SUCCESS STORIES

The Backstory 

Liz’s family has long been connected to the property—in some ways, literally. It’s next door to her family cottage, built in 1954 by her grandfather and father when he was 14. The neighbor’s cottage was “very rustic,” says Liz, basically a one-bedroom bunkie with an outhouse. Years ago, Liz’s family ran running water from their cottage to the neighbors’. Those neighbors eventually sold the property to her family, and, about 12 years ago, Liz and Duncan took it over and continued to use the rustic space. In 2019 they decided to tear it down and build their dream cottage. 

The Right Fit 

Once they’d made that decision, the couple got to work researching builders in the area. After just one meeting with the Cedar Winds team, they quickly made a decision. “We walked out the door and knew right away that we’d be back. We clicked right away,” says Liz. “I don’t like to use the term ‘cookie cutter,’ but we didn’t want to work with a builder who said you have to choose from a set of plans. We wanted to have something that didn’t look like anything else on the lake,” adds Duncan. The fact that Cedar Winds is a design-build company and that everything would be handled under one roof was also appealing. 

Home Sweet Home 

Partway through the planning process, with retirement from careers as elementary school phys. ed. teachers on the horizon, the couple decided that their dream cottage would in fact become their dream home. With plans to live on the lake for as long as possible, the couple was conscious of “aging in place” design features, something that the Cedar Winds team factors into almost all of their projects. As a result, everything they need for everyday living is found on one floor, including the main bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a stacked washer-dryer in case at some point down the road navigating the stairs to the lower level becomes a chore. 

With a son and daughter both in their 20s, they knew they wanted three bedrooms so the kids could comfortably stay with them. 

Favorite Features 

Asked to name their favorite parts of their new home, Duncan immediately deadpans, “I can go to the bathroom inside!” which, admittedly, is definitely a significant upgrade. Liz adds that, “I love the whole thing…but the combined kitchen and great room worked out wonderfully.” One of the highlights is the contrasting dark ceiling and trim with the light-colored tile on the fireplace. “At first people [including Duncan] weren’t sure about the dark ceiling,” says Liz, but, “Now when people see it, they all say, ‘Wow, the ceiling is gorgeous.’” 

Customer Service 

With any major building project, there are some unexpected hiccups along the way. But the Campbells say any issues that did come up were quickly resolved. In one instance, shortly after moving in, there was a water leak on the weekend. “John Black [the project manager] dropped everything, called the plumber, and came right away to meet him,” says Liz. And when an appliance supplier sold their washing machine to someone else, not realizing there was a lengthy delay in backorders because of COVID, operations manager Nelson Evans negotiated with the supplier to give the Campbells upgraded models that were in stock. “We got a very nice washer and dryer at no extra cost!” says Liz. 

Experienced Advice 

Liz’s key piece of advice is to “make sure that you’re comfortable with the people that you’re going to be working with for a year or more.” When meeting with potential builders, Duncan advises that you “ask lots of questions. If they’re at all evasive or you don’t like the answers you get, that’s a clear sign that they’re not for you.” 

While the answer should already be pretty clear, when asked if they would recommend Cedar Winds to others, the couple’s immediate overlapping responses were “Definitely/Absolutely!” Positive feedback from another very satisfied customer. 

Choosing Cedar Winds 

Steve was a regular visitor to the Haliburton area and bought the property, located in the Harcourt Park cottage community, prior to meeting Kerry back in 2000. The original cottage was built in the 1960s and wasn’t insulated or properly winterized. 

The couple met Cedar Winds’ owner, Glenn Evans, at the Cottage Life Show a few years ago. They’d initially approached him about an outbuilding they wanted to add to the property. While that project never materialized, the couple liked Glenn’s ideas and stayed in touch. “Glenn listens really well,” says Steve. 

After trying to live with some patchwork winterization measures, the couple decided to start with a clean slate and build the cottage of their dreams. While they did their due diligence and met with other builders before signing a contract, their prior experience and relationship with Glenn and, in Kerry’s words, “the comfort of having someone manage the entire project while we were so far away,” helped convince them to seal the deal and sign with Cedar Winds.

Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder 

Location, location, location is the mantra in real estate, and that goes double in cottage country. The couple’s south-facing view across the lake was an obvious focal point for the design. 

“There’s a very welcoming feel as you approach the cottage. It feels like a big hug,” says Steve. “It’s the perfect design for what could have been a very difficult lot.” 

On the inside, both are equally enthusiastic. “It doesn’t feel real yet. It feels like someone’s beautiful Airbnb,” says Kerry. “Every now and then we turn to each other and say, ‘Wow! This is our place’.”

