Building Your Dream Cottage Starts with Hiring the Right Home Builders

Cottage homes are the places where lifelong memories are made. Kids will grow up and friends will move away, but the experiences shared over campfires, cookouts, and card games will last forever. Needless to say, the choices you and your cottage home builders make today will have long-term repercussions on you, your family, and the future of your investment.

This blog will cover how to get the most out of your custom cottage home build.

Choose the Right Location

The land you build on will be one of the most important factors in your cottage home design, and if you do not yet own the land, it can pay to have your cottage home builders explore potential lots with you. After all, you can always modify the physical aspects of your cottage, but you can’t change the location.

When looking for land, list your priorities keeping in mind who will use the property. For example, you may love the idea of being off the beaten path in a remote location, however, that may not be practical if the location is far from your residence or if you have small children and want to make frequent visits.

Lake Access

Direct lake access is often very high on the list of must-haves for cottage home builders, but this luxury comes at a cost. With limited availability, the price of lakefront lots can be significantly higher than lake-adjacent or further removed plots of land. You can save a little on construction costs by purchasing an existing structure on waterfront land and then tearing it down but be prepared to dedicate a large portion of your budget to make the lake dream a reality.

Mountain Retreat

Proximity to ski slopes and remote hiking trails is just as prized as lake access for many cottage home builders, and like their water-loving counterparts, mountain lots can be expensive, depending on the area. But while moving further up into the mountains may sound like a great way to reduce land costs, that savings must be weighed against the additional costs of building in remote locations. Once again, if you are shopping for land, it pays to have your home builder with you to guide you on these issues.

Picking the Right Style of Cottage Home

Retirees and young families may have dramatically different needs regarding the style of their cottage homes. For example, older families need to be aware of how future mobility issues may impact the enjoyment of a cottage home; this may mean sticking to a single level or, at the very least, ensuring there is a bedroom and full washroom on the ground level.

On the other hand, families with children might appreciate a multi-level home with bedrooms on the top floor so that once the kids go to bed, the adults are free to enjoy the rest of the evening downstairs.

Size Considerations

Several factors can help determine the ideal size for your cottage home. There is, of course, your budget. Cottage homes can run between $150 to $400+ per square foot to build. Then you also need to consider who will be using the property. If your cottage is meant to be a secluded getaway, you might prefer a more intimate space; if you will be hosting large family gatherings, you will likely need significantly more room.

Your Must-Have List

Whether it’s a large kitchen island, windows that maximize your views, or a cozy reading nook, gather your design ideas before the planning phase begins. While exploring lots, your cottage home builders may have opinions on which lots best meet your wants and needs.