Are you looking to enhance your cottage experience? Adding a boathouse is the best way to do it.

When it comes to living the cottage life, one of the very best ways to level up your experience comes from adding a boathouse. From a smaller project to an extensive setup, boathouses can elevate cottage life and give an added touch of luxury to your lake retreat.

Adding a boathouse to your cottage can be a great summertime project, and it’s one of our favourite projects at Gilbert + Burke. Wondering how much it will cost you to add one in? Depending on the size and the specifications, a boathouse can range anywhere from about $175,000 for a simple, one-slip boathouse all the way up to over a million for a multiple-slip boathouse with a sleeping area.

Here’s how much it might cost to build a boathouse for your favourite prized boat.

Things to remember when building a boathouse

When you’re building a boathouse, you have one of two options: you can build a simple boathouse to house your favourite boat, or you can add on a luxurious boathouse that adds value to both your home and your boating experience. From staying in line with building codes to choosing beautiful wood decking, there are some things to remember when building a boathouse.

First, make sure you know the building codes and permits required in your area. Depending on your location and the size of your boathouse, there may be specific I’s to dot and T’s to cross. For instance, you might want to have living quarters in your boathouse — but, per, Ontario’s regulations, you won’t be able to have a kitchen. Do your research ahead of time, and work with a builder that’s up-to-date on local rules and regulations.

Next, you’ll need to decide on the type of boathouse that you want — which can help you hone in on a budget that covers the cost to build. For instance, you may want a land-based floating with a winch system to draw the boat in at the end of the season… but you may want to invest in crib decks and a more permanent structure. Different boathouses can result in wildly different costs.

What boathouse is right for you?

When it comes to building a boathouse, there are a few things to consider. From where the boathouse is located either on land or water all the way to how much room you want to have inside the boathouse, there are some questions you’ll need to answer before starting your project.

• Will your boathouse need a longer deck?
• What position will the boathouse be in on the water?
• How many boats will fit in your boathouse?
• Will the boathouse be on saltwater or freshwater?
• How deep is the water around the boathouse?
• Will your boathouse be on land or water?
• How many boat lifts do you want?
• Will you be running electrical to the boathouse?
• What are the building codes in your area?
• Will your boathouse have living quarters?

The cost to build a boathouse

The cost to build a boathouse ranges widely depending on what type of boathouse you want. Here are some factors that may influence the cost.

• Type of decking: pressure treated, thermally modified ash decking or waterproof non-slip decking material
• Type of walls: cedar-clad or no finishes on stud walls
• Type of roofing: steel or asphalt shingle
• Type of lift: boat life or no boatlift
• Type of door: clear windows all the way around or walls with a standard garage door at the boat slip

Essentially, the cost to build a boathouse involves a variety of different factors — including custom design, water depth, living quarters and interior finish. If you’re looking to build a boathouse in Ontario, we’d love to give you a custom quote. Our team at Gilbert + Burke knows cottage life, and we’d love nothing more than to help you create a boathouse that meets your ultimate vision. Call us today.