Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using ExpressPermit's website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

2. Services Description

ExpressPermit provides building permit consulting and processing services, including but not limited to:

• Building permit application preparation and submission
• Architectural drawings and site plans
• Municipal liaison and communication
• Code compliance consultation
• Permit revision handling
• BCIN-certified professional services

Service Limitations

Our services are limited to the scope outlined in your service agreement. We do not:

• Perform construction or trades work
• Provide legal advice
• Guarantee specific municipal approval timelines (timelines are controlled by municipal authorities)
• Assume liability for construction defects or code violations not within our scope

3. Service Engagement and Contracts

Quotations

All quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise specified. Pricing is subject to change based on project scope modifications.

Service Agreements

A formal service agreement will be provided outlining:

• Scope of work
• Pricing and payment terms
• Project timeline (estimated)
• Client responsibilities
• Deliverables

Services commence upon signing of the service agreement and receipt of initial payment.

4. Pricing and Payment Terms

Pricing

Pricing displayed on our website represents starting prices and may vary based on:

• Project complexity and scope
• Property size and location
• Municipal requirements
• Additional services requested
• Rush processing (if available)

Payment Structure

• Deposit: 50% deposit required to commence work
• Balance: Remaining 50% due upon submission to municipality or as outlined in service agreement
• Additional Services: Billed separately if outside original scope

Payment Methods

We accept: E-Transfer, Credit Card, Debit, Cheque, and Cash.

Late Payment

Accounts not paid within 30 days of invoice date may be subject to a 2% monthly interest charge and suspension of services.

5. 100% Success Rate Guarantee

This Guarantee Applies When:

• All required information and documentation is provided by the client
• The project complies with applicable building codes and regulations
• The client follows our recommendations and requirements
• The project falls within our scope of expertise

This Guarantee Does Not Apply If:

• Client provides incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information
• Client makes unauthorized changes to submitted plans
• Municipal bylaws or codes change during the application process
• The project requires variances or exemptions from municipal authorities
• Third-party delays (surveyors, engineers, etc.) impact the application

6. 100% Money-Back Guarantee

See our separate Refund Policy for complete details on our money-back guarantee.

Summary: If your permit is not approved due to errors or deficiencies in our work, you are entitled to a full refund of fees paid, subject to the terms outlined in our Refund Policy.

7. Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information and documentation
• Respond promptly to requests for information or clarification
• Obtain property surveys, engineering reports, or other third-party documents as required
• Disclose all relevant information about the property and project
• Review and approve drawings and documents before submission
• Pay invoices according to the agreed payment terms
• Notify ExpressPermit immediately of any changes to the project scope

8. Intellectual Property

Ownership of Drawings and Documents

Upon full payment, clients receive a license to use architectural drawings and documents for the specific project outlined in the service agreement. ExpressPermit retains copyright and ownership of all designs, drawings, and methodologies.

Website Content

All content on the ExpressPermit website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of ExpressPermit and is protected by copyright laws.

9. Confidentiality

ExpressPermit agrees to maintain the confidentiality of client information, except:

• Information required to be submitted to municipal authorities
• Information required by law to be disclosed
• Information that becomes publicly available through no fault of ExpressPermit
• Information necessary to engage third-party professionals (engineers, surveyors, etc.)

10. Timeline and Delays

Estimated Timelines

All timelines provided are estimates and subject to:

• Municipal processing times (outside our control)
• Completeness and accuracy of information provided
• Third-party dependencies (surveyors, engineers, etc.)
• Municipal workload and holiday schedules
• Required revisions or additional information requests

Delays

ExpressPermit is not liable for delays caused by:

• Municipal authorities
• Client delays in providing information or approvals
• Third-party service providers
• Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, etc.)
• Changes to municipal requirements or bylaws

11. Limitation of Liability

ExpressPermit's liability is limited to the fees paid for services. We are not liable for:

• Consequential, indirect, or incidental damages
• Lost profits or business opportunities
• Construction delays or costs
• Property damage not caused by our negligence
• Third-party errors or omissions
• Municipal decisions or interpretation of bylaws
• Errors in information provided by the client

12. Professional Standards

ExpressPermit operates under BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) certification and adheres to:

• Ontario Building Code
• Professional standards of practice
• Municipal bylaws and requirements
• Industry best practices

13. Revisions and Changes

Included Revisions

Standard revisions required by municipal authorities are included in our service fee (up to 2 rounds of revisions).

Additional Revisions

Revisions caused by client-requested changes or errors in client-provided information will be billed separately at our hourly rate.

14. Termination

Client Termination

Clients may terminate services with written notice. Fees for work completed to date will be charged, and no refund of deposits for work performed.

ExpressPermit Termination

We reserve the right to terminate services if:

• Client fails to make required payments
• Client provides false or misleading information
• Client fails to fulfill their responsibilities
• The project is determined to be outside our scope or capability

15. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

In the event of a dispute, parties agree to attempt informal resolution through good-faith negotiations.

Mediation

If informal resolution fails, parties agree to mediation before pursuing legal action.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada. Any legal proceedings will be conducted in Oshawa, Ontario.

16. Indemnification

Clients agree to indemnify and hold ExpressPermit harmless from claims arising from:

• Inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the client
• Client's failure to comply with building codes or permits
• Unauthorized changes to approved plans
• Construction defects or contractor errors

17. Warranties and Disclaimers

Our Warranty

We warrant that our services will be performed in a professional manner consistent with industry standards.

Disclaimer

ExpressPermit makes no warranties regarding:

• Specific municipal approval timelines
• Property value increases
• Future changes to building codes or bylaws
• Suitability of the project for client's specific purposes

18. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of our services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

19. Changes to Terms of Service

ExpressPermit reserves the right to update these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

20. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

21. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with your service agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and ExpressPermit.

22. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: