Hi, thanks for your appreciation.

totally understand your situation. I was in that situation few months back, if to get MBSA permit or should I go without that. But my issue was, i wanted to get CCC for the extended area. In order to get CCC you need to get MBSA approval and follow their terms. Plus, i didnt want to take chance of proceeding without approval. (i think they calculate saman based on per sqft. for my build up it might cost me 5digits. )

initially I wanted to have 5ft space from fencing. but the architect said must have 10ft according to MBSA's rules (i double confirmed with few more architects to make sure if it is right, and everyone said the same thing). so i had to leave 10ft boundary from fencing  . but some of the houses around there renovating up fencing - without MBSA permit. kinda unfair but it is what it is.

for extension, you dont need neighbours' consent, unless you want to build fencing.

hope this helps. feel free to ask if you need more info.

Yea, I do understand the the consideration on contractor here. Currently also in the dilemma of should I choose the contractor that have fast respond (The quotation is done with details in 4 days) but less number of review (based on their social media account) or go for another that have quite a good review from their previous customer, but slower respond to me (still yet to receive quotation after 2 weeks time). Maybe my project it’s just too small for them.

So hard to decide…