Cottage Reflections

B Y J E N N I F E R M C F E E There's no time like the present to invest in upgrades and improvements to your home away from home. T his summer, many families are opting to stick close to home due to the pandemic, so perhaps their travel budget could be reinvested towards cottage renovations. For Marc Bilodeau, owner of S&H Docks and Lifts, this season is already exceptionally busy with a full slate of cottage dock projects. With a background in steel fabrication, Bilodeau managed a welding shop for many years as a duel-trade millwright welder. "Most people call us to for a replacement of their tired old dock systems that were built before this industry evolved and came into the light of modern manufacturing process," Bilodeau said. "Our in-house docks are laser cut and folded steel, making them as light and strong as possible — which is a definite requirement when cantilevering up out of the water for winter storage." Based in Lac du Bonnet, the family-owned and operated company has found it challenging to hang onto inventory due to a boom in business. "We build in-house steel docks with wood decking as well as boat ramps and other related custom fabrication," he said. "We are a premier ShoreMaster retailer and offer on-site service and installations for all of our products, including vertical boat lifts. We also offer patio furniture that mounts directly to the dock, along with all the ShoreMaster accessories." When cottage owners invest in a new dock, they'll often find that it enhances their overall enjoyment, he added. "Customers are spending more and more time out on the shoreline and around the water on their docks, where it has become the social hub and meeting place," Bilodeau said. "Friends drive by and pull up in their boats and people need a place to tie off and visit." For anyone considering undertaking a dock project, Bilodeau offers simple yet succinct advice. "Planning is key," he said. "And planning should begin in winter to early spring. Don't expect to place an order in June and have delivery the following week." For Wayne Sage, owner and president of Harwood Design Builders, cottage properties can be just as important as primary residences since that's where people go to relax and rejuvenate. Due to the pandemic, Sage has noticed that many people are now rethinking their priorities. "People are re-evaluating their lives these days and the way they live. They are evaluating their spaces a lot more now that they're spending so much time in them," he said. "These are all great conversations that people are having and phoning about now." To get started, Sage suggests that all projects need to be based on a good design. "We do full design and we build it ourselves with our own crew. We focus on ordering from Winnipeg businesses and hiring Winnipeg people," Sage said. "You'll need to think about what you want and consider your budget. We ask people to create a wish list — and then we take that budget and work down the list as we design it." Cottage projects might come with additional considerations, such as challenging terrain with rocks, trees, hills, steep inclines, lakes or streams. In addition, cottage country might have limited access to water and electrical services, especially in remote locations. New cottage subdivisions may have strict requirements about the type of building materials that can be used, as well as for sewer tank location and water acquisition. Sage also stressed that advance planning is required, since projects often take longer than you'd expect. "Give yourself a lot of time. Things don't happen fast. A lot of people phone up and they still want things done this summer. But by the time you factor in design time and engineering and permits, you might be past getting anything major done this summer," he said. "However, it's a good time to start planning for next year and getting your contractors booked. Good contractors book up fast, even for smaller projects. You should express your intent early and talk to people about getting on their list. At least that way, we can anticipate your project is coming and we can begin to plan for it." 9 Drifters Bend | Lac Du Bonnet, MB 204-345-2669 | shdocks@mymts.net Celebrating our 21 st season Serving the area with INTEGRITY & EXPERTISE CUSTOM DOCKS | BOAT RAMPS | LIFTS & ACCESSORIES RETAILER FOR SHOREMASTER | ROLL-N-GO | SEA-LEGS THRU-FLO | DOCK EDGE | MULTINAUTIC & PREMIER BUILDINGS 04 | SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020 SPECIAL SECT ION THIS PHOTO IS BLOWN UP 250% - WAS SUPPLIED VERY SMALL. SHOULD BE RESUPPLIED. EastShore Realty Inc. Whether buying or selling...We can help. Cheryl Demidiuk, BROKER Local: 204-756-2419 Toll Free: 866-831-4749 www.eastshorerealty.ca Designing and Building Quality Custom Homes Onsite Builds Cabins Ready-to-Move 204-326-1126 | 877-486-3371 vogtbuilding.com info@vogtbuilding.com Photos courtesy of S&H Docks and Lifts. A new dock can enhance the overall cottage experience. "Customers are spending more and more time out on the shoreline and around the water on their docks, where it has become the social hub and meeting place." – Marc Bilodeau, Owner of S&H Docks and Lifts your summer retreat Renovate

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