completion) was invaluable. My first attempt to navigate the City of Toronto by-laws for the demolition of our garage and fence building was confusing, frustrating and time consuming. After connecting with Mark, things became infinitely easier. He visited the site, patiently answered our many questions, made helpful strategic suggestions, prepared the permit application and forms (complete with professional drawings), followed up with the City regarding their questions of clarification, keeping us informed at every step of the way. His work saved us countless hours and headaches. It was worth every penny.”
Scope of work: To develop a new parking pad and driveway within the rear yard of a single family semi detached home so as to replace the existing garage and enable a large trailer to be parked while also ensuring all landscaping requirements for the property are met. Obtain the necessary demolition permit and zoning approval for new rear yard parking pad and landscaping proposal.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
William K., Toronto, Ontario
Project: New construction of a two storey rear addition to existing semi-detached single family home and interior renovations.
Homeowner review “We bought a semi in the Beaches with the intent to add on to the home and renovate. Mark worked through various iterations with us, excellent advice on what we could or could not do....the easiest route to a building permit. Excellent design ideas, very easy to work with and always on time. Highly recommend Mark's services for your architectural design needs.”
Scope of work: To develop additional living, kitchen and bedroom spaces as well as improve the existing building floor plan layouts room arrangements and provide additional space to the existing home by creating a rear two storey rear addition. Obtain the necessary building permits from the building department.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
John S., Toronto, Ontario
Project: New Second floor addition, two storey rear addition, rear covered deck, front porch, garden suite, underpinned finished basement. Interior and Exterior renovations to the existing single storey home.
Homeowner review: “Mark was a pleasure to work with. He made me feel like I was his top priority even though he had many projects on the go. Communicating with him was fast, easy and I always felt like he understood my vision. Having worked with architects in the past who insisted on doing things their way, I came to appreciate Mark's flexibility (and patience) with my involvement in the process. I also learned that I could trust his judgement. Every time a tough choice needed to be made, Mark was prepared with solutions and experience based reasons to guide the decision making. Now that the design process is over, I couldn't be happier with the results. My builder even commented several times on how good the drawings are and is eager to work with Mark in making my new home a reality. Highly recommended.”
Scope of work: To develop an entirely new home while working with the main structure of the existing single family home. Providing a large open concept first floor Kitchen, dining and living areas along with lowering the basement to provide more ceiling height and a fully finished recreation space. Creating a new second floor to include 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms and laundry facilities. Obtain the necessary building permits while specifically designing project to meet all zoning by-law requirements so as to avoid the need for obtaining minor variances from the committee of adjustments.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package. Additional Design services provided to assess and coordinate project’s plans to accommodate a future Garden suite being added into the rear yard.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oliver R., Toronto, Ontario
Project: Underpinning existing basement to provide finished recreation area in semidetached home.
Homeowner review: “We had a great experience working with Mark and highly recommend his services. He is very thorough and professional, and seems to understand the permitting process very well which allowed him to provide helpful advice to us, which I consider value add. He also possesses a technical knowledge that was helpful to us in making some key design decisions on our project. Our building permit was issued with no issues (or even questions) from the City.”
Scope of work: Develop a livable basement space that includes a new bathroom, laundry area, built-in guest bed and wet bar to accompany a finished multi-use recreational space that better supports and serves the homeowners and their friends and family within the existing single family home. Obtain the necessary building permits for the proposed work to proceed with construction.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chris W., Toronto, Ontario
Project: New construction of a two storey single family home with an attached two car garage, front, side, rear porches and new basement for portion of building.
Homeowner review: “Words can not describe how pleased we are with Mark's work. Upon our first meeting to discuss design ideas he paid special attention to every detail of our vision. Mark was able to reproduce that vision perfectly. Looking after all the necessary requirements for obtaining city permits made this project enjoyable for us, the amount of knowledge needed to navigate the permit process is confusing, we would, with out a doubt, not been able to do it ourselves. Mark was always very responsive to any and all enquires we had and with his expertise gave us suggestions that were well thought out and never made any part of the design process confusing or stressful. I can't stress enough that MARK IS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL AT WHAT HE DOES!”
Scope of work: Develop new 3000sqft two storey craftsman styled home with an integrated two car garage and workshop.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Andris P., Toronto, Ontario
Project: New construction of a third storey addition and integrated roof design for the existing detached split level single family home. Interior and exterior renovations to the existing building.
