Permit drawings and engineer sign-offs
The engineering package for your Nova Scotia building permit — stamped drawings, Commitment Certificates and the final field review sign-off you need to open.
The Nova Scotia engineering forms, explained
A commitment certificate is the engineer's written commitment to the building official: I designed this part of the work, and I'll review it during construction. Form 12 closes that commitment at the end. If you've never dealt with these forms before, that's normal.
Form 5 — Mechanical: HVAC, kitchen exhaust and gas. Submitted with the permit application.
Form 6 — Electrical. Submitted with the permit application.
Form 7 — Kitchen hood fire suppression (not sprinkler systems). Submitted with the permit application.
Form 9 — Plumbing. Submitted with the permit application.
Form 12 — Certification of field review of construction. Submitted at completion, before occupancy.
What we handle
Stamped drawings for each discipline on your project.
Forms 5, 6, 7 and 9, completed and signed for your application.
Plan reviewer comments, answered until the permit is issued.
Field review during construction: trade questions answered, and changes reviewed before they're built.
Final site review and Form 12.
-
We normally do it for the owner and general contractors.
-
At the end of construction, before the building official allows occupancy. It confirms the engineer reviewed the work and that it generally conforms to the design.
-
Yes. We review drawings prepared by another engineer, a designer or a supplier, and seal them once they meet code. Where the original engineer can't do the field review, we can review the installed work too. Call early; it's much easier before the ceilings close.
-
Yes. Recent projects went through building officials in Truro, Bridgewater, Windsor, Port Hawkesbury and Elmsdale, as well as the Halifax Regional Municipality.
-
It depends on the size of the project, and we confirm the schedule in your quote. Most drawing sets are finished within two weeks.
Already have drawings?
If your designer, hood supplier or equipment vendor prepared drawings, we can review them and, if they meet code, seal them. Where they don't, we mark up exactly what needs to change.
What usually slows a permit down
Floor plans without an occupant load, fixture count or equipment list.
Equipment changed on site after the drawings were stamped. Tell us before it's installed; an unreported change can hold up the final sign-off.
No landlord approval for roof penetrations or a new rooftop unit.
Suppression supplier drawings that don't match the hood or the gas shut-off.