“Coming down the stairs [to the basement] and looking out at the view of the lake... it still catches my breath,” adds Steve. 

“Working with Lauren, the designer, was a fantastic experience,” says Kerry. “She really took the time to understand our style and was an immense help in choosing finishes and fixtures that fit our lifestyle.”

The kitchen, which opens onto the great room, includes a large island with a Cambria waterfall countertop. “It’s a natural gathering place and is not only comfortable but extremely functional. No worries about scratches or wine stains!” says Kerry.

A 10’ sliding glass door opens up to the screened room on the deck. “When you are cuddled up on the porch, you feel like you are in the middle of the forest, with windows and the view of the trees surrounding you on all three sides,” says Kerry. 

Basement Bonanza 

“Our cottage is meant for entertaining. Our friends and family are here all of the time,” says Kerry. So, with that in mind, they put a lot of thought and planning into accommodating overnight visitors in the cottage. 

“Our guests will have their own private space,” she says. There are two bedrooms, a studio space, and a three-piece bathroom that includes a soaker tub in the basement. The walkout patio door means that early risers won’t disturb them if they want to go for a morning run or take a dog for a walk.

Covid’s Shadow 

Some logistical issues, exacerbated by Covid-induced delays, meant that the project wasn’t completed as early as the couple wanted. “Things took a lot longer than we expected. Deadlines just kept getting pushed back,” says Kerry. Originally hoping to move in as early as May or June 2021, they didn’t get the keys until early October. “To lose the whole summer was the biggest disappointment,” says Kerry.

“If we knew there would be such a thing as Covid pricing and Covid timelines…we probably wouldn’t have built when we did,” says Steve. 

Additionally, with various restrictions in place, the couple was not able to visit the site as often as they would have liked. Cedar Winds recently started using a communications platform called Co-Construct, which also includes a file-sharing feature where the crew can post images as the project progresses. “We so appreciated the photo updates,” says Kerry. “Those were our lifelines to the project.” 

That said, there were some ruffled feathers as the team worked on integrating the new platform. “To find out you’re going to be delayed another month by an app instead of a phone call, that was disappointing,” says Steve. 

Steve and Kerry would both encourage would-be clients to “ask for lots of photos and updates,” particularly if you’re building a cottage that’s far from home.

Despite some hiccups along the way, Kerry and Steve couldn’t be happier with the finished result. “We are thrilled with it,” says Kerry. 

The waiting game

Elaine and Rodney have owned the vacant lot in Haliburton that they built their dream cottage on since 1997. They’d met with several local builders over the years, but, since home is nearly six hours away in Michigan, “We were looking for a contractor that could do it all,” says Elaine.

After initially finding Cedar Winds through their website, they never expected that they would have most of their interactions electronically. They first met with Glenn and Teresa at the Cedar Winds office in October 2019, took a site tour with the team, and decided right away that they’d found the right fit. And then COVID-19 hit. 

Remote work 

Planning for the project began that fall and early winter, but with the Canada–U.S. border shut down, the couple were not able to attend any meetings in person or even visit the site.

“After that first meeting, everything was done entirely remotely,” says Elaine. This was done through a mix of phone calls, videoconferences, and an online communications and file-sharing platform called Co-Construct.

“Co-Construct is very user-friendly,” she says. In addition to using the system as a coordinated communications platform for project planning and management, the Cedar Winds team regularly posts work-in-progress images so their clients back in the city—or another country—can stay on top of things. “You can really see what’s happening at any given time,” says Elaine. 

Elaine and Rodney also selected all their fixtures and finishes online. Using Co-Construct, they would upload images of things they liked, and the Cedar Winds team would track them down or find the closest available equivalents. 

The reveal 

In a normal home or cottage build, the owners will visit the site at least a few times throughout the process to see how things are progressing firsthand. But given the COVID-19 restrictions, Elaine and Rodney didn’t get back to their property until September 2021. Where previously there had been a vacant lot that they’d become familiar with over the years, suddenly there was the two-story cottage they’d always imagined would be there. “It was overwhelming—in a good way!—to finally see it in person. It’s beautiful,” says Elaine. 

Cottage comforts 

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage features an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area with a modern fireplace on the main floor. 

On the second floor, “There’s a very large open loft area outside the master bedroom with a view out of the main windows,” says Elaine. “It’s my favorite room.” 

A wraparound deck that runs the width of the building, accessible via two sliding doors, offers expansive views looking out over the lake. 

Expect the unexpected.

