Cottage Design 2021 - Friday Session

Bert and Patrick Bongers answer questions in Video Two recorded live at the Cottage Life Virtual Spring Show 2021

One of the main challenges we tackle is how to approach your family's wish list in light of your budget, and how to balance between them.

Friday Session Discussion Points:  

1. Radon mitigation can be an issue in certain areas.
2. What’s the difference between building a traditional cottage versus a more modern style? Quick answer: more glass! Bringing the outside in and the effects of window size on heating, cooling technologies and costs are discussed.
3. Do you do second floor projects? Specialty companies may play a role.
4. ICF – Insulated Concrete Forms benefits and other considerations, cost, finishing and sound
5. Kitchen additions with propane stoves in cottages. Consider the whole system.
6. Having builder input when finding and purchasing land. Site servicing costs. Someone who has built before can help you weigh one property purchase against another.
7. Lead times in building ‘sustainable’ homes versus a more standard build. Some materials may take longer to source.
8. What’s the cost advantages in building additions, renovations or knocking down an older cottage? Pricing your ideal cottage versus an add-on. What’s ‘good bones’?
9. In-floor radiant heat and ventilation considerations are discussed. ICF and finishing costs, sound mitigation. System configurations and other fireplace and fan ventilation issues.
10. Pros and cons of building an A-frame cottage.
11. Postech brand screw piles for foundation support. Sand, clay and rock considerations.
12. Wood prices and availability in COVID times. Advantages of pre-purchasing supplies.