Cottage Design 2021 - Saturday Session

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

 We've got a fun question, "The place is packed. It's been raining for three days. Tell us what everyone's been doing."

Video Three - Saturday Session Discussion Points:  

1. The role of the Design Process and your budget.
2. Find a good fit for a General Contractor on Manitouwabing Lake?
3. What’s important when building a multi-generational family cottage? Accessibility. Space and size considerations. SMARTPLAN. Up front property plan.
4. Try this fun question, ‘what’s everyone doing when it been raining for days at the cottage’?
5. Upfront site planning for the entire cottage, pre-construction costs. Old cottage demolition. New services? Get upfront estimate prior to lot choices.
6. Pre-construction costs. Survey costs. Driveways. Water source. Water access projects. When to get the estimate, before lot purchase? Planning to add a Bunkie?
7. Blasting bedrock, sloping crawlspace, basement & walkout considerations. Water issues when building on rock.
8. Finding a qualified General Contractor near Parry Sound? Role, availability and type of project. See question 2.
9. Septic location and design up front in the sequence of design planning.
10. Does solar pay for itself? Other benefits. Energy Star rating. Energy efficiency. Batteries.
11. Algonquin Park designer or structural engineer search…from Huntsville?
12. Kawartha Lakes projects. Component supply.
13. Gatineau water management concerns. Peat moss and Canadian Shield moisture concerns. Helical piles.
14. Pandemic pricing in lumber, skilled trades. ICF vs. wood structure as alternatives. Lead times.
15. Most important questions prior to signing with a builder. Too trusting? References. Tarion New Home Warranty. Contracts. Details in materials lists, building plans. The value of an online portal. Asking the owner to put permits in their name is a red flag!
16. One Stop Shop. CedarCoast’s full interior and exterior design and build.
17. Costs per square foot depends on the specs.
18. Heat source options depends on use. 4 season vs. summer usage. Ground and water sources. What’s right for you?
19. Foundation under previously built cottage? Does your existing cottage have ‘good bones?’
20. Bancroft design and finished build recommendation?
21. Do you recommend geothermal heating and cooling? When does this make sense?