3667 Strawberry Hill Street, Suite #107 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
ABOUT OUR DESIGN SERVICES
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR Design SErVICES
The Power of a Good Plan
A successful project always starts with a good plan. We believe the design phase is the single most important part of the building journey — the foundation upon which everything else depends. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Thoughtful design not only captures your vision but also ensures code compliance, budget alignment, and a smoother path through permitting and construction.
yes, we do offer stand alone design services
At BG Custom Homes, we typically work with clients in a full design-and-build capacity, guiding projects from concept to completion. While we are most often engaged to handle everything, we also recognize that some clients may only need help with the design side — and we proudly offer our design services as stand-alone options.
Whether you’re looking for a simple conceptual plan to pitch to lenders or investors, a complete permit set to secure approvals, or fully detailed construction-ready plans (IFC – Issued for Construction), our design team delivers clear, practical solutions tailored to your goals, budget, and site. To help you truly visualize the outcome, we can also provide 3D walkthroughs and renderings that bring your project to life before construction begins.
Examples of the design projects we handle include:
- New Homes & Multi Units
- Major Additions
- Major Renovations
- Smaller Renovations
- Kitchens & Bathrooms
- Decks & Garages
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
With the added strength of our in-house structural engineering and proven ability to obtain permits, our design team offers services that are both creative and highly practical — setting every project up for success.
DESIGN SERVICES - What we can do
Concept & Visualization
• Sketches, bubble diagrams, massing studies
• Concept floor plans & elevations
• 3D models & photorealistic renderings
• Walkthrough animations & flyovers
• Basic Mood boards & finish palettes
Permit & Technical Drawings
• Site plans, zoning/covenant compliance
• Dimensioned floor plans, elevations, sections
• Foundation & framing plans
• Wall sections, construction details
• Energy/code compliance notes
Issued for Construction (IFC)
• Fully coordinated drawing package
• Structural engineer–stamped drawings
• Window/door schedules, finish schedules
• Kitchen/bath/millwork details
• Revisions & construction change directives
Supporting Documents
• Survey overlays & site analysis
• Zoning/covenant reports
• Outline specs & full specification sets
• Code review matrix
• Cost takeoffs & area calcs
As-Builts & Record Sets
• Measured drawings of existing structures
• Renovation as-builts with elevations & sections
• Updated record drawings during construction
Marketing & Sales Tools
• High-resolution renders for MLS & brochures
• Animated walkthroughs or VR models
• “To-Be-Built” turnkey package
• Digital or print brochures
• Simplified sales drawings
Specialty Services
• Interior layouts & furniture plans
• Landscape & exterior site features
• Lighting plans & fixture layouts
• Finish sample boards
• Passive/Net Zero design documentation
• Accessibility & aging-in-place adjustments
• Phased/expandable design planning
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Your Custom Design Proposal
Once we understand your project goals and the level of detail you need from our design team, we prepare a Design Services Proposal tailored specifically to your project. This proposal clearly outlines the scope of drawings, deliverables, timelines, and fees — giving you clarity and confidence before moving forward.
Where possible, we also include high-level pricing information tied to the proposed scope of work. This early insight helps you assess the cost implications of your project up front and make informed decisions before committing to the next stage. Whether you’re looking for a simple concept, a full permit set, or construction-ready plans, the proposal ensures you get exactly what you need to set your project up for success.
A typical project
Why Design Services Matter
In Halifax (HRM), every renovation or new construction project absolutely requires a permit — or multiple permits and approvals of various types. Without them, projects risk delays, stop-work orders, or even fines. Our design team creates the detailed drawings and technical documentation needed to secure these approvals and move your project forward with confidence.
Once a permit set is complete, there is enough information in place for a budget and schedule to be developed — either by our team as part of a full design-build service, or by you if you prefer to manage those aspects independently. In short, getting the design and permits right is the first and most important step toward a successful project.
ready to get started?
Our goal is simple: to set your project up for success from the very beginning. The right design is the foundation of a smooth, efficient build — and we’re here to help you get it right.
If you’d like to talk your project through or learn more about our design services, please leave us a note below. We’d be happy to connect.