Making every plan buildable.

So your home is livable.

Hand-drawn architectural sketch of modern residential house, showcasing Mercer Design & Drafting’s custom home design expertise, permit-ready drafting services

65+

house plans

20+

backyard plans

120+

garage plans

Years of drafting plans.

Years of drafting plans.

A reputation for doing it right.

A reputation for doing it right.

200+

200+

Families chose bespoke over pre-made plans

Families chose bespoke over pre-made plans

Homes intentionally designed tailored to lifestyle

Homes intentionally designed tailored to lifestyle

Building plans approved across Nova Scotia

Building plans approved across Nova Scotia

Designing for self-build clients is a uniquely rewarding experience. Their involvement adds a personal dimension to the process, resulting in thoughtful, tailored designs that perfectly suit their needs.

Designing for self-build clients is a uniquely rewarding experience. Their involvement adds a personal dimension to the process, resulting in thoughtful, tailored designs that perfectly suit their needs.

— Andrew Mercer, Principal Designer

Every family lives differently

So every plan we draft and design is personalized

Hand-sketched architectural drawing of single-family residential home, illustrating Mercer Design & Drafting’s foundational commitment to custom house planning, permit-ready designs, and client-builder collaboration for Halifax and Nova Scotia homeowners.
Hand-sketched architectural drawing of single-family residential home, illustrating Mercer Design & Drafting’s foundational commitment to custom house planning, permit-ready designs, and client-builder collaboration for Halifax and Nova Scotia homeowners.
Hand-sketched architectural drawing of single-family residential home, illustrating Mercer Design & Drafting’s foundational commitment to custom house planning, permit-ready designs, and client-builder collaboration for Halifax and Nova Scotia homeowners.

Our beginning

We founded Mercer Drafting & Design to bridge the gap between a client's vision and the builder’s execution. Clear, detailed plans reduce miscommunication, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure the finished home reflects exactly what the client imagined.

Our vision

We take a design-first approach, working collaboratively to shape a home that truly reflects how you want to live. From thoughtful room layouts and natural light to practical considerations like permit compliance, we craft detailed plans that balance beauty, function, and feasibility - turning your vision into reality.

Elegant hallway and dining space with expansive windows overlooking forest, highlighting Mercer Design & Drafting’s vision for personalized residential layouts, natural light optimization, and custom home design expertise for Halifax and Nova Scotia families.
Elegant hallway and dining space with expansive windows overlooking forest, highlighting Mercer Design & Drafting’s vision for personalized residential layouts, natural light optimization, and custom home design expertise for Halifax and Nova Scotia families.
Contemporary open-plan living room and kitchen with minimalist decor, showcasing Mercer Design and Drafting’s mission to create livable, permit-ready spaces for Halifax families.
Contemporary open-plan living room and kitchen with minimalist decor, showcasing Mercer Design and Drafting’s mission to create livable, permit-ready spaces for Halifax families.
Contemporary open-plan living room and kitchen with minimalist decor, showcasing Mercer Design and Drafting’s mission to create livable, permit-ready spaces for Halifax families.

Our mission

We are dedicated to creating personalized, buildable plans from the ground up - working closely with you one-on-one. Our mission is to deliver permit-ready designs that bring your vision to life in a home that’s truly livable.

No compromises on your forever home.

Clear, collaborative, and staged process for your permit-ready plans.

Phase 1

Discovery and fit

After you outline your project in a short form, we connect on an introductory call to align on your ideas, style, timeline, process, and a ballpark investment.

Phase 2

Discussion and details

If we're a good fit, we'll dive into specifics over an in-depth Google Meet call. Together, we'll review your inspiration and sketch out examples live on our iPad.

Phase 3

Proposal and kickoff

Within two business days, you’ll receive a proposal with the project investment, deliverables, meeting and revision schedule, and payment terms. Once the agreement is signed and the deposit is settled, we officially begin.

Phase 4

Rough plans and revisions

We develop the initial floor plans and elevations to establish the foundational design. This is the crucial stage for your feedback and for gathering contractor estimates, to ensure the design aligns perfectly with your budget and goals. Once you sign off, we dive into the finer details.

Phase 5

Final plans and tweaks

With the foundational design approved, we layer in the technical details, including schedules for windows, doors, and wall types. This helps with material ordering, efficient construction, and preplanning your interior layouts. We’ll also incorporate any final, minor tweaks to perfect the design.

Phase 6

Permit-ready plans

We coordinate directly with your structural engineer to integrate their feedback and specifications into our drawings. You will then receive a comprehensive, fully-aligned set of plans ready for permitting.

Phase 7

Permitting and assistance

We stand by our work. If the permit office requests any changes to our drawings, we handle them at no additional cost. You can manage the permit submission yourself, or we can handle it for you for an additional fee.

