The Vintage Cottage Rebuild vs Remodel Quiz

Many  cottage owners  have an old (or aging) cottage, and  are faced with the choice to rebuild or remodel. Professionals  know how to assess “the bones” of an  existing cottage, and how to come up with  the right solution. And while it’s extremely  important to get a qualified and professional opinion,  we want to put some power in the hands of the cottage owner.

Here’s a simple checklist designed to help you start making  the decision to remodel or  rebuild.

Section  1: Cottage goals and vision

Will  this cottage  be used year round?

Yes

No

Do  you like  the location  of your cottage?

Yes

No

Does  your existing  cottage have emotional,  sentimental or historical value  to you and/or your family?

Yes

No

Do  you plan  on keeping  the footprint  of the cottage the  same?

Yes

No

Section  2: Check “the bones”

Is  the foundation  frost protected around the  entire perimeter of the building?

Yes

No

Are  you happy  with the current  floorplan without major  layout changes?

Yes

No

Are  the floors  level?

Yes

No

Is  the roof  in good condition  (not caving, or in need  of re-enforcing)

Yes

No

Are  the ceiling  heights to standard  (8’)?

Yes

No

Are  you confident  the structure is  well built and sound?

Yes

No

Are  the walls  free from signs  of rot or mold?

Yes

No

Are  there  strict zoning  restrictions in your  area?

Yes

No

Section  3: Environmental  and location considerations

Has  the energy  efficiency of  the cottage been  updated in the past  10 years?

Yes

No

Was  the cottage  built with energy efficient  wiring, plumbing, insulation and best  practices in place?

Yes

No

Are  there  environmental/health concerns  that you are aware of? (i.e. setbacks  from waterfront, septic systems, septic systems  close to wells, etc?)

Yes

No

What  do your  results say?

MORE  ‘YES’S  THAN ‘NO’S:  REMODEL

From  your results,  it appears that  you may be leaning  towards a cottage remodel.

Cottage  owners who  are working with  good structural bones,  in a location they love,  feel a sentimental or historic  attachment to, or are restrained  by local zoning or environmental considerations,  are more likely in a position to refresh vs redo.

Your  next step  is to get a  professional opinion. Talk  to a design-builder  with expertise in cottage remodeling that can provide a vision and a plan for achieving  the cottage of your dreams.

MORE  ‘NO’S THAN  ‘YES’S: REBUILD

Your  results  show that  a rebuild may  be required. Typically,  if an aging cottage hasn’t maintained  strong structural elements (such as framing,  roofing, or foundation) the choice to rebuild is  safer, and provides more longevity for its use. Any  time major changes to structure, floor plan/layout, or critical  utilities are in order, it’s usually a sign the cottage needs to  start fresh from the ground up.

Your  next step  is to get a  professional opinion. Talk  to a design-builder  with expertise in new cottage builds that can  provide a vision and a plan for building the cottage of your  dreams.

Our free eBook walks you through the process of remodelling your vintage cottage from start to finish!