Category: Tips

  • Benefits To Building Custom

    Benefits To Building Custom

    When your home buying process begins, it will start with deciding if you want to buy a pre-built home, or custom build. Building a custom home or cottage comes with many benefits. If you are building a custom home, you will not be inheriting someone else’s problems. Older homes and cottages may have issues that the previous owner(s) have left and not maintained or fixed. You will not have a cookie-cutter design. A custom build not only includes the build itself, but the location as well. When you choose to build, you are deciding where you are purchasing the land to build on. You can find the location that best matches your geographic desires. 

    The process of building provides a great sense of pride in knowing you had a hand in all aspects of the build. When you build custom, you are choosing finishes that match your specific style and designs that match your lifestyle, not someone else’s. It is easy to change paint colour, but things such as tile backsplashes, quartz countertops, cabinet colours, stair locations and bedroom count are more permanent decisions. Custom building allows for you to truly get a floor plan that matches up with your location, personal needs and routine. Everyone has different priorities when it comes to a home. For some, ensuring there is a lot of storage is the top of their list, where for others, it is about having their personality shine through with unique features like a reading nook. With a custom build budget, you are able to prioritize what you want in a home. You will be building something that 100% reflects your priorities. 

    A custom build also allows for a higher quality product. There is attention to detail, and the products used for the build are trusted, carefully curated and the craftsmanship is superior. In a showroom you can feel the different products, see the colour in different lighting and envision how the finishes will pair together. You will want to choose finishes based on things such as if you have dogs or kids, the type of flooring matters. A countertop finish, if you are a red wine drinker, would matter for example. These are considerations you can make when building custom. You are also able to make your build energy efficient, which is beneficial in the long run. It will help with resale value, but also utility costs.

    A home is where you will create memories and spend the majority of your time. A custom build allows that place to reflect you directly. Determine what is important to you when choosing if a custom build is best for you.

    Written by: Reenie Brydon July 2026

  • Spring Cottage Opening Checklist

    Spring Cottage Opening Checklist

    Cottage season is back and opening the cottage has many steps. Follow this checklist to ensure you do not forget an important step.

    • Check for any winter damage (roof, dock, windows, deck)
    • Search for any visible animal entry points and block off
    • Open windows to air out the cottage
    • Check for any signs of water damage or leaks 
    • Turn water back on and inspect pipes for any cracks
    • Reconnect the water pump and hot water tank
    • Turn propane/gas back on (if shut off)
    • Replace furnace filters
    • Replace batteries in smoke detectors 
    • Turn breaker back on
    • Test all indoor and outdoor lights
    • Check extension cords for any rodent damage 
    • Sweep entire cottage
    • Wipe all surfaces
    • Clean the fridge and freezer
    • Wash bedding and linens, so they are fresh
    • Wash bathrooms and sinks
    • Look for rodent droppings
    • Check for any rodents in cupboards, under sinks, and attics if possible 
    • Look for wasp nests outside
    • Fix any loose boards on your dock
    • Rake debris from the yard
    • Clean leaves from gutters
    • Bring out deck furniture 
    • Set up BBQ (clean grill grates, check that the propane tank is full, and test ignition)
    • Inspect water toys for cracks
    • Ensure life jackets have not been worn out
    • Check ropes, anchors and dock lines
    • Ensure fire extinguisher is not expired 
    • Stock pantry basics 
    • Add citronella candles to keep mosquitos away

    Have a fantastic season at the cottage and stay safe.

    Written by: Reenie Brydon, May 2026

  • What Not To Do: Interior Design Edition

    What Not To Do: Interior Design Edition

    There are some rules of thumb clients should keep in mind when getting prepared to start thinking of their interior. Our Interior Designer is here to help guide you through the process of selecting your finishes, however it is important to have an idea. Think of your classic mood board; what colours, materials and lifestyle components are going to matter. 

    1. Don’t Compare The Samples You Are Torn Between To Each Other: One of the most frequent things we see, is when a client is trying to decide between two flooring samples for example, they are comparing the two samples to each other, versus to the other finishes they’ve chosen. The two samples will never live in the same space together, but they will live with the other finishes you’ve chosen. You will not have an accurate understanding of the colours and feature of the sample when you are not pulling tones from the other finishes that will be around it. When comparing it to the other option, it pulls tones from the other sample versus other finishes.

    2. Not Looking Under Different Lighting: Finishes can look very different under different styles of lighting. Knowing if finishes will be under a warm or cool tone of lightbulb is essential. You also want to take samples to the site to see how it will look under the natural light. Our showroom has a colour temperature lamp stick. This tool allows our clients to test their finish samples under 6 light shades to have an accurate understanding of what the finish would look like.

    3. Don’t Ignore Cohesion: You want your choices to match throughout the entire build. Choose a style (modern, Scandinavian, Victorian, farmhouse etc) and keep it in mind when deciding your finishes. It is best to have a colour palette to keep your choices in the same family. 

    4. Do Not Follow Trends Blindly: It is important to stay true to yourself and style when considering trends. Ensure you are considering the longevity of your choices. Overly personalized designs can lower your future resale value, as potential buyers may see them as a costly renovation project. 

    5. Don’t Ignore Functionality: Consider finishes that work with your lifestyle. Clients should consider facts like if they have pets, and take that into consideration when choosing a finish like flooring. Certain finish types much like flooring, or countertops, could work better for a client versus another, all based on how they will be using the space.

    Written By: Reenie Brydon, February 2026

  • What to Consider When Purchasing a Lot for Building


    What to Consider When Purchasing a Lot for Building


    When purchasing a lot with the intention of building on it, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost, understanding what you’re wanting to build needs to be determined. Knowing if you are looking at waterfront, a walkout to a view followed by a walk down to water, a commercial unit etc will all determine the lot you choose. 

    

    • Zoning matters: What the lot is zoned for will limit what you will be able to do on that space. The property boundaries will also determine where on the property you can build. Having a survey will provide helpful information such as easements.


    • Amenities: Find a location that is in close proximity to the amenities that matter most. If being within 20 KM of a grocery store or highway is important to you for example, consider the location of the lot and potential resale value.

    • Access to utilities: You will need to ensure services such as hydro is available and if it is not, can it be? If you’re looking to be able to have connection to the outside world and not a remote retreat with your build, determine how well you will get cell service in the lot location. If there is not municipal utilities on site, how feasible would it be to add a well or septic system?

    • Accessibility: Ensure there is proper road access. If there is not, what are the costs to build a bridge or maintain a private road?

    

    Once you are confident the land would work for your desired needs, look at the topography. This will be critical for the design of your build. Overall ensure you love the area and the views. Our design team will create a beautiful design with your goals and the topography in mind.

    Written By: Reenie Brydon, 2025