Phase 8

Construction and continued support

After your building permit is issued, you have up to one full calendar year to use your remaining included revisions. You may use these for any minor adjustments that are required before construction begins.

Collaborative Process. Clear Communication

Collaborative Process. Clear Communication

Your biggest questions, answered.

Something else on your mind?

I don’t live in Nova Scotia — can we still work together?

Yes, absolutely. We provide drafting and design services remotely for self-build home owners across Canada and beyond. We collaborate via email and Google Meet calls for clear, visual communication. During the course of our project, we share our screen to sketch in real time using an iPad so you can see your ideas come to life. Depending on the size and the complexity of the project, we deliver all completed plans as PDF files. You may choose to get printouts if you require physical copies.

I don’t live in Nova Scotia — can we still work together?

Yes, absolutely. We provide drafting and design services remotely for self-build home owners across Canada and beyond. We collaborate via email and Google Meet calls for clear, visual communication. During the course of our project, we share our screen to sketch in real time using an iPad so you can see your ideas come to life. Depending on the size and the complexity of the project, we deliver all completed plans as PDF files. You may choose to get printouts if you require physical copies.

I don’t live in Nova Scotia — can we still work together?

Yes, absolutely. We provide drafting and design services remotely for self-build home owners across Canada and beyond. We collaborate via email and Google Meet calls for clear, visual communication. During the course of our project, we share our screen to sketch in real time using an iPad so you can see your ideas come to life. Depending on the size and the complexity of the project, we deliver all completed plans as PDF files. You may choose to get printouts if you require physical copies.

I don’t live in Nova Scotia — can we still work together?

Yes, absolutely. We provide drafting and design services remotely for self-build home owners across Canada and beyond. We collaborate via email and Google Meet calls for clear, visual communication. During the course of our project, we share our screen to sketch in real time using an iPad so you can see your ideas come to life. Depending on the size and the complexity of the project, we deliver all completed plans as PDF files. You may choose to get printouts if you require physical copies.

What is included in each custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



What is included in each custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



What is included in each custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



What is included in each custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



What is the typical cost and turnaround time for a custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



What is the typical cost and turnaround time for a custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



What is the typical cost and turnaround time for a custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



What is the typical cost and turnaround time for a custom plan?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How does your drafting and design process work?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How does your drafting and design process work?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How does your drafting and design process work?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How does your drafting and design process work?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Are you available for meetings in the evening or on weekends?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Are you available for meetings in the evening or on weekends?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Are you available for meetings in the evening or on weekends?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Are you available for meetings in the evening or on weekends?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How will I receive my plans, and how should I get them printed?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How will I receive my plans, and how should I get them printed?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How will I receive my plans, and how should I get them printed?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



How will I receive my plans, and how should I get them printed?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Will I be able to provide feedback as the plans are being produced?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Will I be able to provide feedback as the plans are being produced?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Will I be able to provide feedback as the plans are being produced?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Will I be able to provide feedback as the plans are being produced?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Why should I choose Mercer Drafting for my next project?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Why should I choose Mercer Drafting for my next project?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Why should I choose Mercer Drafting for my next project?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Why should I choose Mercer Drafting for my next project?

Every drawing package is fully permit-ready and designed to match your build goals. Each custom plan includes all the necessary documents you will need to obtain a building permit in Nova Scotia



A typical construction plan includes:

✓ detailed floor plans

✓ roof plans

✓ elevation views

✓ cross-sections

✓ site plans with building specifications

✓ wall, window, and door schedules

✓ technical specifications

✓ permit-ready guarantee (permit office-requested modifications are covered)


Ready to chat about your custom home, garage, or backyard plans? Start your project today. 


If you have any other needs, please get in touch with us to discuss your unique requirements.



Personalized Quote

Personalized Quote

Personalized Quote

Tentative Timeline

Tentative Timeline

Tentative Timeline

Bespoke Design

Bespoke Design

Bespoke Design

Ready to plan your home?

Ready to plan your home?

Ready to plan your home?

Let's chat about your self-build goals

Let's chat about your self-build goals

Let's chat about your self-build goals

Detailed black and white architectural home elevation drawing, featured in Mercer Design and Drafting's call-to-action section for custom home planning and quote requests in Halifax, Canada.
Detailed black and white architectural home elevation drawing, featured in Mercer Design and Drafting's call-to-action section for custom home planning and quote requests in Halifax, Canada.
Detailed black and white architectural home elevation drawing, featured in Mercer Design and Drafting's call-to-action section for custom home planning and quote requests in Halifax, Canada.
© 2026 Mercer Drafting & Design. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Mercer Drafting & Design. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Mercer Drafting & Design. All rights reserved.