6 things to think about now if you’re planning a reno next year

Reputable builders book up early. In fact, many of the best builders in cottage country are likely already fully booked for 2022. You should meet with at least three builders before you sign a contract. But don’t just focus on price—you’ll want to find someone you’ll be comfortable working with for weeks or months to come. See the “It’s Showtime” slide for where you can meet several builders in one spot.

Odds are, you’ve been thinking about this reno for a while. You may even have a binder of design inspiration clippings from décor magazines. But if you didn’t hire an all-in-one design-build contractor, you’ll need to sit down with an architect and/or interior designer to figure out the floor plan that best suits your family’s needs.

You’ve likely heard that one of the side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been global supply chain issues. Everything from flooring and plumbing materials to light fixtures and appliances are on back order, in some cases taking months to arrive after your order is placed. The sooner you make your decisions on fixtures and finishes, the quicker they’ll arrive.

Unless the project you’re planning is entirely cosmetic (painting, replacing flooring, etc.), you’ll likely need a building permit. Depending on the scope of the work, you’ll need to gather some detailed information (see next slide). With people trying to make the most of their remote working situation, municipal building departments across the country have been inundated with building permit applications, so expect delays. COVID restrictions have also led to backlogs in hearings for building code variances.

As part of your permit application, you’ll need to submit a variety of documents that, depending on the specific nature of your renovation, can include a property survey, floor plans, elevation drawings, engineering reports, plumbing diagrams, or detailed plans for your HVAC system. For each required document, you’ll need to find a licensed professional to produce those plans.

Looking for the speed-dating version of meeting cottage builders? Then visit the Fall Cottage Life Show, November 12–14, 2021 at the International Centre in Toronto. There are 11 builders exhibiting at this year’s show, including Main Stage sponsor, Beaver Homes & Cottages, with service areas spanning across cottage country.