Page 85 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

“They now have a nice little cottage property with multiple gathering areas for family and friends.”
The final stage was adding the quintessential Muskoka Room.
For design reasons, the Muskoka room was not attached to the main cottage. The 12-by- 18-foot building features fully screened-in vinyl windows, large skylights in a cathedral ceiling, and enough space to have both a sitting and dining area. The interior is lit primarily with small pot lights, positioned to be easy on the eyes as well as dark-sky friendly.
“We built it very near the cottage for ease of access, but with its own space,” says Jim. “Our clients were in need of bug-free zone on their property, so they could comfortably spend more time outdoors.”
A five-foot doorway adjacent
to the main cottage’s double doors provides easy access to the space. “We ensured the Muskoka room blends neatly with the landscaping and natural surroundings,” says Jim.
“It needed to feel like it was a part of land, not some obtrusive structure in the way. It’s a great space for stress-free relaxation or entertaining outdoors.”
They took their clients’ small, worn down cottage and created a beautiful escape – going stage by stage until it was perfect. The combined living space is perfect for spending
time alone or enjoying the company of others.
“They now have a nice little cottage property with multiple gathering areas for family
and friends,” says Jim. “It also shows you don’t have to do it all at once. You can add one piece and enjoy it for a bit before moving on to the next addition or renovation.”
Communication is key
Consistent quality of work is one of the main reasons
JH Renovation clients keep coming back for more,
but it’s not the only one. Concise, clear and consistent communication before, during and after the build provides clients with peace- of-mind through the process.
Multiple meetings take place prior to construction to sort out ideas and options. The face-to-face discussions can be just between the property owners and Jim, or they
may include designers as well. Cost and timelines are discussed, as well as design and material choices.
Once the plans are made,
Jim uses all manners of communication at his disposal to ensure his clients can keep up with their projects’ progress. He says it’s easy to keep in touch with all the technology available.
“We have clients who are travelling the world, but
still involved in the build
or renovation going on in Muskoka,” he says. “Whether it’s by text or email, we’ll send them photos during each phase of the project.”
It makes it easy when obstacles mean a re-think of certain plans or if the clients want to make a change during the construction phase. The photos help with visualizing the next steps.
As well, Jim and his clients often have numerous phone consultations throughout the build.
“I always make sure to do
a follow-up call after the project is complete,” he
says. “I want to make sure they’re happy with the job we did and are enjoying their property. Communication has to continue past the final phase of a build.” DS
BY CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
705-641-0270 jhrenovations@outlook.com www.JHRenovations.ca
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