Since the beginning of COVID-19, more home buyers have been purchasing properties in cabin country. Spending more time at home, and longing for additional space both indoors and out, has sent many buyers into rural markets like the Sunshine Coast, causing sales to skyrocket.

With employer mindsets shifting towards more flexible work-from-home policies, providing home buyers with greater freedom as to where they can live. 

People are looking to get out into the outdoors not just for the summer season, but all year long. A lot of people looking at year-round places where they can live, versus just being able to go away for a few days at a time.

If you’re looking to make your first home purchase in “cabin” country, here are some things you’ll need to know before you buy. 

Consider Property Access and Distance to Amenities

Whether you’re eying a property by the lake or one that’s nestled in the forest, there are many unique settings to consider when buying a rural property. Your location can greatly impact your lifestyle, especially if you decide to live there year-round.

One of the first things you’ll likely need to determine when buying is how easy is it to access the home. If you plan to live at there year-round, you’ll want to ensure the roads to get to and from your residence are well maintained and accessible, especially during the winter. 

How remote your property is will also play a role in your purchase. The recent surge of all-season cottage buyers don’t want to feel too isolated, and want to be fairly close to neighbours in case there’s an emergency.

You’ll also want to consider proximity to basic amenities, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals. Most cottage buyers prefer to be within 30 minutes of a small town where these services are available, and up to three hours from a major urban centre. 

Learn About Rural Infrastructure and Home Winterization

Unlike a city or suburban home, rural properties don’t always share municipal services. Instead, you will have to get familiar with the rural infrastructure needed to independently manage your home’s water, heating and sanitation utilities. 

Buyers need to be aware of the types of systems their home uses. Some properties feature dug or drilled wells, and source water from nearby rivers and lakes. Make note of how the home processes sewage, like through a septic tank, which is stored on-site and underground. 

If your plan is to live at the cabin all-year round, it’s vital your home is properly winterized and can withstand the cold. Make sure the home is well insulated in the walls, pipes and roof, and make sure the heating source is efficient for the size of the property. Be sure the cabin can also supply water in the freezing months with the help of a defrost line into the well or a heat trace that will keep the pipes from freezing.

It’s not uncommon to get zero service bars in rural areas either—be sure to confirm you can receive reliable mobile phone and internet service at the cabin, especially if you’re working remotely.    

Cell and internet service are obviously very important, especially for people that are doing a lot of work from home. Find out what areas may not have good service.

Calculate Cottage Insurance and Upkeep Costs

Just like any home, cabins come with a range of maintenance costs, though some of these expenses are unique to rural areas. 

You’ll want to factor in long-term upkeep expenses, like keeping the driveway in good condition so it’s easily accessible. Your property may be on a septic system, which will require pumping every three to five years depending on its size and usage, which also contributes to maintenance costs. When looking at a cabin property, examining the health of any trees and their orientation towards the house—cutting down sickly shrubs can get expensive. 

When it comes to financing your property, there are a number of factors that will contribute to your insurance rates, such as your distance from local fire stations, if your home is elevated from nearby water, and even how often the home is occupied. 

The mortgage lending process will also look a bit different from what’s involved for your typical city or suburban home. If your home meets the standards to be a primary residence, you may be able to put down a 5% mortgage deposit, though some lenders could request 25% in some cases. Hence, it’s crucial to understand the different implications for each rural mortgage provider. 

There’s a lot of things to think about, therefore, by enlisting my help as a local realtor I can ensure you have the most up-to-date advice.  

Weather conditions have created the ideal conditions for these pests. If you feel like you're slapping away more mosquitoes than usual this summer, you propably are.

Weather conditions this spring have created the ideal habitat for mosquitoes to thrive, according to M. Jackson, executive director of Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station. The higher-than-normal snowpacks, which caused high river levels combined with heavy rain created the, “perfect storm for mosquitoes.” 

There are 53 different species of mosquitoes in BC, but only the females bite people. Mosquitoes are attracted to light, heat and carbon dioxide. Some only target specific areas of the body. For example, if you live within 1.5 km of the coast, one species only attacks ankles.     

So What Can We Do About It? 

People should protect themselves with repellent against the more than 50 species of mosquitoes that live in B.C. There are good repellents, but you should NOT use the most well known DEET. Instead use products that contain picaridin, or icaradin which are highly effective, but not harmful. While mosquitoes do carry some viruses, they do not include Covid-19. Experts say that mosquitoes cannot spread Covid-19.

So if you are out and about, remember to wear a light coloured long sleeved shirt and pants and have some mosquitoe repellent near by.

Your porch or balcony can play many roles: a place to have your morning coffee or tea, to watch your kids play, to have dinner on a beautiful summer’s night, to sit enjoy the sun, to read a book. But it is probably not the first place you think of when considering home repairs and upgrades.

