It depends heavily on the property. A kitchen and bathroom renovation on a cottage near Balm Beach or Woodland Beach typically runs $45,000 to $80,000. A full interior renovation that includes insulation, HVAC, plumbing, and all new finishes on a Tiny Township cottage can run $100,000 to $250,000 depending on the size and condition of the structure. Residential renovations in Midland and Penetanguishene tend to fall in the $25,000 to $75,000 range for kitchens and $15,000 to $40,000 for bathrooms. We quote after visiting the property because the condition of the existing structure is the biggest factor in the final number.

The southern Georgian Bay area spans several municipalities, each with its own building department. Midland, Penetanguishene, the Township of Tiny, and the Township of Tay all have separate permit processes. For waterfront properties, you may also need approvals from the Severn Sound Environmental Association or the relevant conservation authority, especially for work within shoreline setback zones. We’ve filed permits in all of these municipalities and know which offices require what. The paperwork and inspection scheduling are part of how we manage every project in this area.

Most Tiny Township beach cottages were built with minimal insulation, no forced air heating, and plumbing that was meant to be drained at the end of every summer. Converting one for permanent living means adding insulation to the walls, attic, and below the floor, installing an HVAC system that can handle winter, upgrading the plumbing with proper frost protection, and bringing the electrical panel up to code for the increased load. Most owners also renovate the kitchen and bathrooms at the same time because the walls are already open. Depending on the property, septic upgrades may also be required. We assess everything during the initial visit and give you the complete picture before any work begins.

We can. Properties near Honey Harbour and on the Georgian Bay Islands require water access for material delivery, waste removal, and sometimes even getting trades to the site. That adds complexity to the schedule and budget, but it doesn’t change the quality of the work. We plan the entire logistics chain before the project starts: what gets delivered by barge, when it arrives, where it stages on site, and how the timeline adjusts around weather and water conditions. We’ve done this type of work before and we build the access logistics into the project plan from the first conversation.

This region has a wide range of project types, from a straightforward bathroom remodel in Midland to a full cottage rebuild on the Tiny Beaches strip to an island build near Honey Harbour. The contractor you hire should have experience with your specific type of project and your specific area. Ask which municipalities they’ve filed permits in. Ask whether they’ve dealt with water access logistics or conservation authority approvals. Ask who manages the project on site and how they communicate when things change. We’ve been working along Georgian Bay for over a decade and we’re happy to answer all of those questions over the phone. The number is (705) 881-2791.