Mark H Smith Designs Inc.

Formerly Markedly Better Design, Drafting & Permit Services
Drafting Service
Toronto ON M5R 2P7
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Drafting Service
Mark H Smith Designs Inc.
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Reviews for Mark H Smith Designs Inc.

Average customer rating:
9.9 10 (39 reviews)

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Jane
Jane
1 review Scarborough, ON
10/10

Great experience with Mark

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$2,500.00
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Company Response

Thank you for the kind words Jane, it has been a pleasure to work with you and your partner throughout this process of designing, drafting and obtaining permits for this custom porch roof and porch extension project. I'm looking forward to the satisfied smiles this project will encourage in you both when looking at, parking on the driveway beside and entering into your home through this upgraded front entrance. I wish you both a smooth journey through the construction stage ahead.

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Mississauga, ON
10/10

Feasibility of constructing a single car garage and roof overhand

A huge thank you to Mark for taking the time to research our proposed project and give us sage advice on its feasibility. He put in time and effort without being on contract with us and we are grateful to him for sharing his knowledge and expertise. We would definitely want to work with him on future projects, even as we are not able to move forward on this one. Top notch!

Approximate cost of services:
$0.00
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Company Response

Thank you for these kind words M & L. I am glad to hear that my respect for your time and project -regardless of being committed to your project with a contract- has offered you both useful information to now better understand what options there are available for renovating or adding onto your home in a way that makes sense as an investment while supporting and serving your family's future goals for the property. I look forward to reconnecting with you both soon to work on a future project together.

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

design drawings for permit

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

Approximate cost of services:
$5,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for the kind words. It was a pleasure to work with you and your partner to design and draft this project so that we could develop a design that made best use of the space and provide two, two bedroom suites within your existing single family home. I wish you both all the best on the next steps for this project.

Mallory
Mallory
2 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Design, Development & Permit Approvals

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$4,500.00
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Company Response

Thank you Mallory for writing such kind words about your experience working together with me on this project. I am glad to hear that you and your partners’ experiences throughout this project have felt cared for as we navigated the uncertainty of existing buildings and building department regulations. You both have been a pleasure to work with and I appreciate the hard homework you diligently worked through during the design stage in order for us to then coordinate the project’s drawings and permits to make your dreams into a reality. I wish you both a smooth construction stage ahead and look forward to seeing you both enjoying the finished basement space soon.

Asit
Asit
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

Extension design and obtaining building permit

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$6,500.00
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Company Response

Thank you for sharing your experience working with me on this project Asit. I valued all of the time we spent together as we took this dream project from a seedling, through a growing process of exploring possibilities, drawings plans, and then obtaining permits in order to one day make this project into beautiful spaces that can offer grounds for you and your family to continue flourishing.

DW in the Beach
DW in the Beach
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

Design development and permit approvals

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$6,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for the kind words DW, it was a pleasure working with you as the contractor for this project as well as with your clients directly to ensure that everyone understood the dream, the budget and the building department constraints so that I could prepare a set of detailed drawings that interpreted this project into a permitted reality. I wish you a smooth construction stage ahead and look forward to seeing the new open concept second unit once the the work is completed.

hershkimel
hershkimel
2 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Fantastic from Start to finish

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$6,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for the kind words Hersh, it was pleasure to work with you and your partner on this project. I am glad that we could sort out the complexities of your rear yard project into more digestible chunks for what the best development options were given the goals for your growing family and the existing circumstances of the property. I wish your family all the best as you now work through the next stages of your project.

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Mark is an invaluable help through the maze of City of Toronto permits

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$1,400.00
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Company Response

Wow, thank you for the kind words. It was a pleasure to work with you and your partner on this project and I am glad that we could work through all of the City of Toronto permitting mazes together in a timely manner. I wish you both all the best moving forward as you enjoy and engage with the extra space and storage that we designed, drafted and permitted for your rear yard.

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Design drawings for whole home renovation and acquisition of building permits

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$10,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you J for your Kind words, you and your partner were a pleasure to work with on this project. I am glad that we were able to work through the options of providing a two storey rear addition as well as underpinning the existing building or providing more extensive interior alterations and then clearly determining a design and permit approach that you both were very satisfied with. I am also glad that the building department smoothly processed and approved this project ahead of schedule and you are both now ready for the upcoming construction stage. I wish you and your partner all the best throughout the coming construction stage and I look forward to seeing the finished project soon.

Oliver in Toronto
Oliver in Toronto
0 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Large Scale Home Renovation

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.

Approximate cost of services:
$30,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for the kind words Oliver. It was a pleasure to work with you on this project and I appreciate you persistence in thoughtfully working through each decision as we went step by step towards a final design and then obtained this project’s building permits. I am glad to hear that the builder is getting ready to begin construction and is satisfied with the drawings package they will be working with throughout construction. I look forward to seeing your new home become a reality soon.

The reviews on this page are the subjective opinion of the Author and not of HomeStars Inc.

More about Mark H Smith Designs Inc.

Mark H Smith Designs Inc. specializes in designing homes, drafting the necessary construction drawings and then filing them for the required building permits. This includes designing for new buildings, renovations, additions, garages, basement conversions into secondary suites and single family home conversions into multiple units. We also provide client support and representation where a minor variance or minor variances are required by the Committee of Adjustment.
Are you curious to learn more about the best ways you can take your project from possibilities to plans to permits? We have answers & resources to help you.
Visit us on our website at https://www.markhsmith.ca
If you would prefer to start a conversation or receive direct feedback that considers the custom context of your project and then offers you the best next steps to get started or learn more about your options, please email us at info@markHsmith.ca or give us a call 647 609 0333 and we can work through the details of your upcoming project together.

CATEGORIES
Drafting Service
SPECIALITIES
Design, Drafting and Permit Services for: • Custom Home Design • Residential Additions and Renovations • In-Law Suite or Apartment • Accessory Buildings & Structures • Retroactive Permits
WEBSITE
https://www.markhsmith.ca
YEAR ESTABLISHED
2014
PAYMENT METHOD
Cheque, Interac E-Transfer, Credit Card
LICENSES
BCIN Registered # 46896
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Yes
PROJECT RATE
Fixed Fee Proposal
WRITTEN CONTRACT
Yes
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