There are several budget-friendly improvements to make your porch or balcony the place you want to be.

Update Small Details 

Do you notice wobbly railings or faded paint on columns and trim? For a cleaner, more stylish space, consider tightening screws, replacing old wood or giving the area a fresh coat of paint. You can also order outdoor decor, like throw rugs and placemats, to cosy up the space. If your front door’s seen better days, you might consider replacing it — or painting it a vibrant, happy colour.

Replace Old Lighting and Electrical Fixtures 

If your porch light is buzzing, humming, flickering and/or dimming, it’s likely time for a replacement. It’s a good idea to call an electrician to evaluate and handle the issue. If your fixtures are dated, replacing them is a simple project with instant results. Hanging string or fairy lights can also add a special, inviting touch to any outdoor space.

Bring Plants into the Picture 

Potted plants are the gold standard when it comes to sprucing up your porch for spring and summer —whether you’re keen to keep things monochromatic or go all-out with a vibrant mix. For a fail-safe design, consider hanging plants on the interior and placing potted plants at either side of the door and along the edge of the porch itself. You can also use potted plants and flowers to line your walkway — and add a few path lights to highlight them at night.

Clean and Maintain Hardscaping 

Porches, pathways, driveways and other hardscaping elements require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Springtime is a good time to do it yourself or have a professional pressure-wash concrete around your home’s exterior — as well as siding and other exterior surfaces. It’s also a good time to inspect for and take note of any cracks or damage. If you notice an issue, call a pro to take a look and get ahead of costly repairs.

Opt for Comfortable Furniture 

Soaking up the sun or settling in for a glass of wine is so much better when you can lean back and relax. Even the smallest porches can usually accommodate a chair or two. When it comes to seating, the sky’s the limit: choose a classic bench swing, a bistro set, rocking chairs, colourful Adirondacks or even trendy hanging basket chairs. When it comes to perking up your porch, it all comes down to what best fits your space, budget and taste.

Most of us dream of an beautiful yard, especially during this time. We want to be able to relax with family and friends. However, creating the perfect backyard can often end up feeling like a burden — and the result no one uses it. How you can turn your backyard into a space that everyone in your house will want to spend time in.

Prioritize your needs

Big, square backyards can be a challenge for homeowners. Landscaping is expensive — not only for the initial build, but for ongoing maintenance. Landscape areas often include grass, garden beds and trees that require continuous maintenance. Regardless of your budget or scope, the challenge is getting the best bang for your buck and prioritizing the landscaping features you want when looking at your budget.

Before you design your outdoor space consider how you want it to function and who it needs to work for. The best design is one that knows where it is going before the various elements are selected.

Use borrowed landscapes 

Your backyard does not need to be limited to what is within your fence line. Your neighbour may have large hedges or trees along their boundary, or you have a beautiful view. If so, you could incorporate these elements into your design to maximize the outcome.

Vary plant sizes 

Planting smaller hedges along fences will help your backyard feel more private.

Enhance your views

 You might align a group of trees to draw focus to a distant view to help extend the focus beyond your yard.

Create landscape rooms 

A large backyard provides the opportunity to break the space down into areas of different uses. This works particularly well when the backyard has a slope and retaining walls are needed. Different areas could include a seating area, a fire-pit area, a grass play area, a garden etcetera. These zones can be defined by different materials, with hedges or trees, decorative screens, gates or an archway — you can get as creative as you want.

Breaking down the space into differen areas also gives you the abiliy to landscape at different times. This can be helpful if you have a limited budget, which does not allow for the entire design to be done at once.

Keep materials and colors to a minimum 

For a successful design, it’s best not to go overboard. Landscapers recommend a maximum of two types of hardscaping like pavers, concrete or cobblestones, one type of timber finish and a planting palette that complements the style of garden you are looking for. The goal: to create a landscape that works harmoniously.

Choose plants that suit the environment 

Your plant selection will be based on your  location, sunlight and climate. Choose plants that have complimentary foliage, colors and flowers.

Layer plants

As a general rule, landscapers layer plants from low ground covers at the front to taller hedges along the edges or fences. This helps draw the eye upward and makes the yard feel bigger. When layering your planting, make sure the colors work well together.

Be budget-savvy 

If you have a large garden and a limited budget, try to include varieties of wide-spreading ground covers and bigger shrubs or hedges. Flowering ground covers are affordable, cover a lot of space, are relatively low-maintenance and come in an endless variety of foliage and flower colors.

Consider less mature and more affordable plants

These will take longer to grow to maturity but will create serious cost savings.