Elaine’s advice to people planning to build a custom cottage is to expect the unexpected. Once excavation began, for example, the couple found out they’d need to do some blasting for the basement. “That was an unexpected cost,” says Elaine. And some heavy rains led to some erosion issues that required some regrading. Still, “Any hiccups that came up have been addressed,” she says.

The Hunt 

Neither Glen nor Lani Lindsay had cottages growing up, but both knew that they wanted one that they could share with their daughter and eventually retire to. “Finding a place to escape became a bit of a hobby for me,” admits Glen. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to find the right property that combined what they were looking for in terms of land and the building. So, they decided to buy a vacant lot and build their dream cottage. 

They found their piece of paradise on Lipsy Lake. The small, 2 km long lake only has about 20 cottages on it and tends to attract owners more interested in swimming, canoeing, and kayaking than waterskiing or zipping around on a PWC. “The lot checked off all of our boxes,” says Glen. “If I had to describe it in one word, it would be ‘tranquil.’”

Budget Conscious 

While touring the area on their unsuccessful hunt for an existing cottage, the Lindsays spotted a number of homes and cottages built by Cedar Winds, including one “that was so big I thought it might be a resort,” says Glen with a laugh. But Cedar Winds didn’t balk at working within their relatively modest budget. 

When the quote came back for their initial wish list, the Cedar Winds team helped the couple pare back some aspects so that they could stay within their means. “They really worked with us to make it work,” says Glen. 

One example of that is the detached garage/bunkie that was built after the main cottage was completed. With funds running low, they’ve roughed in a planned bathroom for now and will complete it later on. 

Prized Places 

The finished result is a contemporary design that includes a shed roof, variegated wood siding, and windows that are 1.5 stories tall. 

Lani’s favorite spot is the screened-in, three-season Haliburton room. “We eat all our meals there, and it’s the perfect place to read a book or take a nap in the ‘outdoors’ without getting eaten alive,” says Glen. His favorite space is the Great Room with the fireplace. Together, the family has year-round comfort in a secluded part of cottage country overlooking a quiet lake. 

Local Expertise 

Having done renovations in the city, the Lindsays knew how important it would be to hire a local builder who’d know the best tradespeople in the area. Cedar Winds’ experience as builders was evident given the current climate. “Even during a pandemic, they kept everything going,” says Glen. 

The Cedar Winds team was also able to offer guidance on which features would and would not work on the lake. For example, Glen’s initial vision included polished concrete floors. But he’s glad Cedar Winds suggested they use hardwood flooring instead: “The concrete would have been so cold in the winter.” 

They also really appreciated having access to the online Client Project Window. “We got to see how the construction was progressing every week,” he says. “It was really encouraging to see after a long day at work.” 

Snowed Under 

Overall, Glen and Lani agree that they’re glad they chose to work with Cedar Winds. “It was a great experience. I was really impressed. Everything down to the ensuite is how we wanted it,” says Glen. But he does advise that there will be bumps along the way. “Working with a builder is not a date. It’s a long-term relationship,” he says. 

One other piece of advice Glen would share with others: look into your road situation. Many cottages are on private roads that aren’t plowed by the municipality. Instead, owners (often through the cottagers’ association) hire a private company to maintain the road. “Snow removal becomes a big headache,” says Glen, particularly with multiple crews and deliveries trying to access the site. 

Tight Squeeze 

When Gord and Kathryn bought their Haliburton cottage in 2011, the existing 1950s-era building was onlyly 700 sq. ft. With three married daughters and five grandchildren, “It just wasn’t enough space for us to all get together,” says Kathryn. The couple debated putting an addition on their aging structure or even moving. “But we really liked our lot on an east-facing point and the view we have,” says Kathryn. “We like watching the sunrise.” In the end, they decided to tear down the old cottage and build completely new. 

The Cedar Winds Experience 

“I really liked the way they listened to us,” says Kathryn. “During the planning meetings they kept asking, ‘What do you really want from this cottage?’” When the couple saw the initial plans, Kathryn says, “I knew right away that they really did listen to us.” 

As for working with the Cedar Winds team, “They are all so friendly in the office,” says Gord. “And the crews working on the building are also very friendly and courteous.” Kathryn adds, “They really are a team. Everyone was involved in the project.” 

Coping with Covid 

The old cottage was taken down in September 2019, and Gord and Kathryn were able to move into their new cottage the following June. Of course, that timeline coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe. That meant that for the latter stages of construction, the couple were prevented from making site visits. “They were really concerned about the safety of their workers,” says Kathryn. Still, Gord says, “I spoke with the foreman [Glenn and Teresa Evans’ son, Nelson] once a week,” so they were always kept up-to-date on the project’s progress. “They also regularly sent pictures so that we could get a visual on how the build was advancing.”

