Posted on: September 5, 2025 Love it in every season
Building in cottage country means planning for humid summers, crisp cooler seasons, and real Ontario winters. At R. Moore Homes, we design and build custom homes and cottages in the Kawartha Lakes and surrounding areas, guided by a clear, step-by-step process from site walk to move-in.
Start with the building envelope
A comfortable year-round cottage starts with what you cannot see. Prioritize high-performance insulation, continuous air sealing, and quality windows and doors. Our high-performance, energy-efficient window packages (with low-e coatings and gas fill) reduce heat loss and condensation in winter, while proper air barriers and vapour control help keep the structure dry and efficient. Pair these with thoughtful roof and wall assemblies suited for snow load and freeze-thaw conditions in Ontario.
Heat smart, breathe better
Choosing the right-sized, efficient heating is essential. Popular choices include propane or natural gas furnaces, cold-climate air-source heat pumps, in-floor radiant heating for tile or concrete floors, and a certified wood or gas stove for backup and ambience. Include a balanced ventilation strategy, like an HRV or ERV, to deliver fresh air and manage humidity throughout the winter.
Water, wastewater, and freeze protection
Plan plumbing runs to reduce exposure to cold zones and insulate lines that pass through unconditioned areas. Consider heat-trace on vulnerable piping, a drain-down point for extended absences, and a mechanical room layout with clear service access. If you need a well and septic, factor siting, setbacks, soils, and winter access into your early planning stages.
Entry, storage, and the “messy middle”
Real life at the lake involves wet boots in April and sandy towels in summer. Design a hardworking mudroom with benches, cubbies, and closed storage for outerwear and gear. Add a covered entry to keep snow and rain off the threshold, plus durable flooring that can handle grit and meltwater without any fuss.
Durable finishes that still feel warm
Choose materials that stand up to temperature changes and activity. Fibre-cement or engineered wood siding, metal or architectural-shingle roofing, and composite decking offer low maintenance and longevity. Inside, consider wide-plank engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl in high-traffic zones, and quartz counters for easy care. Good lighting and electrical planning add comfort in the darker months; our team walks clients through lighting and electrical locations as part of the build process.
Site planning matters
Before you fall for the view, walk the lot with a builder. Orientation, prevailing winds, solar gain, drainage, driveway slope, and snow storage all affect four-season comfort and safety. Our process begins with an on-site visit to assess height, location, and placement so your home sits right on the land.
Build for efficiency and reliability
We use modern building products and techniques to deliver efficient, reliable homes and cottages that suit your lifestyle year-round. From traditional builds to log and timberframe, the goal is the same: a custom build that feels just as welcoming in January as it does in July. Explore our Custom Homes page for an overview of options. (R Moore Homes)
Thinking about log or timberframe?
If you love the warmth of wood, log and timberframe are great for all four seasons. Detailing around air-sealing, window packages, and HVAC is key. As the builder of choice for Confederation Log Homes in our region, we pair craftsmanship with modern performance. Check out our Log Luxury project for inspiration.
Ready to plan your forever home or cottage?
If you are considering a fall start to enjoy next summer and beyond, let’s talk. Start with Plan Your Build to get an overview of our process, browse recent Projects for ideas, and get in touch with a member of our team through the Contact page. We build in the City of Kawartha Lakes and the surrounding area within about an hour’s radius, and we are here to guide you from first site walk to move-in.
