Question 1

What is a Commercial Tenant Improvement (TI)?

Accepted Answer

A Commercial Tenant Improvement refers to the customized alterations a building owner or tenant makes to rental space as part of a lease agreement. This can include interior layout changes, new walls, lighting, HVAC, and more to suit the needs of a business.

Question 2

Do I need a permit for my business Renovation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most commercial renovations and tenant improvements require a building permit to ensure compliance with local bylaws, fire safety, accessibility, and building codes.

Question 3

What documents are needed for a TI permit?

Accepted Answer

You typically need detailed floor plans, code compliance drawings, and sometimes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans. We prepare all required documents for your application.

Question 4

What is the first step to get started with my project?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to request the Original Drawings of your property from your City or township. Once you have these, along with your scope of work, our team can assess the feasibility of your project. Contact us for a complimentary feasibility study.

Question 5

Besides drawings, which other professionals will I need for my Tenant Improvement?

Accepted Answer

For commercial Tenant Improvement projects in the Lower Mainland, you may need several professionals depending on your specific business type and scope:• An Architect, which is required in specific scenarios outlined in next question.• A Mechanical Engineer for HVAC systems, particularly for restaurants, medical offices, or spaces with specialized ventilation needs.• A Sprinkler Engineer for fire suppression systems, increasingly required for public-facing commercial spaces. Specifically, sprinkler engineering is required when: adding more than 5 sprinkler heads, relocating 20 or more sprinkler heads, or when proposing any additions to an existing sprinklered building.• An Electrical Engineer for lighting plans, power distribution, and emergency systems.• A Code Consultant for complex projects with specific accessibility or safety requirements.• A Structural Engineer if you're making changes to load-bearing elements, planning any additions, installing racking 8' or taller, or adding heavy equipment.• A Professional Interior Designer for healthcare facilities, food service establishments, or other specialized business types.Canadian Blueprint can not only advise which professionals are required for your specific TI project, but we can also recommend experienced professionals we've worked with successfully in the past, helping you avoid costly delays and ensure quality work.

Question 6

Do I need an Architect for my Tenant Improvement?

Accepted Answer

According to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, an Architect is required if any of the following apply:• You are the first tenant to a new building.• The building is larger than 5,059 square feet.• There is a change of use (e.g., from office to retail).• You are making changes to the building's exterior.• The building is more than three storeys.• The building is classified as Group B (e.g., hospital) or Group A (e.g., daycare, restaurant) with an area over 4,950 square feet.• For more information, visit this official AIBC guide.

Question 7

Can a designer request the Original Drawings on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the designer must provide proof of authorization from the property owner.

Question 8

Can the designer apply for the permit on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a designer can apply as your agent, which means they will be responsible for all inspections and outcomes throughout the process. However, for both legal and practical reasons, it is usually best for the owner or contractor to apply, as they are involved from start to finish.

Question 9

Do I need as-built measuring for my project?

Accepted Answer

As-built measuring is needed when the City has no Original Drawings of your home or business, or if there have been significant changes since the last building permit set of drawings. A significant change is anything that's hard to mark on the existing set of drawings. Our team uses advanced LiDAR scanning technology, which takes 360-degree photos and precisely measures rooms. This method is efficient, reducing what used to take 8 hours down to just 3, and it also minimizes human error. Note that as-built measuring is different from a land survey. While we focus on measuring the interior of the building, a certified land surveyor handles the exterior, measuring property boundaries, land grades, and the exact location of the house in relation to the lot.

Question 10

How long does it take to get a TI permit?

Accepted Answer

Permit timelines vary by municipality and project complexity. Simple TI permits may be approved in a few weeks, while more complex projects can take longer. We help ensure your application is complete for faster approval.

Question 11

How much will my permit drawings cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of your permit drawings depends on a few things. For instance, will there be any changes to the structure? (If so, we'll need to bring in a Structural Engineer). Were you able to obtain the Original Drawings from the City? (If not, we'll need measure the existing space). Is there any work that was done without a permit that isn't included in your plans? (The City requires all unpermitted work to be taken care of before they'll issue a permit). Due to these kinds of details, the only way for us to give you an accurate price is to do a feasibility study. Contact us today for your free study!

Question 12

Can you help with design and permit drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialize in all types of Tenant Improvement projects—whether you need permit drawings for an office, restaurant, retail space, or any other commercial use. No project is too big or too small. Contact us for expert TI design and code-compliant permit drawings for your business.

Question 13

What information do you need to check the feasibility for my Tenant Improvement?

Accepted Answer

To assess your TI project, we’ll need your name, phone number, email, project address, business type, and a brief description of your goals. If this is the first tenant improvement for the space, let us know the previous business type. If you have Original Drawings from the City, please provide them—otherwise, we can help arrange as-built measuring. The more details you share, the more accurate and helpful our assessment will be.

Question 14

What is a feasibility assessment, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A feasibility assessment is a crucial first step that helps you avoid costly surprises. We review your project’s details, local bylaws, and site conditions to determine what’s possible and what professionals or documents you’ll need. This way, you don’t risk spending money on plans or permits the City won’t approve. Our goal is to give you clear, honest guidance so you can move forward with confidence, knowing exactly what’s required for success.

Question 15

How long does a feasibility assessment take?

Accepted Answer

We aim to complete most feasibility assessments within 1–3 business days. In many cases, you’ll receive feedback within a day. If additional information or documents are needed, we’ll let you know right away to keep your project moving forward.

Question 16

What do I receive as part of a feasibility assessment?

Accepted Answer

You’ll receive a clear summary of what’s possible for your project, including a quote for our services and recommendations for any additional professionals you may need. If you’d like a detailed breakdown, we can provide a comprehensive assessment outlining the pros, cons, and next steps. Once you’re ready to proceed, we’ll provide a full list of the drawings and documents we’ll prepare for your permit application.

Question 17

Is there a cost for a feasibility assessment?

Accepted Answer

No—our initial feasibility assessment is complimentary. We believe in earning your trust by showing the value we provide up front. Once you see the level of detail and care we put into your project, we’re confident you’ll want to work with us.

Question 18

Can you assess feasibility for my Tenant Improvement if I don’t have Original Drawings?

Accepted Answer

Although you may not have a copy of the Original Drawings, the City may have them on file. If the City does have Original Drawings, we require a copy before we can proceed with the assessment. If the City does not have them, we can perform as-built measuring to create the necessary documentation. This allows us to accurately assess your space and provide reliable guidance.

Question 19

What types of Tenant Improvement projects do you offer feasibility assessments for?

Accepted Answer

We offer feasibility assessments for all commercial tenant improvements, including Retail, Restaurant, Office, Medical, Fitness, and Specialty Business Spaces. Whether you’re moving into a new space or renovating an existing one, we’ll help you understand your options and requirements.

Question 20

What happens after the feasibility assessment for my Tenant Improvement?

Accepted Answer

After your feasibility assessment, if you’re ready to proceed, we’ll send you an agreement to sign and officially award us the job. Once the agreement is signed, we’ll document your space, develop proposed plans, and prepare all required drawings for permit submission. We coordinate with engineers and other professionals, help with application forms, and revise plans as needed to secure permit approval. We’re with you every step of the way to ensure your business opens smoothly and on time.

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