Costs and Budgeting

When a door sticks or a stain appears after move-in, the warranty decides who fixes it. Know what it covers, how to report problems and what to keep.

A hand-picked list of happy clients is only a start. Call owners with projects like yours, ask open questions and confirm one address in permit records.

One company for design and construction, or a designer first and a builder later? Compare accountability, cost control and plan ownership on each path.

Bid totals can be tens of thousands apart for the same cottage. Line up scope, allowances and terms first, then compare price on equal footing.

Finished photos hide the foundation, sewer and slope work that drive a cottage build. Ask what the builder handled and check the permit record yourself.

Free state tools let you confirm a builder’s registration, bond, workers’ comp and business name in minutes. Run the checks before you sign anything.

Ask every builder the same questions about registration, permits, scope and payments, then compare the answers side by side before you sign.