Frame the perimeter

Most boundary fences are fairly unattractive. Planting fast-growing, dense hedges that grow to at least the height of the fence is the most common approach for perimeter screening.

Screen the perimeter 

Another method for disguising a fence is to attach mesh panels or climber-plant wires to create a green wall.

Paint the fence 

A dark colour, such as charcoal, will provide an attractive backdrop to the green foliage of your hedges and create visual depth – without breaking the budget.

Use shade trees 

These can provide attractive spaces for relaxation and entertaining. When placing shade trees in a large backyard, consider the species (deciduous or evergreen) and the location.

Ask yourself questions about your existing yard

• How much are you willing to spend?
• What are the main strengths of the site and how best can it be designed to support or further strengthen them?
• Are there any issues with the garden you want to overcome or features you’d like to conceal?
• Where is the sun at different times throughout the day?

Add elements to enhance backyard interest

• Create an entertaining zone.
• Promote movement through the garden with informal access routes to different areas and zones.
• Play with shapes to create interest and blur straight boundary lines. This can be achieved with something as simple as a curved and flowing garden bed or deep borders.
• Choose fast-growing plants to fast-track your design.

Ask yourself about your design requirements

• Do you have privacy requirements (for example, do you wish to inhibit a neighbor’s view into your garden or a view from the street)?
• Do you want to add in seating or a dining area?
• Does the design need to cater to children or pets?
• Are there any easement restrictions on your garden?

Consider a Native Planting Scheme 

Native plants are great, as they require less water and maintenance. Growing taller plants around the perimeter will soften the fence and provide privacy.

Create a Formal Planting 

Creating spaces and experiences in a formal garden is typically done using straight lines, glossy green leaves and white flowers.

Try a Cottage Garden 

This design is all about creating meandering paths, mystery and intrigue to draw you into the next part of the garden. Use stepping stones rather than solid paths and add in lots of flowering plants and color.

Add a Striking Feature 

Create a focal point by adding in a beautiful water feature or a statement plant that provides a pop of bright color.

Summer has finally come to many parts of Canada, unfortunately not so much here on the west coast, where we are quite cold and rainy. But having an outdoor fireplace is not only functional, giving heat and light but it also makes your outdoor space more appealing. It creates an atmosphere and ambiance that reflects your individuality. Plus in this day and age of Covid, you can have family and friends over and maintain social distancing while around an outdoor fireplace.

There are many types of outdoor fireplaces to choose from, as well as different fuel soures and then there is where to place it. These are all aspects that need careful consideration.

Not to mention, local bylaws and codes must be adhered to; especially, if there is a burn ban or structural requirement that need to be met before lighting it up. You can usually do an online search of your area/municipality to find all the regulations.  

So now you know what you can/cannot do lets find the best outdoor fireplace for you.

4 types of Outdoor Fireplaces

 All fireplaces fall into 3 categories:

• Wood-burning 
• Gas-burning (natural gas, propane, or kerosene), 
• Electric

Within these categories are 4 main types:

• Fire pits (rings, bowls, and built-in patio pits);
• Fireplaces and heaters;
• Chimeneas; and
• Patio torches.

Choosing  an outdoor fireplace comes down to function, features and performance. To get the right type for your space, ask yourself what is most inportant to you and the space you are working with? Is fashion more important than function? Do you want lots of heat or a lawn decoration? Is being environmentally responsible more important than ambiance? Let’s look at the pros and cons for each type.

Fire pits: rings, bowls, and patio pits

When you think of a fire pit you probably picture a traditional fire ring of rocks circling a shallow pit. Modern pits can be quite grand. However, fire rings and pits are quite permanent and require some landscaping to relocate them.

Bowls, on the other hand, come in different shapes, sizes and materials and are placed on the ground or a stand so are easy to move to different locations.

Patio fire pits can be easily integrated into your patio, such as a fire table where the fire pit is the table’s centrepiece. 

Pros

•An easy Do It Yourself project: fire rings are inexpensive, and easy to build.

•A fire bowl or table, are easy to move and usually efficient.

•A lavish fire pit: built-in are unmatched when it comes to quality, aesthetics, and personalization.

Cons

•If wood burning, it produces smoke, a known pollutant.

•There are safety concerns: fire rings- wood or gas burning have an open flame which could present potential dangers.

•Costly renovations can be involved for built-in patio fire pits.

Fireplaces 

Outdoor fireplaces can include various designs and features such as cottage-style chimneys, bronze inlaying, and detailed stonework. Gas-burning and electric-powered models are also available.

Pros

•It’s the real experience: outdoor fireplaces bring the heat with the sound and smell of burning wood.

•Provides you with an economical choice: less expensive than custom fire rings and built-in patio pits.

