Is a Design Error Quietly Inflating Your Project Budget?

 Is a Design Error Quietly Inflating Your Project Budget?

I recently reviewed a project stalled in the permit phase. The city had flagged it for an "Alternative Solution"—a sign of a fundamental compliance issue. The problem? A simple error in building classification.

The design was for a 3-storey single-family house, but it was incorrectly classified under the requirements for a 4-storey Part 3 building. In reality, it rightly belongs under the simpler, more efficient Part 9 provisions.

That one classification mistake was on track to cost the owner over $100,000 in mandatory fire protection systems—including sprinklers, standpipes, a pump room, and backup power—along with a lengthy, complex approval process.

This is exactly why early and expert code review is essential. Had I been engaged from the start, my focus would have been to:

✅ Correct the building classification and guide the design team back to the appropriate Part 9 path.

✅ Eliminate the need for the costly Alternative Solution and the unnecessary systems it triggers.

✅ Secure the building permit efficiently, avoiding preventable delays and expenses.

The takeaway for developers, builders, and owners is clear: a proactive code review isn't just about compliance—it’s a powerful financial safeguard. Catching a single error early can mean the difference between a project that stays on budget and one that spirals unexpectedly over by tens, if not hundreds, of thousands.

Let’s connect to discuss how a strategic code consultation can de-risk your next project and protect your bottom line.

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