Custom Home Design

Designed around your lot, lifestyle, and vision.

BCIN-qualified custom home design and permit drawings for new homes in Barrie, Simcoe County, and surrounding Ontario communities.

Book a Free Consult View All Services
New Homes Permit Drawings BCIN Design

Custom homes

Custom residential design for homeowners ready to build

A custom home should respond to the way you live, the conditions of your lot, and the requirements of your municipality. ESCL Design prepares thoughtful, practical, and code-conscious residential drawings for homeowners planning a new home.

From early concepts to permit-ready documentation, we help organize your ideas into a clear drawing package that supports approvals, consultant coordination, and construction planning.

Design support

From concept design to permit-ready drawings

Concept Planning

We start by understanding your goals, preferred layout, family needs, site conditions, and design direction. This helps shape a home that feels intentional from the beginning.

  • Project discovery and design direction
  • Room planning and layout options
  • Building massing and general form
  • Early design recommendations

Floor Plans & Layouts

We develop clear floor plans that organize circulation, room sizes, natural light, storage, accessibility, and everyday functionality.

  • Main floor, upper floor, and basement layouts
  • Kitchen, living, bedroom, and service area planning
  • Garage, mudroom, laundry, and storage coordination
  • Suite-ready or future-flexible layout options

Exterior Design

Exterior elevations help define the appearance and character of the home. We balance proportion, rooflines, openings, materials, and practical construction considerations.

  • Front, rear, and side elevations
  • Window and door placement
  • Roofline and façade development
  • Material and style coordination

Permit drawings

What can be included in your custom home drawing package

Architectural Plans

A clear architectural drawing package helps communicate the layout, form, and design intent of your new home.

  • Site plan coordination information
  • Foundation plan
  • Floor plans
  • Roof plan
  • Building elevations

Sections & Details

Sections and construction notes help explain how the home is assembled and support building permit review.

  • Building sections
  • Wall, floor, and roof assemblies
  • Stair and guard information
  • Window, door, and opening notes
  • Ontario Building Code-conscious details

Coordination Support

Custom homes often require coordination with other professionals. We prepare drawings that can support review by consultants, builders, and municipal staff.

  • BCIN design information
  • Structural coordination readiness
  • HVAC design coordination readiness
  • Municipal revision support
  • Consultant-friendly drawing organization

Before design starts

Key items to review before designing a custom home

Zoning
Review lot coverage, setbacks, height, parking, driveway location, and local zoning limits before finalizing the design.
Site conditions
Consider grading, drainage, trees, neighbouring properties, sunlight, views, services, and access to the lot.
Building code
Plan early for stairs, guards, exiting, structure, insulation, fire safety, spatial separation, and energy efficiency requirements.
Budget & buildability
A beautiful home should also be practical to build. We keep construction logic and coordination in mind during design.

Our process

A simple process for custom home design

1. Discovery
We discuss your goals, preferred style, budget direction, lot information, and the type of home you want to build.
2. Concept Design
We develop layout ideas, massing direction, and early design options to help shape the home.
3. Drawing Development
We prepare floor plans, elevations, sections, and technical notes for permit and coordination.
4. Permit Support
We help respond to drawing comments or required revisions during the municipal review process.

Why choose ESCL

Practical design, clear drawings, and permit-focused thinking

BCIN-Qualified Residential Design

ESCL Design prepares residential drawings with permit review, Ontario Building Code requirements, and local approval processes in mind.

Clear Communication

We explain the design and drawing process in a straightforward way, so you understand what is being prepared and why it matters.

Buildable Design Approach

Our goal is to create designs that look clean, function well, and can be coordinated with builders and consultants.

Questions

Custom home design questions homeowners often ask

Do I need drawings before applying for a permit?

Yes. A new home typically requires a detailed drawing package for building permit review. The drawings help communicate the design, construction assemblies, dimensions, and code-related information.

Can ESCL Design help before I buy a lot?

Yes. We can help you review general design potential, zoning considerations, and possible layout direction before you move too far into the project.

Do you provide 3D views or visualizations?

Yes. Depending on the project scope, 3D views or visualization support can be included to help you understand the form, exterior design, and general look of the home.

Do you coordinate with engineers or HVAC designers?

Yes. Where required, we can prepare drawings that support coordination with structural, HVAC, and other consultants. Some consultant work may need to be completed by the appropriate licensed or qualified professional.

What information do I need to start?

Helpful starting information includes your property address, survey if available, zoning information if known, inspiration images, desired room list, approximate budget direction, preferred style, and any existing site or grading information.

Start your project

Planning a custom home in Barrie or Simcoe County?

Book a free consultation to review your lot, design goals, and the drawing package needed for your new home.

Book a Free Consult