Lots of Living Space 

This new cottage has three bedrooms, an “all-purpose room” that serves as a yoga and workout space or an office if their kids need to work from the cottage, and three three-piece bathrooms, two on the main floor and one on the lower level. 

“My favorite thing is all the windows and all the brightness that they bring indoors,” says Kathryn. The raw pine tongue-in-groove cathedral ceiling in the great room helps accentuate the brightness. Gord points out that they intentionally chose to not extend their expansive, 425-sq.ft. deck in front of the master bedroom window so that they could enjoy the morning sunrise. But then, he jokingly adds that the retired couple can, “Close the blackout blinds and go back to sleep.” 

The lower level serves as a self-contained area where their children can stay with their own young families. 

Long-term Living 

As seniors, the couple says that age-in-place features were also a consideration in the design. With the master bedroom, two bathrooms, laundry room, kitchen, and main living space all on one floor, the couple can be totally self-sufficient on the main level and won’t have to worry about navigating stairs if either faces mobility issues down the road. 

Gord and Kathryn's Advice 

Whether you’re looking to build a cottage or a home, Kathryn has some key advice to share: “Determine what is most important to you—the budget, the look, the size—and how the house will fit your lifestyle now and in the future,” she says. With Cedar Winds guiding the way, Gord and Kathryn were able to determine their main criteria, and, as Kathryn says, they now have “a well-built, well-finished home that fits our needs. I’d say it’s a 9 or 9.5 out of 10.” 

Timing is Everything 

Steve and Katie had an ambitious goal to get into their new cottage around Christmas 2018. They hired Cedar Winds Design~Build and started developing their plans in the fall of 2017. Over the winter, the plans and budget were revised and finalized. The following May, the original cottage was torn down and construction began. 

“Within eight months, 95 percent of the job was done,” says Steve. “We got the keys on December 23 and spent New Year’s at the cottage.” 

“Communication is key,” says Katie. “If we asked a question, they’d get back to us right away. It was very impressive.” 

Quality Control 

The design-build model was key to keeping the project running on time. “Having everything done in-house is a big help. You’re paying for the service to make things happen on time,” says Steve. 

“Cedar Winds uses really good trades, people who do really good work,” says Steve. “They were amazing,” adds Katie. “They were always very welcoming when we got there. Glenn [Evans, Cedar Winds’ co-owner] leads a great team.” 

Onsite visits elicited some helpful advice from the tradespeople, including the trim they should use. “A lot of our guests comment on the trim,” says Katie. 

Processes in Place 

Living about three hours away in Toronto, it wasn’t always feasible to visit the jobsite, but the Cedar Winds team kept them up to date on progress throughout the build. “They sent us pictures at every stage,” says Katie. 

The couple was also impressed with how Cedar Winds managed to overcome the inevitable little hiccups that occur in any new construction project. “The flooring that we originally wanted to use was on back order for three months. They found a solution. They’re very good at that,” says Katie. 

Rooms with a View 

The cottage was designed to maximize the property’s east-facing view. Katie describes the lake-facing side of the building as, “All windows. When you walk in the front door it’s quite spectacular to look at the amazing view across the lake.” 

The master bedroom is on the main floor, with two additional bedrooms and an entertainment room in the lower level. The property’s sloping terrain allowed for a sliding glass door that walkouts out directly to the lake. 

The family is also very fond of the 12 x 12 screened porch that faces the lake. “The screened porch is probably our main entertaining area,” says Katie.  

Client-to-Client Advice 

Not every project can or will be completed as quickly as Steve and Katie’s cottage. “It’s a fairly simple design,” admits Steve. For potential Cedar Winds clients looking to keep to a tight timeline, he has some advice to share. “There are literally thousands of questions that have to be answered over the course of the project,” says Steve. “So, the longer we took to get back to them with answers, the longer the delay.” 

Finally, when asked if the couple would recommend Cedar Winds to others Katie had a definitive, one-word answer: “Absolutely.” 

From the Homeowners:

“I researched other builders, and what I really wanted was someone who could design the renovation and take care of all the trades. The fact that Cedar Winds manages everything was a big draw. And, in the end, Glenn was on top of everything, from getting the permits to dealing with inspectors and hiring excellent trades.”

