Planning construction of the new cottage home requires special attention to several factors; including what the main purpose of the cottage will be.

For instance, will the cottage be used as a winter cottage, a summer home, or a cottage rental? Will it serve as a retirement home, a hunting cabin, or a guest house for visitors?  Once the main purpose for the cottage has been established, move on to cottage construction design.

Your Dream Cottage Floor Plan

Avoid getting caught up in selecting a cottage design and floor plan simply because it is “cute.” You want something that will meet the needs of you and your family long term.

Cottage size and floor plan layout should be your first consideration – as well as what you are realistically able to afford. Remember, the larger the cottage construction, the greater ongoing expenses are most likely to be.

If you have a larger family or enjoy entertaining, chances are you will want larger, more open spaces than classic cottage design. If you are married but haven’t yet started a family and plan to at a later date, consider a floor plan that will easily evolve to meet changing needs. With rooms that can easily be converted to serve more than one purpose.

For instance, a storage room in close proximity to the master bedroom that could be made into a nursery. Or, a home office or reading room that could later be turned into a family room or children’s bedroom. In addition, the kitchen area should be larger than what your current needs are.

Another aspect of cottage design will be type of materials used. Do you want a log cabin, a stone cottage, or something very unique – like a thatched cottage?  Part of the allure of cottage living is the variety of cottage style choices from which to select. Be practical; but also be creative and have fun with the design.

 Selecting the Right Location for your Cottage

Where you build your new cottage home is every bit as important as cottage design and the cottage floor plan. Think about accessibility, privacy, and convenience. Are there already plumbing and electrical resources in place?  And what about distance – to and from the location.

When considering property cost, take into account additional costs, as well: plumbing, electrical hookups, landscaping, road paving, etc. And any additional expense incurred if you have to hire a roofing contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical wiring contractor, or landscape contractor.

Other Things to Consider

Other things to take into account when making plans for the new cottage home include:

• Check all local building codes, and zoning laws that determine what you can build, as well as where you can build it.
• If the new cottage home will be your primary residence, you may qualify for a GST (goods and services tax) rebate.
• Cottage house plan kits are available, an option that can help cut down on costs. This also allows the do-it-yourselfer to save even more money by doing some or all of the building.
• Before selecting cottage site, find out what the property taxes will be. Lake side locations can be significantly higher than urban developed areas.
• When considering remote country settings for cottage construction, find out what easement or property rights of way may be attached to the property, if any.

Whether the new cottage home you want is for summertime fun or a full-time home, locating and hiring a cottage home builder for the job is quick, easy, and free at HandyCanadian.com; without obligation.

To locate a reliable builder for your new cottage construction project, post your project online for free and receive bids from professionals in your area, ready to compete for your business. Click here to post your project.

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