Muskoka renovations and additions

Make more of the home or cottage you already love.

A substantial renovation or addition should respond to the building you have and the way you want to live next. From The Ground Up Construction works on major changes to Muskoka homes and cottages, bringing building experience, a craftsman’s perspective and practical project coordination to the relationship between old and new.

A considered approach

Start with the building. Be clear about the change.

Define the reason for the work

Begin with the problems you want to solve rather than a list of finishes. You may need more gathering space, a different arrangement of rooms or a home that works better for your family. Clear priorities help shape the discussion about whether an addition, a renovation or another approach makes sense.

Understand the existing structure

An existing building sets conditions that a new build does not. The current layout, construction and previous alterations all influence what is practical. Drawings, photographs and a conversation about the property help establish what needs to be understood before the scope can be developed.

Connect old and new thoughtfully

An addition has to relate to the original home in more than floor area. Consider the way people move between spaces, the meeting of materials and how the exterior reads as a whole. FTGU’s interest in carpentry and finishing helps keep those connections part of the construction conversation.

Make choices in context

A substantial change can involve many related decisions. Materials, openings, finishes and the extent of work need to be considered together rather than as isolated upgrades. Discussing priorities and the intended scope gives cost conversations a clearer basis and helps identify questions that still need answers.

Talk about using the property

Whether and how you use a property during work needs a project-specific conversation. Access, the extent of construction and your own circumstances can affect the approach. Explain your expectations early rather than assuming that every renovation can be carried out in the same way.

Coordinate the people and decisions

Major renovations bring trades and site decisions into an existing setting. Our project-management approach focuses on practical coordination and regular communication. Keeping the conversation connected to the scope and the work helps owners understand the decisions that need attention as the project progresses.

From the portfolio

Craftsmanship is visible where the details come together.

Transitional-style kitchen with white cabinetry, an island and a stone backsplash

The portfolio offers examples of FTGU’s approach to materials, gathering spaces and finished details. These are examples of completed homes and cottages, not claims that every featured project was a renovation. Use them to identify the character and level of detail you would like to discuss for your existing property.

Do you take on small repair jobs?
The services described here focus on substantial renovations and additions. Send a short description of your proposed work so the team can discuss whether the scope is a good fit.
Can we remain in the property during construction?
That depends on the work and the property. Discuss occupancy, access and your expectations before assuming that the building can remain in normal use.
How do we get started?
Tell us the property location, what you want to change and what matters most to you. The team can then discuss the scope and a sensible next step.

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Tell us about your property.

Share your location and the home, cottage or changes you have in mind. We can discuss the scope and what comes next.

Discuss Your Project