Homeowner review: “We hired Mark for an extensive home renovation project. The home that he created professional designs for was a 1970's sidesplit. Mark was very professional the entire time he worked with us. He asked about our needs and a wish list. He listened attentively and followed through with all our requests. He also provided his professional opinions allowing us to make informed decisions. Throughout the entire project Mark was extremely punctual. His thorough and clear communication over emails, phone calls, and ZOOM calls helped make what could be a stressful experience, an exciting one. Mark, this first part of our project went smoothly due to your professional dealings and expertise, and for that we thank you. If you are looking for someone who is reliable and knowledgeable Mark is your guy! We highly recommend him.”
Scope of work: Develop new third floor addition to provide new main bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet. Create interior access from existing garage along with providing a new mudroom, renovated kitchen and new entryway for the main entrance into the building.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package including coordination of septic system replacement in order to support the enlarged home after renovations.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jason B., Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
Project: Underpinning and finishing basement within existing detached single family home.
Homeowner review: “Mark is who you want in your corner for your next project! As a person who has never taken on a project like this before I could not have done it with out Mark’s expertise, vision and exceptional customer service and communication skills. From the onset he was very personable and made it a priority to let us know that this was our project and he was here to help make this dream a reality for us. He really listened and included all members of our family to ensure that he had a good understanding of what our desires are. He worked diligently with us to design the most of our space including all the little details that we requested. I can not emphasize enough that what makes Mark stand out from others is his exceptional communication and customer service skills.”
Scope of work: Underpinning of the existing basement to provide additional ceiling so that it can serve the family as a livable finished space. Develop the finished area in the basement to create two new bedrooms, a new bathroom and a recreational space for the family to enjoy.
BCIN designer services: Complete design services, drafting services and building permits coordination services package.
Rating: 5/5; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Leigh Ann M., Hamilton, Ontario
S Jalees
Turning Single family home into legal duplex
We purchased a house downtown that we wanted to turn into a legal duplex. We hired Mark to draw up the plans and submit to the City. During the design process Mark was very patient and efficient. He also came up with some innovative ideas. The plans were submitted and were approved by the City without ANY changes. We highly recommend Mark. He is detail oriented; a very good communicator and was always ready and willing to answer our questions. It was a sheer pleasure to know him and work with him.
N & J Stoner
Interior and Exterior renovation and addition
Our Goal: to do extensive renovations to both the interior and exterior of our house that involved restructuring our roof and creating an open-concept for our interior space. We had no idea how to move forward with the project.
Mark worked on preparing plans for a whole house renovation where we could do some of the work ourselves and be general contractors for the larger structural changes. He spent a great deal of time talking to us about our home and rural property and taking accurate measurements of the existing structure. The conversations and measurements were translated into several design proposals that would meet our needs. Mark continued to meet with us to refine our design options. Although we must have been challenging clients because we did not have a clear picture of what we wanted, he did not issue any ultimatums during the design process. Instead, we were offered complete design options from which we were able to pick and choose. His design ideas varied from very conservative to bold. Being given the option of combining designs instead of choosing only one was exactly what we were looking for. Mark’s background in construction allowed him to point out advantages and disadvantages for different designs. He worked with the town building inspector to get permits approved and made any design adjustments required. Mark was able to change plans in a timely manner to incorporate an additional removal of a small wall which lengthened the beam needed, while construction was occurring. He was able to alter the plan, have it sent to the building inspector and approved on a day when roads were closed due to a snow storm. Although initially reluctant to work directly with a homeowner, our contractors were happy to do the work as soon as they saw the details and quality of the plan.
We were completely satisfied with Mark’s technical knowledge and professional approach. We would not hesitate to refer anyone to Mark for architectural design services.
S Cunningham
Detached Garage
Mark was helpful from the first conversation. I had no idea where to start when we decided to demolish and rebuild our garage. I hadn't even hired him and he was full of info and advice. He kept time lines and kept in contact with us. I don't have a single complaint.
J Linklater
Interior Renovation and 2 Storey addition
Mark was great at providing us with various plans/drawings for our home addition and renovation. He showed us ways to save money and use the space that we had more effectively. He was great to work with and listened to our ideas and concerns throughout the process from measurements to building permit.
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Interested in starting a conversation about your upcoming project?
Please give us a call at 647 609 0333 or Visit our Contact Page.
Mark H Smith Designs Inc.
Address: 203-50 Cambridge Ave, Toronto,
ON, M4K 2L3
Telephone: 647 609 0333
Email: info@markHsmith.ca
Hours: Monday - Friday: 10a.m.-6p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: Closed
Services:
Design
Drafting
Building Permit Coordination
Service Areas:
Greater Toronto Area(GTA);
Up to 200 km outside of GTA
