How long does it take to level a cottage?
The typical cottage takes 2 days for us to level. Keep in mind every cottage is different and you will be advised of the logistics and of the work required once we have evaluated the needs of your unique and very special cottage.
How much does it cost to level a small cottage?
Every job is so different, the costs usually range for $2,000.00 to $6,000.00. I will examine your current structure from the floor joists to footings, the soil type, beam elevations, site drainage, I can then evaluate the current problems and needs of your unique and very special cottage. Only then can I prepare a plan of action and determine the costs involved for you project.
What is a post?
The post is the vertical column that sits on the concrete footing and supports the cottage beam. It is part of the system that transfers the weight or load to the ground.
What is a pad?
The pad, usually concrete, is on the ground and supports the post. The pad disperses the weight of the building on the soil. There needs to be an adequate amount of displacement of the weigh or the pads will sink into the ground.
What is a beam?
The beams of the cottage are the large full length wood (usually) pieces that the posts are supporting. The floor joists are supported by the beams.
What is a joist?
The joists rest on the beams and support the floor span between the beams. They are the floor structure you are walking on in the cottage . Your floor boards are attached to the top of the floor joists, normally there is a floor joist every 16”.
Should I lift my cottage higher?
Many older cottages were built very low to the ground as plumbing and electrical services were not even considered when it was first built. Others have sunk into the ground and plumbing slopes are insufficient and access to plumbing very difficult. I feel your floor joists should be 24” off the ground and your beams should be at least 12” off the ground.
How soon could I get the work done?
I can be booked up to 2 months in advance, so the earlier you decide to go a head the better. Sometime by mid summer the wait time is only a few weeks but then fall gets booked up pretty quick. Don’t forget, many jurisdictions require a building permit which could take 2 to 8 weeks to arrange.
Do I need a building permit?
That is up to the Building Inspector of the jurisdiction your cottage is in. Every area has it’s own rules on this. Generally, if you are just tuning up existing pads and replacing the posts to level the cottage it is considered maintenance and no permit is required. Beyond that, Municipalities adjust there rules regularly and the only way to know for sure is to discuss the proposed work with the Building Inspector and get a ruling form him/her. Provincial Parks are controlled by the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner, and they require a permit 95% of the time for the work I do. Other areas are “unorganized territory” and require no permit what-so-ever.
Do we have to leave our cottage while you are leveling it?
No, you are most welcome to stay, but I ask that you and your guests remain out of the direct work areas unless I want to show you our progress or a problem we’ve found. There are many obstacles and dangers in a construction zone, I don’t want anyone to get hurt by our activities or have my staff delayed due to someone talking excessively to us which distracts our attention or actually stops our progress.
