Guysborough Church Hall Conversion

House

2560

sq. ft.

2023

Their Dream

A client came to us with one of the most unique visions we’ve ever seen. He had moved an entire church hall to his property and wanted to give it a new life. He envisioned a unique, dual-purpose space: one half would be a large garage for his heavy equipment, and the other half a two-bedroom, two-bath rental home. The design needed to include an open-concept living area with a vaulted ceiling, an office with private access, and features that would fully capture the property's beautiful water view.

Our Approach

Our job was to make these two very different worlds exist together under one roof. We designed a smart layout that separated the residential and garage spaces. Then, we added a fire break between the garage and the home, an interesting feature for safety that also doubled up as soundproofing.



  • To create the vaulted ceiling the client dreamed of in the dining room area, at the front of the house - we collaborated with a civil engineer to confirm the existing walls could safely support the addition of engineered tall walls.


  • To make the most of the stunning water views, we integrated large windows, two separate patios, and a pergola into the plan.


  • We added thoughtful details to wow the client, including giving the owner a private office entrance and access to the mechanical room from the garage, so the renters are never disturbed.

The Wins

We turned a church hall into a unique and functional home, by transforming the unconventional building into a two-in-one property that perfectly matched the client's goals. The final bespoke plans are carefully curated to meet multiple needs, so the owner has his workspace, the renters have their privacy, and they can both exist on the same property. We elevated the daily life of both the owner and the renters, by ensuring both areas of the property have access to the pleasant views of the water.

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.

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.



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.



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.



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.