Insights

From choosing a builder to managing and navigating the planning process, these insights are designed to help you achieve your custom home or cottage-building goals with greater confidence and less effort. An educated client is a better client…we hope that you find these useful.

Ice damming on roofs: how to prevent it
Prevent or resolve ice dams with proper insulation, air sealing and ventilation. Learn how to protect your roof from leaks and damage with expert building strategies from DeCarli Contractors.
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Decks and porches
A deck or porch is an extension of your home, a space where you can entertain and relax. Here are the many factors to consider when designing and building a deck or porch in Ontario.
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Heat pumps in Ontario: what to know 
Heat pumps can provide efficient heating and cooling in Ontario, cutting energy costs by up to 50%. But can they replace furnaces and AC units, or are they an add-on? Find out what kind you need, what to look for, and the cost-benefit of moving to heat pumps.
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The building envelope: why a high-performance build matters in new home construction 
A well-sealed home is about more than reducing drafts. It also provides long-term cost savings and long-term durability, free from moisture, mold and temperature-related degradation. Learn what it takes to build secure!
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Retrofit Smart Lighting : modernize your home  
It’s flexible, it’s affordable and aesthetically pleasing. Although it's a relatively small upgrade, integrating smart lighting can make a big difference in how your home functions and feels.
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Building On A Waterfront Lot: What To Know 
Building a home on a waterfront lot is a dream come true for many. The challenge lies in understanding the rules and requirements, then developing a detailed plan.
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The Process of Discovery
When embarking on a major or whole-home renovation, there’s what you can see…and what you can’t. The only way to know what is involved in doing a proper renovation, on-budget and without unpleasant surprises, is to do some in-depth investigation.
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Renovation Vs Rebuild
The choice is not always clear. There’s dollars and cents, practicality…but also the wish to hold onto the memories and emotions that an old home or cottage inevitably contains. Deciding takes careful consideration.
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The Building Contract
When it comes to homebuilding, contracts are often perceived as nothing more than an agreement to pay for work completed, plus some legal jargon and clauses. A headache. But a correctly-composed contract is not just a necessary formality; it’s the cornerstone of a successful build.
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In-Depth and Contemplated Design: A Path to Efficient and Cost-Effective Home and Cottage Construction
You are unlikely to buy airplane tickets to Europe and then decide what to do when you get there. Building a custom home or cottage is much the same.
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The Importance of Detailed Quotations in Custom Home & Cottage Building
Building a custom home or cottage is an exciting journey, but one crucial step along the way is obtaining a detailed quotation. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting, with nothing left out.
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