Free Cottage Renovation Cost Savings Guide

STEP 1 – Complete Kitchen Renovation

Tackling the dated kitchen.

Here’s a look at the original kitchen installed back in 1989. The cabinetry was melamine with Formica countertops.

The cabinets and layout were (very!) dated, plus we wanted to add more light by incorporating a window located on the oven wall.

Kitchen Renovation

New drywall and windows

In addition to replacing all of our windows, we added more windows whenever possible. Here in the kitchen A 2nd window was added to provide more natural light.

The kitchen was gutted right down to the studs.

Kitchen Renovation

Radiant in-floor heating

With the old floor removed, we added in-floor radiant heating before tiles were installed.

Tile floors get cold in the winter so we all appreciate the warmth and luxurious feel of heated floors in the dead of winter!

Kitchen Renovation

New Window Installed

The new window shown on the right really opened up the kitchen. Plus, it allows us to see when guests come down the driveway, or anyone partying on the new driveway deck.

After all, no one wants to missed out on a good party!

Kitchen Renovation

Stone accent wall

We added an accent stone wall made from stone veneer sections fastened to the wall using a stone adhesive product. It’s an easy, inexpensive project.

The finished result looks like dry stacked stone built by a stone mason. This was a very economical way to add a little rustic charm to the kitchen.

Kitchen Renovation

Pantry/Servery Addition

We wanted to expand the kitchen to the left of the fridge to include a tall pantry and a servery.

The servery incorporates an upper cupboard, microwave, counter space, and a liquor cabinet below.

Kitchen Renovation

Pantry/Servery Installed

The liquor cabinet includes two maple hardwood pullouts – one for liquor bottles, and one smaller pullout for cans/mix.

Note: To make room for these cabinets we removed the cottages’ side door that was located where these cabinets have been installed. You will see where larger side door was added as the tour continues!

Living Room

Level Sunken Living Room

Back in 1988 when we built the cottage, sunken living rooms were a popular option – so was Cheers! But it was a time for a change and we wanted to create a more modern, open look with a centralized fireplace.

Note: We always appreciated the wood box shown to the left of the wood stove. There was a rear door on the outside of the cottage for feeding wood directly into the wood box.

Living Room

Building the Sub-Floor

After removing the brick fireplace surround, wood stove, and wood box, a new floor was constructed on top of the existing floor to create a level floor throughout.

Note: The window frame also had to be lifted before a replacement window was installed. The new living room window is now at the same height as the dinning room window.

Living Room

Levelled Living Room

By creating one level on the main floor, and removing the railing that used to divide the sunken living room from the dinning room, the transformation was even greater than we had envisioned.

Note: This photo also shows the pine removed from the wall to get ready for the fireplace.

Dining Room

Hardwood Flooring

After adding lots of wood screws to take away squeaks in the old plywood flooring, the new engineered flooring was installed throughout the living room and dinning room.

Note: We installed the new flooring using flooring glue and staples, VS the floating method that allows room for expansion.

STEP 3 – Fireplace

The Mantle

The first thing we wanted to find was a rustic antique mantle to fit our fireplace. It’s hard to imagine how these old railway ties and barn posts could ever be turned into a beautiful mantle, but after a lot of TLC and five coats of lacquer, mission accomplished!

About: We discovered these beams at Gilldercroft Furniture in Uxbridge, Ontario. The total finished cost for a 7-ft. mantle was $700.00

Fireplace

Fireplace Framing

The next step was positioning the propane fireplace and framing it in. The fireplace vents out the back wall behind the future TV cavity.

Note: The new side window locations can be seen here. These windows will give us added light and a great view of our side forest.

STEP 3 – Fireplace

Fireplace Stones

It’s time for the stone mason! There is a real art to masonry work so finding a good dry-stack stone mason is worth the investigation. The mason’s labor cost for this project was $4,000 – and worth every penny!

Note: The newly installed side windows can be seen in this photo.

STEP 3 – Fireplace

Fireplace Side Cabinets

Flanking both sides of the fireplace are custom cabinets with a cushion top. The grandchildren get a kick out of having a place to hangout on these cushions.

One cabinet is used for TV electronics such as the DVD player. The other serves as a handy place to store games and blankets.

Exterior Siding

Existing Cedar Siding

The cedar siding served us well for over 30 years but it was time to say goodbye. The woodpeckers made countless holes in the siding and some even made nests! So it was time to explore siding options and redo the whole cottage.

This was also time to say goodbye to the railway ties that created the two-tier garden beds.

Step 1: Remove old siding

Step 2: Install energy shield

Step 3: Install new siding

Siding

When it came to selecting the siding our number one priority was low maintenance. After 30 years of maintaining natural cedar siding, we were ready to toss the stain brush!

One consideration was prefinished wood siding such as Maibec siding. But in the end we chose a board & batten vinyl siding for ultimate low-maintenance.

Stone

To dress-up the exterior we o added stone accents along the front, back, and corners. The product used is called Fusion Stone, Great Lakes Fawn, Dry-Stack. The top sill colour is Rock-Stone, with a beveled edge.

We are very happy with this siding/stone combination. It is an economical way to achieve a high-end look.

Exterior Siding

BEFORE

In addition to needing new siding, the 5 support posts were starting to decay below ground level so they were added to the list.

We also needed to raise the ground level because a deck is being added and we wanted to keep the deck height under 24″ to avoid railings.

Exterior Siding

After

We dressed up the 5 replacement support posts by adding 45-degree braces to give it a post & beam look, and painted them in a matching colour thanks to Benjamin Moore Paints.

With the ground level raised about 20″, the new deck height is below 24″ so we were able to avoid railings.

Existing Screen Porch

Before

We have nothing but fond memories of our original screen porch. It was actually an addition to the cottage back in 1995, replacing a deck that wrapped around the lakefront side of the cottage.

Although it was a favorite gathering space for family and friends, it was getting too small for our ever-growing family. So the decision was made to expand the 20′ porch across the entire 40′ width.

However, upon inspection our contractor advised removing the porch and building from scratch as it would be more economical and structurally sound.

Remove Existing Porch

Demolition

The last section of the porch roof was kept on until the new roof gets installed to keep the rain out. The windows and door were covered for added protection during demolition.

Porch Floor

The New 14’x40′ Floor

It was quite a shock to see just how large a 40’x14′ floor is after living with a 20’x12′ porch.

Our young inspector tested the floor and said she’s looking forward to bringing out the Barbie gang in front of the fireplace.

Trusses & Framing

Taking Shape!

With the wall framing in place, the trusses were installed in under three hours!

Due to the large spans, building code called for the yellow colored support beams, called LVL – laminated veneer lumber.

Our first view from inside!

Above will be our outdoor dinning room. Photo on right shows where the seating area and wood burning fireplace will be located between the two windows.

Composite Deck

The new 40’x12′ lakefront decking is installed and ready for the hot tub!

BBQ Deck Foundation

This is the future location for our enclosed BBQ deck. It will be fully enclosed with a 36″H knee wall and screens on three sides, plus a black metal roof.

There will also be a set of stairs on the right hand side, leading down towards the lake.