Mackay Ave | 02 Unit Conversion Support

London

Property Type: Existing Single-Family Dwelling
Scope of Work: Mid-Construction Consulting & Code Resolution for Legal Basement Unit

Project Overview:

This project highlights a common issue faced by many investors—hiring low-cost design firms that disappear when construction challenges arise. At Mackay Ave in London, Ontario, the investor had already received permit approval from another designer. However, once construction began and on-site issues were flagged by the building inspector, the original firm went completely unresponsive.

That’s when our team stepped in to help salvage the project. What seemed like a standard basement conversion quickly revealed serious complications with ceiling height compliance, which explained why the original firm likely walked away.

Scope & Strategy:

• Conducted a full review of previously approved permit drawings

• Completed a site visit and met with the building inspector to      understand concerns

• Identified Part 11 opportunities in the Ontario Building Code      to avoid costly structural modifications

• Developed a compliance path for the ceiling height      deficiency, avoiding permit revocation

• Provided detailed documentation and technical support for      construction corrections

• Guided the contractor through the modified scope with real-time      architectural input

Challenges Solved:

• Resolved a major ceiling height violation     mid-construction without halting the project

• Provided hands-on design and code guidance after the original      firm abandoned the project

• Used Part 11 allowances to reduce the burden of Part 9      requirements—saving significant time and money

• Prevented permit cancellation and ensured continued progress on      the legal 2-unit conversion

Investor Lessons & Benefits:

• Reinforced the importance of working with design professionals      who stay involved through construction

• While the investor had to spend more to fix inherited issues,      they avoided starting over entirely

• We delivered a clear compliance path and became the      bridge between inspector and contractor

• Most importantly, the investor can now move forward with a      legal basement unit—and future peace of mind

Current Status:

Construction changes are complete, permit compliance confirmed, and the unit is being finalized for tenant occupancy. Mackay Ave is now back on track.