The VanderGeests’ heart is tied closely to their 1988 Lake Moore cottage—originally a cozy 1,300 square foot stilted bungalow, which they’ve lovingly adapted over the years (such as adding a basement and garage). But with three grown kids, four grandchildren, and the hope of retiring at the cottage on the horizon, they decided to do a major renovation that would ultimately give them more space. “The first time I met with Glenn, I got a very good first impression. He is a down-to-earth guy, and he was upfront about what was doable, and he had good ideas.” The couple had thought about tearing down the existing structure, but Glenn reassured them that it was up to code and could be built on. So the couple went on Cedar Winds’ wait list, and two years later, they began their much-needed renovation.

Customized design

“Glenn came to our cottage and made design suggestions that met our vision, which included raising the roof to enhance the view of the lake and expanding out the kitchen and dining area so everyone wasn’t on top of each other. The design drawings were very detailed, and he was able to take our ideas and put them to paper well.”

Quality construction

“I’ve been involved in construction a little over the years, and I don’t like seeing crooked nails or cracked drywall. Cedar Winds had fine craftsmanship and took the time to do everything properly.”

Budgeting expertise

“Glenn was pretty clear about numbers, and, as he warned us, the final cost often comes down to finish choices. When we started picking things from doors to counters, we decided we did not want to go the cheap route.”

Excellent design advice.

“Teresa offered incredibly detailed design ideas. For example, I can see why she helped us choose such light colors to finish our kitchen—it all flows so beautifully. She also spent three hours with us in a lighting store in Peterborough to help us pick out just the right fixtures.”

Quality trades

“The trades were always very polite and friendly and kept the worksite clean.”

From the Homeowners:

 “We did look around at other builders and contractors, but we decided to go with Cedar Winds because we liked the idea of a project manager and paying the trades directly. That was very important to us…seeing where the dollars go.”

About five years before the Boynes retired, they began shopping for the right builder to replace their second-generation, family-owned cottage on Lake Kashagawigamog with an all-season home. They interviewed other builders and contractors but decided on Cedar Winds, despite a four-year waitlist for the builder, because it aligned with their retirement plan. “Ultimately, we wanted to have a home with a cottage feel where we could retire. We wanted it to be spacious, especially coming from living in a small townhouse where we’d felt crowded for 34 years.” The experience was ultimately rewarding, despite some glitches along the way.

Empowered decision-making

“Initially, we were hoping to simply add to the existing cottage. But we were glad when we did decide to tear it down. It turns out the insides were so brittle they were a tinderbox. Plus, there was no insulation, cloth-covered wires, or copper piping. While it was upsetting to see the beloved family cottage come down, knowing what a fire hazard it was, we had a great sense of relief while crying.”

Design with patience.

“Design was a lengthy process. We did go back and forth a lot, looking at everything from window shape to room sizes. Glenn and Teresa were terrific at interpreting what we wanted and informing us of the technical aspects of building a home. Both Glenn and Teresa made important design suggestions, such as an expanded mudroom and oversized garage doors.”

Custom details that please

“Glenn and Teresa really put a lot of creative effort into customizing details. For example, we wanted the wood-burning stove raised so we would not have to kneel. The raised platform made of granite is amazing. Teresa also suggested we have a hidden compartment for the satellite receiver and other devices. We covered it with a 100-year-old grate that provides function and aesthetics.”

Well-informed build process

“Glenn warned us there were a few unknowns that might surface during the demolition, and they did (the septic and tile bed). While it cost us more to fix, we weren’t surprised.”

Hands-on, dedicated Cedar Winds team

“Glenn and Teresa were incredibly accommodating. They met with us many, many times, something we would not have gotten had we gone with a general contractor. The Cedar Winds team is all amazing and highly communicative. The project manager, Bernie Upton, was always available and would send us pictures of the job site when we were unable to be there. The design associate, Lesley Trotter, is exceptional. She would send us invoices and payment records and even notes recapping our meetings regularly.”

Accountability

“About a week prior to demolition, Glenn and Teresa informed us that the budget was significantly over as a result of not paying enough attention to the figures. They met with us and fully owned their mistake. It was devastating; however, we decided to continue with Cedar Winds. We went through the difficult process of removing elements of the build (for example, not finishing the basement or the interior of the screened room) to ensure we were within budget.”

Impeccable craftsmanship

“The work was meticulously done, and the carpentry was outstanding. Cedar Winds retained highly skilled and excellent tradespeople throughout the process.”

From the Homeowners:

“We had a cottage for 30 years in Haliburton that we loved. Though it was only 900 sq. ft. with a finished basement, we made it work for us while raising our four kids. Now that they are in their 20s, we knew we would need more space when grandchildren eventually arrive. We also wanted to start entertaining more at the cottage and use it as a second home, spending more time in the winter there. It wasn’t an option to build on our existing lot, so after shopping around, we fell in love with a piece of property on the same lake. We didn’t have to look far for a builder.”

