Are you thinking about building a cottage? Whether you’re looking to create a summer getaway or a permanent residence, building a cottage can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s important to be prepared for the unique challenges of building in a rural or remote area.
To help you get started, here are ten surprising things you may not know about building a cottage.
You’ll need to do your research on zoning laws and building codes.
Before you start breaking ground, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local zoning laws and building codes. These regulations can vary significantly from one municipality to the next, so you must do your homework and ensure you’re in compliance.
You may need to hire a surveyor.
Depending on the location of your cottage, you may need to hire a professional surveyor to mark the boundaries of your property. This is especially important if you’re building on a large land or in an area with complex topography. A surveyor can be an invaluable asset during the construction process.
A professional surveyor can help you mark the boundaries of your property and ensure that your cottage is being built on the correct piece of land. This is especially important if you’re working with a large property or in an area with complex topography.
Hiring a surveyor may seem like an added expense, but it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run. Imagine pouring time, money, and effort into building your dream cottage only to discover it’s actually on your neighbor’s land! Trust us it’s worth the investment to have a surveyor double-check everything before you start breaking ground.
So before laying the foundation for your cottage, don’t forget to consider hiring a surveyor. It may be one of the most important decisions you make during construction.
Access to utilities may be limited.
If you’re building a cottage in a remote or rural area, you may find that access to utilities is limited. This could mean installing a septic system, a well, or a generator to provide electricity. These added costs can significantly impact your budget, so it’s important to factor them in from the outset.
You may need to bring in materials.
If you’re building in a remote location, you may find that bringing in all the materials you need is necessary. This could include everything from lumber and drywall to plumbing fixtures and appliances. This can add significantly to the cost of your project, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
Wild animals can be a problem.
If you’re building in a more remote area, you may need to deal with wild animals such as bears, moose, or deer. These animals can cause damage to your construction site, so it’s important to take steps to protect your property. This could include installing a fence or using bear-resistant trash cans.
You may need to deal with inclement weather.
Canada is known for its harsh winters, and if you’re building a cottage in a northern location, you’ll need to be prepared for extreme cold and snow. This could mean installing additional insulation or investing in a high-quality heating system.
You may need to hire specialized contractors.
If you’re building a cottage in a remote or rural area, you may need to hire contractors with specialized skills. While a general contractor can handle many aspects of the construction process, certain tasks may require a more specialized touch.
For example, if you’re building in an area with no access to city water, you may need to hire a contractor who is experienced in drilling wells. Or, if you’re building in an area with no access to a sewage system, you may need to hire a contractor who specializes in installing septic systems.
These specialized contractors may be harder to find and come with a higher price tag, but they can be worth the extra investment. After all, you want to ensure that the essential systems in your cottage are installed correctly and will function properly for years to come.
So, before building your cottage, consider whether you’ll need to hire any specialized contractors. Finding the right professionals may take some extra effort, but it will be worth it in the long run.
You may need to install a security system.
Many types of security systems are available, ranging from simple alarm systems to more advanced systems with security cameras and motion detectors. You can choose a system that fits your budget and security needs.
Remember that a security system isn’t just about protecting your cottage and belongings. It can also give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your time at the cottage without worrying about potential threats. So, as you’re planning the construction of your cottage, consider whether a security system is necessary. It may be an added expense, but it could give you the added peace of mind to fully relax and enjoy your time at the cottage.
You may need to deal with environmental concerns.
You’ll need to be mindful of your impact on the environment. While it’s important to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature, it’s also important to take steps to minimize your carbon footprint and preserve the natural surroundings.
There are numerous methods to make your cottage more eco-friendly, such as using energy-efficient appliances, installing solar panels, and using low-VOC paint. You can also consider using sustainable building materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled insulation.
In addition to these measures, it’s also important to be respectful of the local ecosystem and take steps to preserve the natural habitats of wildlife. This could mean installing a fence to keep animals out of your garden or using bear-resistant trash cans to prevent wildlife from rummaging through your garbage.
So, as you’re planning the construction of your cottage, be sure to consider the environmental impact of your decisions. It may take some extra effort, but it’s worth it to do your part to preserve your surroundings’ natural beauty.
You’ll need to be prepared for the long haul.
Building a cottage can be long and challenging, especially if you’re doing it independently. It’s important to be patient and stay focused on your goal, even when things get tough.
Conclusion
Building a cottage can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Still, it’s important to be prepared for the unique challenges of building in a rural or remote area. There are many factors to consider, from researching zoning laws and building codes to dealing with wild animals and inclement weather. Hiring specialized contractors, installing a security system, and taking steps to minimize your environmental impact is necessary.
