A & A Services and Marine Contracting Ltd.
Building your dream home or cottage on an island evokes thoughts of scenic lakescapes, peaceful retreats and lazy days watching boats go by. But before you can enjoy your island paradise – there are special considerations for island construction that differ significantly from their mainland counterparts.
Location and terrain means multiple-handling of every piece of lumber, travelling across the water in varying conditions, loading and unloading at multiple points along the way. This time-consuming endeavour makes careful planning and project coordination absolutely critical. Barging in the summer, ice roads in the winter and no-travel periods in-between means all supplies and materials must be staged.
Permits are obtained well in advance to ensure no delays during narrow time spans. Heavy equipment and supplies are barged out then sheltered and secured in a shipping container on site. Ideally, the foundation, framing and roof completed before the snow hits. Then, once the lake is safely frozen in mid-January, contractors travel by snowmobile and use sleighs to haul lighter materials and tools. Otherwise, airboats can be used when the ice isn’t safe.
Foundations are also a challenge – often two cement trucks are brought in on a barge and concrete is pumped up to the building site. Because of its ability to be scribed to the uneven bedrock and the need for less concrete, insulated concrete form foundations are preferable in island scenarios.
Quality of materials and special construction methods are required because island properties are much more susceptible to the elements. Architectural design needs to factor in wind, snow drifts and heavy snowloads.
Another option for island construction that significantly cuts down on completion time is to assemble modular structures built elsewhere and brought in by barge. It reduces the timeline for the structure construction dramatically – to weeks instead of months. However, the site must be suitable for erecting a crane to install the modules.
The corollary to the beautiful expansive views from an island vantage point is the fact that the property can be seen for miles. Matching the home to the landscape is important while minimizing light pollution, considering sight lines and being a considerate neighbour.
A&A Services & Marine Contracting Limited is your complete design/build contracting solution for Honey Harbour and the surrounding area. With over 40 years of experience serving the Southern Georgian Bay area we can help you realize your cottaging dreams.
A & A Services and Marine Contracting Ltd.
2587 Honey Harbour Rd., Box 128
Honey Harbour, ON
705-756-2781
www.aandaservices.ca
[email protected]