 Cons

•Watch out for safety risks and pollutants: smoke creates pollution, while flames and sparks are potential dangers.

•Outdoor fireplaces fueled by natural gas or electricity lack an authentic, wood-burning feel.

•Placement is limited: natural gas and electric fireplaces or heaters are less portable than those fueled by wood or propane.

Patio heaters

Patio heaters are traditionally fueled by gas or electricity, and their lightweight construction offers more portability than a classic outdoor fireplace. Propane standing floor lamps are common styles, and patio heaters come in a variety of sizes to suit your space. 

Pros

•Superior temperature control: patio heaters allow you to control the output of heat.

•They’re environmentally friendly: since they aren’t fueled by wood, heaters are a greener alternative and safer to operate.

•Provides you with an economical choice: less expensive than custom fire rings and built-in patio pits.

Cons

•Patio heaters have a small warmth radius and can be pushed over by high wind.

•You aren’t able to cook with them.

Chimineas

Chimeneas are centuries old and combine function with fashion. Decorative wood-burning chimineas are shaped like a wide-bottom vase with a chimney, and are historically made from fired clay.

Pros

•They’re easy to light:. 

•You control the smoke: the built-in chimney stack directs smoke up and away from you and out of your eyes.

•They offer you optimal heat output: like fireplaces and fire pits, chimeneas generate a lot of warmth. 

Cons

•Chimeneas are freestanding and require a level surface to increase safety.

•They require upkeep: the body fills with ash quickly, and the chimney needs routine cleaning if used often.

•Water fills the bowl of a chimenea if it’s left uncovered when not being used.

Patio torches

Patio torches, or Tiki torches, are an cost-effective way to light up your outdoor space while creating an inviting, tropical atmosphere. 

Pros

•They can be rustic, or modern in feel and construction.

•A clean-burning alternative: fueled by kerosene or natural gas, so are environmentally friendly.

•You won’t be bothered by the bugs.

Cons

•They don’t provide heat..

•They are an open flame, therefore are susceptible to being blown out by the wind.

•They’re easy to tip over and are a safety concern around children.

When to Dig a Pit and Where to Place a Heater

The outdoor space you’re working with will help you decide which fireplace you can install. If you want to bring the heat to your deck or porch, a patio heater or gas-burning fireplace is a great option. If it’s a semi-enclosed space, the limited heat-radius won’t be as noticeable. 

If you want to crank up the heat in wide, open spaces, look to wood-burning fireplaces, pits, and chimeneas. Give them plenty of room to breathe, however. These options should be kept 10 to 20-feet away from walls, plants, trees or anything that could catch fire. They’re not recommended for enclosed decks or gazebos.

To play up the ambiance of your space or to decorate for special occasions patio torches are a great option, weather permitting. They’re perfect for lining walkways or outlining the perimeter of your deck, but they can also be used beneath an awning or slatted patio roof. For safety, be aware of the flame and make sure there’s plenty of airflow.

How you fuel your outdoor fireplace also determines which type you choose. Those that need an electrical outlet or natural gas line are not easily moved, while propane-fueled and wood-burning options provide more flexibility.

Fireplace safety, bylaws, and codes

We are responsible for preventing forest fires and this holds true for your outdoor fireplace as well.

Here are a few safety considerations to bear in mind:

• Don’t leave a burning fire unattended and completely extinguish it before going inside.
• Be prepared for an emergency, have buckets of water, sand, a fire extinguisher, or a hose nearby.    
• Pay attention to the weather: high winds can knock over lamp-style patio heaters and tiki torches, while periods of drought will turn sparks into fires (always check with your local fire department or municipality to see if there is a burn ban in place for this reason.)
• Choose hardwoods versus softwoods: seasoned hardwood burns more consistently to limit sparks from popping unpredictably.
• Use tinder, not gasoline when lighting a fire.
• Keep it ventilated: gas-burning fireplaces and heaters emit carbon monoxide, which is deadly in small, enclosed areas.
• Bigger isn’t better: the larger the fire, the less predictable it becomes making it harder to control.

Ultimately, local bylaws and zoning codes have the final say in what type of outdoor fireplace you choose. Each province or territory has a different process, so be sure to check your local government’s website or your local fire department for regulations and recommendations.

For instance, firepits and wood-burning fireplaces are more acceptable in rural neighbourhoods, but if you live in the city, you’re likely limited to gas-burning models in covered bowls. If you live in a condo or townhouse there is a good chance that outdoor fireplaces are completely prohibited—check with your building management. 

If the warm smell of wood smoke is something you crave or an elegant patio with a built-in fireplace is what you’re looking for in a new home, make sure you talk with me about the dos and don’ts on the Sunshine Coast.