Structural Engineering · Permit Drawings · Building Design
Toronto Structural Engineer for Home Additions, Extensions, New Construction & Alterations
UTES provides stamped structural engineering drawings, complete building permit packages, and design for residential projects across Toronto and the GTA. Design and engineering services are available without a construction contract.
Who we serve
Engineering and permit services for homeowners, investors, and contractors
UTES works with clients at every stage — from homeowners who just need permit drawings to proceed with their own builder, to real estate investors adding density to a property, to contractors who need a P.Eng. stamp on structural work already designed.
You do not need to hire UTES for construction. Approximately 70% of UTES engineering clients use the firm for design, structural drawings, and permit services only — then proceed with their own contractor or builder. There is no obligation to use UTES beyond the engineering and permit scope.
Homeowners
Need drawings and a permit for an addition, extension, or alteration. Want engineering done right before hiring a contractor.
Investors & landlords
Adding a garden suite, laneway suite, or converting a property to a multiplex. Need permit drawings and zoning sign-off.
Contractors & builders
Need a P.Eng. stamp on structural drawings, a load-bearing wall assessment, or a structural report for a client project.
Commercial owners
Restaurant fit-outs, commercial alterations, or office renovations requiring engineering drawings and a building permit.
Solar & green energy
Rooftop solar installations requiring structural engineering sign-off and stamped letters for municipal approval.
Real estate & legal
Structural condition assessments, inspection reports, and stamped letters required for property transactions or insurance.
Services
Structural engineering and permit services we provide
All structural engineering drawings are prepared and stamped by Arash Bahamin, P.Eng. Permit packages include all documents required by the City of Toronto or the relevant municipality for a complete application.
Home additions & extensions
Rear additions, side extensions, second storey additions, and bump-outs. Design and structural drawings for building permit.
Most commonNew home construction
Full permit drawing packages for new residential construction including design plans, structural engineering, and site plan.
Garden suites & laneway suites
Permit drawings for detached garden suites and laneway suites. Includes setback analysis and tree permit coordination where required.
Most commonMultiplex conversions
Structural and design drawings for duplex, triplex, and fourplex conversions. Includes Committee of Adjustment applications where required.
Load-bearing wall removal
Structural assessment, beam design, and stamped drawings for load-bearing wall removals. Required by the City for permit sign-off.
Underpinning & basement lowering
Structural engineering design and drawings for underpinning projects and basement walkout conversions.
Garage & attic conversions
Structural drawings and permit packages for converting garages to living space or finishing attic areas for habitable use.
Solar panel structural engineering
Roof structural assessment and stamped engineering letters for residential and commercial solar panel installations across Ontario.
Structural reports & assessments
Site visit reports, structural condition assessments, and stamped certificate letters for real estate, insurance, or legal purposes.
Commercial & restaurant permits
Building permit drawings for restaurant fit-outs, commercial kitchen alterations, retail renovations, and office changes of use.
How it works
From first call to permit approval
UTES manages the entire engineering and permit process. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
Initial consultation
A brief call or site visit to understand the project scope, review existing conditions, and confirm zoning eligibility. UTES provides a fixed-fee proposal within 1–2 business days.
Zoning & bylaw review
UTES reviews the applicable zoning bylaw to confirm what is permitted as-of-right and identify whether a Committee of Adjustment application is required before permits can be submitted.
Design & structural drawings
The design team prepares design drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan) and Arash Bahamin, P.Eng. prepares and stamps all structural engineering drawings.
Permit submission
UTES submits the complete permit package to the City of Toronto or relevant municipality through the online portal and manages all communications with city plan examiners.
Revisions & approval
If the city issues comments or revision requests, UTES responds and resubmits. The goal is a complete, well-prepared application that minimizes back-and-forth and gets to approval as quickly as possible.
Permit issued — your contractor can start
Once the permit is issued, you can proceed with your own contractor or builder. UTES can also provide construction management if needed — but there is no obligation.
Credentials & licensing
Every drawing stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer
All structural engineering drawings produced by UTES are prepared and stamped by Arash Bahamin, P.Eng. — a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario with over 25 years of residential and commercial engineering experience. A P.Eng. stamp is required by the City of Toronto and most Ontario municipalities for structural elements in building permit applications.
UTES is also licensed by Tarion and the HCRA for new home construction, meaning the firm can provide both engineering-only services and full design-build delivery under a single licence framework.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
No. UTES provides structural engineering drawings, building permit packages, and design as standalone services. Many clients hire UTES for the design and permit phase only and use their own contractor for construction. There is no obligation to use UTES beyond the engineering and permit scope.
A typical building permit package includes working drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections), structural engineering drawings stamped by a P.Eng., a site plan, and all supporting documents required by the City of Toronto or relevant municipality. For projects requiring a Committee of Adjustment variance, UTES prepares and submits that application as well.
For a typical home addition in Toronto, permit review takes 6–10 weeks after a complete application is submitted. UTES prepares complete packages to minimize back-and-forth with the city. If a Committee of Adjustment minor variance is required first, add approximately 3–5 months for that process.
Yes. UTES manages the full permit submission including preparing the drawing package, submitting through the City's online portal, and responding to any revision requests from city plan examiners.
Fees vary based on project scope, size, and complexity. UTES provides a fixed-fee proposal after a brief consultation. Contact the team at (647) 372-2721 or info@utes.ca to discuss your project and get a quote.
Yes. UTES provides standalone structural condition assessments, inspection reports, and stamped certificate letters for residential and commercial properties. These are commonly required for real estate transactions, insurance purposes, mortgage applications, or contractor verification.
Yes. UTES provides rooftop structural assessments and stamped engineering letters for residential and commercial solar panel installations across Ontario. These are required by most municipalities and utility companies before installation approval.
Ready to get your permit drawings started?
Tell us about your project and we'll provide a fixed-fee proposal within 1–2 business days.