Outstanding Examples

“We knew of Cedar Winds by reputation. Early on in our contemplation of building from scratch, Glenn and Teresa took us around to see past cottages that they had built. Every single cottage was unique and designed specifically for the owner. We knew then that they could build us something personal that we would love.”

Personalized Design

“Our main desire was to have an open space concept and to ensure all the main living areas, from the living room and kitchen to the dining room, had excellent views of the lake. The design process itself was very in-depth and personal. They explored how we wanted to use the cottage and how best to design the space for functionality while also maximizing the view. They asked us to really think about what we wanted. It’s one thing to say you like a certain style; it’s another when it comes down to deciding on details like kitchen cabinets, flooring type, window and door trim colors and styles, for example. By encouraging us to think through details, it made the entire process much more efficient.”

Flexible Revisions

“We settled on the sixth design rendition. Glenn and Teresa were patient and open to ideas as we explored what we wanted our new home to look like and how we wanted it to function. They gave us great advice on technical aspects and architectural nuances.”

Surprising Pluses

“We love the kitchen island Teresa suggested. My husband calls it the continent because it is so big, but it contains a lot of vital storage space, and it is perfect for entertaining. We appreciated the weekly, sometimes daily, emails and pictures from Bernie, the project manager, showing the progress, as we couldn't always be on-site. It was a great way for us to be kept up to date.”

Efficient Project Management

“They made sure everything was in when it was supposed to be, and when we did encounter a delay with the big timber frame structure being shipped from B.C., they made sure we worked around it. There was no backtracking, and everything was well thought out and organized. We never felt like we ever had to compromise throughout the design and build process. They always had fixes or solutions for any concern or situation that arose. They also made sure we made decisions well in advance so nothing was held up.”

Organized Design Choices

“You can get overwhelmed when it comes to picking colors and finishes. Teresa was really helpful. She seemed to have a great sense of my style, selecting two or three options for me to pick from.  I always found what I was looking for in her suggestions. She also had the experience to design the kitchen that we wanted by integrating our ideas with her knowledge.”

Attention to Detail

“We were beyond excited about the finished product. It’s one thing to see it on paper, but when you finally go through it, it’s truly rewarding. We appreciated that the tradespeople really took pride in their work. The attention to detail clearly shows the quality of the workmanship.” 

From the Homeowners:

"We had four or five building companies come out and give us their ideas on what we should do. And all of them said we should mow it down and build a brand new cottage. We didn't like that idea. We didn't want to lose our knotty pine beams and floors! Glenn at Cedar Winds was recommended to us, and he returned our call right away and came out the next day. He listened to our ideas and said, 'Sure, we can add on.' It was very reassuring."

Mike and Pat Murtha have enjoyed half a century of summers at their beloved Haliburton cottage. And the second home more than gave back for the Torontonians: it wasn't until the windows leaked after a storm a few years ago that the couple (in their 70s) decided it was finally time to update the charmer for full-time living and to allow for roomier visits from their kids and grandkids. " Pat's gone many years without an actual, properly running kitchen," adds Mike. "In all that time, we never had running water." The trouble, as it turns out, was finding a builder who didn't want to tear down the entire structure and start from scratch. Here's how Cedar Winds gave the Murphys their dream cottage renovation.

Collaborative Design

"We'd done a few drawings, and Glenn and Teresa turned those into four or five design plans. We only had minor changes and said, Let's go for it. Teresa is a very clever girl; the way she designed the space and layout of the new kitchen was perfect."

Seamless Project Management

"We experienced some challenges obtaining permits from the township. Glenn was wonderful handling this for us. We didn't have to run back and forth from the city. Once we got approved, Glenn got started right away in order to get the concrete footing in before winter. It was no easy task: since Haliburton is so rocky, we had to move one rock aside to keep the cottage level. Construction resumed in April (because of limited access to our property), and the build progressed well and on time."

Value-Added Services

"Teresa met us at a lighting store in Peterborough to help pick out fixtures. Later, when the orders arrived, she drove there and picked them up for us. She also stored furniture for us when the floors were going in."

Excellent Communication

"If there were any delays, anything at all, we would get a phone call right away. There was never any twiddling of thumbs."

Unexpected Accountability

"What was surprising was how often something would be finished before expected."

Quality Trades

"The young men Glenn has working for him are excellent workers. Very polite too, and nothing was ever too much trouble."

