It can feel like the sky’s the limit when you’re building a custom home. After all, you are in the driver’s seat, choosing its design, size, layout and more.
Before you get to far into the aesthetic elements, though Darren Huck advises looking at several other factors. “You have to consider how you plan to use your cottage and who you’d like to share it with,” he says. There’s also the critical factor of budget, as well as selecting the right builder.
As the owners of TimberNorth Home and Design, a custom cottage builder in Muskoka, Darren and his business partner Ray McFalls say that there are multiple ways to navigate the decision-making process.
“My first suggestion is to never choose your builder simply because they give you the lowest quote,” says Darren. “Price is important, of course, but it should never be the determining factor, especially with a cottage. This is a large investment
that you’ll share with your family for years, so it’s important to know it’s
done right.”
He says there are four key factors that many overlook when getting quotes from builders: customization options, communication, licensing, and post-construction support.
Customization
The beauty of custom building, of course, is that you can design something that is perfect for your family. But some builders have a defined style – you can walk into one of their cottages and know right away who built it.
“However, many of our clients don’t know what cottage design style suits them,” says Darren. “Between modern, classic Muskoka, Scandinavian-inspired, and more, there are so many options to choose from.”
Ideas can come from anywhere, so Darren and Ray often take clients out for a cruise in their boat, touring the lakes for inspiration and discussion. “Oftentimes, a boat ride is just what a client needs to visualize and determine what they like, and to communicate that to us. From there, our team will work with our in-house architectural designers to draw each concept.”
Technology and communication
Once construction is underway, TimberNorth uses the latest technology to give their clients in-the-moment updates on progress.
While the team still communicates with their clients by phone and email, they also use the sophisticated BuilderTrend app to share daily progress and timelines, as well as to for decision-making discussions with remote clients.
“Say you’re choosing between two windows from different brands. We can attach pictures of each product, link to each brand’s sites, and offer pertinent information to make decisions easier, even when from a distance,” says Darren.
Whether you’re in Muskoka already, are busy in the city, or are on vacation somewhere else in the world, you’ll never have to wonder what’s happening with your build. “By using the latest tech, our clients can keep a pulse on their building projects and eliminate lag time when important decisions need to be made.”
Licensing and regulation
When selecting a builder, Darren says to ask whether they are licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority. The HCRA regulates new home builders across Ontario to promote a fair, safe and informed marketplace for homeowners and builders alike.
“With so many builders in Muskoka, and many more moving north from Toronto, this license offers an added level of trust for cottagers.”
TimberNorth is also a member of the Muskoka Builders Association, which helps build stronger connections with trades within the community. “We know them as well as we do our own crew. We build a level of trust that translates into each project.”
Post-construction support
Finally, look for a builder that is similar warranties to Tarion. By law, all new homes built in Ontario are provided with a warranty by the builder, but Tarion-certified builders can offer an extra level of protection.
Tarion ensures home and cottage owners receive the coverage they are entitled to under their builder’s warranty. It’s a safeguard that protects the owner and builder for several years post-completion.
One notable aspect of Tarion coverage, notes Darren, is the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) checklist. “This is a thorough walk-through led by the builder, that gives you a detailed look at the completed build. If anything’s missing, damaged, or incomplete, your builder will see and fix it,” says Darren.
“This is also our opportunity to show you how to manage your home – find the right shut-offs, understand the mechanical systems and evaluate any issues that may arise after we’ve handed over the keys.”
Your cottage matters. With these factors, you can rest in knowing that your Muskoka retreat has been built for you by trusted building professionals.
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
