Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of Muskoka do you serve?

We serve the full Muskoka District, including Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, Lake Muskoka, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Port Carling, Bala, and Torrance. If you're on a Muskoka lake or in the surrounding townships, we want to hear from you.

How much does a Muskoka cottage renovation cost?

Renovation costs vary significantly depending on scope, materials, and site conditions. A cosmetic refresh — painting, flooring, fixtures — typically starts around $15,000–$40,000. A full structural renovation or addition can range from $80,000 to $300,000+. We provide detailed project estimates after an initial consultation and site visit. There are no surprises — our process is fully transparent from day one.

Do you build custom boathouses?

Yes. We design and build custom boathouses across Muskoka, including wet-slip, dry-storage, and hybrid configurations. Every boathouse project begins with a site assessment and compliance review under Muskoka District Municipality and Conservation Authority shoreline regulations. We handle the full process from permit application to final build.

Are you licensed and insured in Ontario?

Yes. Aster & Spruce Living operates with full licensing and insurance coverage for residential construction in Ontario. We carry general liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and all work is completed in compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

Do you handle building permits for Muskoka cottage renovations?

Yes — permit coordination is part of our process. We work with local municipalities and the Muskoka District to ensure all required permits are secured before work begins. This includes waterfront and shoreline permits for dock, boathouse, and bunkie projects.

How long does a typical Muskoka cottage renovation take?

Timeline depends on scope. A focused interior refresh can be completed in 2–4 weeks. A full cottage renovation or boathouse build typically takes 8–20 weeks depending on complexity, permit timelines, and material lead times. We provide a detailed project schedule during the consultation phase and update you throughout the build.

Can you restore a heritage cottage while maintaining its original character?

This is one of our specialties. We have extensive experience restoring Muskoka heritage cottages — working with original log, timber frame, and board-and-batten construction. Theresa’s background in fine arts and sustainable material sourcing means we approach heritage restoration with both technical rigour and aesthetic sensitivity. We source period-appropriate materials where possible and document the restoration process throughout.

What is your warranty?

All Aster & Spruce Living construction projects come with a 2-year construction warranty covering workmanship defects. We stand behind every project and remain available for any post-completion questions or follow-up work.

What makes Aster & Spruce Living different from other Muskoka contractors?

The combination of Terry’s construction expertise and Theresa’s interior design and sustainable materials background is genuinely rare in the Muskoka market. Most contractors can build — fewer can build beautifully. We manage every project from first consultation to final walkthrough, handle permits, and back everything with a 2-year warranty. Our clients consistently tell us the transparency of our process and the quality of the finish work is what sets us apart.

How do I get started?

The best first step is our Project Consultation form — it takes about 5 minutes and gives us everything we need to have a meaningful first conversation about your project. Alternatively, call us directly at 705-706-4480, Monday to Friday 8am–5pm.