Confidence-Building Trust

"It might sound strange at our age, but we didn't have a budget. Glenn tried to tell us affordable ways to go, but we said as long as it progresses the way we want, we don't care. Regardless, every bill came to us every step of the way. You can't ask for better than that. We have a lot of trust in Glenn and Teresa."

From the Homeowners:

When Glenn Evans suggested dynamiting the Gidmans’ existing rocky cottage foundations to gain a walkout from the basement, Steve and Gloria were skeptical but hopeful. “We have 34 acres, but we are stuck between a cottage road and the lake, so we couldn’t expand in either direction,” says Steve. “We also had height restrictions, and the existing cottage was built on solid rock.” It’s not the first time Cedar Winds has deployed dynamite, and the Gidmans, who rented a nearby cottage during construction, would boat by to watch the crew blast the rock. Here’s the Gidman custom design and build story:

Thorough Design Process

“Glenn and Teresa were really good about leading us through the process and exploring what our lives are like. They knew we wanted the cottage to be a place our kids would visit years from now with our future grandkids. They even visited our Toronto home to get to know us better.”

Strategic Design Ideas

“They had really great suggestions, especially around the central living room and kitchen area and making it an open space. We also probably wouldn’t have gone with such an impressive cathedral ceiling if they hadn’t suggested it, and we really like it.”

Clear, Consistent Communication

“We did a renovation at our Toronto home a few years prior, and we felt the communication level we got from Glenn was way higher. He stayed in touch with us as needed, sometimes texting two or three times a day.”

On-target Budget

“Once we had the design locked down, Glenn came back with a list of costs, right down to every last shingle, staple, and nail. He also gave us different cost options in case we wanted upgrades—for example, cedar instead of pressure-treated wood for the deck. Everything pretty much stayed on target.”

Bonus Interior Design Services

“In the beginning, when I heard there were interior design services, I was hesitant. Once I got to know Teresa, I saw that we had a lot in common and she was very easygoing. She never forced her ideas on me, and in one case, I was set on a paint color for my son’s room. As it turns out, once they started painting, I could see Teresa’s original color suggestion was better. So, she’ll give you lots of great ideas around paint, lighting, and more, but let you decide what you want.”

Help With Selection Of Products And Materials

“They took us around to stores and spent hours with us, helping us to choose cabinetry, lighting, floor tile, and more. Most [general contractors] expect you to have an item available for them at the last minute. It was a lot less stressful working with Cedar Winds.” 

Delays Were Within Reason

“We were delayed by over two months. But they did pause work for us so we could enjoy a two-week vacation at the almost-finished digs with our family. I’ve been involved with a lot of these kinds of projects, commercial and residential, and I can tell you that they are never on time. In fact, this project was probably the closest to being on schedule I’ve ever encountered.”

From the Homeowners:

“We’d been dreaming of renovating from between 2005 and 2008. We’d met Glenn and Teresa during this time at the Cottage Life Show, and when we were finally in a position to move forward, we contacted them. After some initial discussions, we realized, based on the way the building was structured, renovation was not feasible. Plus, we also wanted it to be a four-season building and have the option to retire there. A renovation just wasn’t going to be worth the sacrifice on our wish list, and not when weighed against the taxes and maintenance involved with a cottage property. Glenn counseled us on the pros and cons of renovating versus a new structure and didn’t pressure us either way.”

Chris Golding knew that renovation would eventually be necessary when he and his wife, Ruth, bought the cottage he grew up in from his grandmother. The dark, 1950s home floated on piers and required an exhausting opening and closing every spring and fall. The floors were slanted, it wasn’t properly winterized, and Ruth, who spent most of her summers at the cottage with their two daughters, pined for a bedroom at the front of the cottage to enjoy a breeze off the lake. However, because of the history of the building, they were resolved not to tear it down right away. This is their story.

Glowing References

“When we finally committed to the project, Glenn and Teresa took us around and showed us a number of properties Cedar Winds had built. They even showed us their place, which was a gorgeous timber frame, and that really put us over the top. Builders say how good their work is, but you don’t know the quality until you actually see it. Today, we have friends come over and marvel at the craftsmanship of our cottage.”

Supportive Design

“We ended up needing to downscale our design. Glenn made very reasonable suggestions, such as reducing the number of bedrooms on the second level to two from four, pointing out that we wouldn’t need them often enough to justify the expense. We also switched out angled windows in the front of the cottage for traditional-style windows. There were additional suggestions Glenn made that helped us get within our budget range without compromising design.”

Memorable Build Experience

“We were invited to witness our timber raising, and we’re so glad we did. A mountain of snow was still on the ground, as was the frame, looking like a bunch of pick-up sticks. Watching the men assemble and raise the structure was a phenomenal experience. At the end, there was a traditional timber-raising ceremony. Chris climbed up the ladder and tacked a balsam branch on the peak. It was a phenomenal experience.”

Reliable trade

“Glenn picks good trades. And in most cases, we were able to meet them. We had so much confidence in them; even today we’ll recommend them to other cottagers in our community who run into issues.”

Insightful interior design

“Teresa helped us immensely. She gets to know you quickly and reads you well. She would present different scenarios, and we liked every one of them. She also gently steered us away from bad long-term decisions. For example, originally we wanted an all-wood interior, and we’re glad that we opted for a balance of drywall and wood.”

Excellent Project Management

“Glenn sent us regular emails every second week or so, updating us on the progress. He also prepared us for when he would need decisions on certain items, giving us time to make confident choices. We appreciated the support.” 

From the Homeowners:

At first, Vicki and Paul Semotiuk just wanted to add onto their small Portage Lake two-story, where they spend weekends with their two almost-teenage daughters. But when it became clear that an addition wasn’t the best approach logistically or financially, Cedar Winds assisted with a full tear-down and built them the cottage of their dreams. “Everyone will probably think I am just saying, ‘Oh, it was wonderful’ and not meaning it,” says Vicki. “But it really was a good experience.” Here’s the Semotiuk custom design and build story.

Customer-focused Attitude

“Glenn was willing to work with our existing structure and drew up plans to add onto it. He never told us what we can’t do. He’d say, ‘Okay, I’ll investigate what’s possible.’ Then he came back with options, and we could clearly see what was feasible and what wasn’t. In the end, it became quite clear that trying to keep the existing cottage would require more manpower than it was worth. So we kept the foundation and built on that.”

Responsive Design

“Glenn and Teresa sat down with us and talked through things we wanted—a screened porch, expanded living space on the main floor, and a second bathroom. We also showed Glenn clippings and said we wanted to preserve the lines of the old cottage and the Viceroy look. We went back and forth several times on design, and Glenn was always very receptive to making changes.”

Valuable Interior Design Assistance

“To be honest, I really didn’t think we needed the interior design services. But Teresa was a huge help. Even if you think you know what you are doing inside, it is wonderful to have someone to bounce ideas off of, and she has great ideas and great taste. The design services, complimentary with project management, really work well together.”

Excellent Trades

“Glenn’s subcontractors were wonderful. I had met most of them, and we trusted Glenn when he said that there would be a delay because he preferred to wait for his subcontractor.”

Proactive Problem-solving

“No build goes perfectly. And we did have a few minor problems. In one example, the pattern of the ceramic tile we picked for the front entrance did not look good in such a small area. Glenn and his tiler took charge, helped us figure out what needed to be done, and changed it out. Glenn even got the supply store to cover the cost of the new tiles and grout, and he covered the labor.” 

No Surprises

“Cedar Winds gave us a spreadsheet at the beginning, and estimates of everything were broken down. At the end, Glenn gave us another spreadsheet of what we actually spent. And the areas that were higher were almost always because of upgrades and changes Paul and I made.”

From the Homeowners:

“We had three builders come to the property we’d bought on Drag Lake, and the reason why we went with Cedar Winds was gut instinct. Glenn was really easy to get along with and extremely personable. While we intended to use the new home as our cottage and a future retirement home, there was always the possibility of selling in our minds, and Cedar Winds also offered terrific value.”

Superior Cottage Design

“We met quite a few times to go over the designs of our space. Glenn was always willing to fix or change something to our liking.”

Unparalleled Flexibility

“When we were in the construction phase, something personal came up, and when we asked Glenn if we could put the project on pause, he did so, and for as long as we needed. This is not standard practice, but it’s an excellent example of the kind of experience Cedar Winds provides.”

Cost-Conscious Alterations

“During construction, we decided to expand the living room by moving a wall. Most builders would put up resistance or gouge you. Not Glenn. He said yes right away and told us how much it would cost, and it was a price we were very happy with.”

Honest Project Management

“There are always glitches during builds. Glenn gave us worst-case scenarios and always came back with something better, whereas another builder would give us best-case scenarios and come back with something that was twice the cost.”

An Advocate In Your Corner

“A painter we had used before really let us down on this project. Glenn went to bat for us and got us some money back on the bill.”

After-Service Support

“When we did a walk-through, I had my list of things that needed to be fixed or finished, but Glenn already had his own list, which he went above and beyond to complete. We’ve done a lot of renovations and built homes before. Cedar Winds has the best after-service support.”