Our certified design department guides you from first sketch to finished build — with the permits, codes and local know-how to do it right.
Over the years, thousands of customers have received the benefit of our design department. We have a setup whereby we can design a set of plans that are correct, detailed, ready for the contractor to build by. As we are fundamentally in the building supply business, we are aware of new products and changing building codes. We charge a nominal fee (much less than architects) for this service but if you agree to purchase the majority of the materials for the project from us, the fee is fully refunded. Check with our design specialists for the details on this program. Our designers are certified by the Province of Ontario for designing homes and cottages. We primarily work in the Haliburton County area but we can sometimes make arrangements outside of our area. We can also recommend contractors for your job if you wish. We have the technology to e-mail your plans to save you trips to the store if you wish as well.
Many of our designs are for cottages, working with you for the best waterfront view. Elevations and floor plans in .pdf.
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Our designers can create the home of your dreams — make an appointment to start the process.
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Increase the enjoyment of your property. Our designers have experience with roof lines, setbacks and load capacities.
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A large assortment of bunkie plans in .pdf — zoom in and print. Custom bunkie design also available.
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A large selection of garage plans for your viewing. We can design a garage that suits your needs.
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Our staff can draw up a deck plan that meets code and looks great — pressure treated, cedar or composite.
Learn more →From your plans, our team prepares a detailed, accurate material list so you know what your project needs — and so nothing slows down the build. Watch a quick overview, then get in touch to start your estimate.
Contact UsA step-by-step guide to a smooth build in Haliburton County.
Planning and communication is key to the process. Plan well ahead and research your responsibilities carefully.
You will need a very minimum of 3 sets of plans to start. Two will be given to the building official; sub trades will also require copies. Check them carefully — you or your contractor are responsible to verify all dimensions or omissions.
An approved septic permit is required from the District Health Office before building. You can apply directly or through a licensed septic contractor. Two test holes will be required.
Allow 3 weeks for a building permit to be approved. You may also need a road access approval from the roads manager, and permission from the Department of Highways if you are on a provincial highway.
Know where your property boundaries are so you can locate your building within the set-back guidelines for your municipality. The set-back from the high water mark of a lake is especially important — usually 66 feet or 100 feet.
Lumber is a commodity and prices fluctuate. Have an updated pricing quote and an anticipated delivery date in mind. As we are local, we can deliver quickly and with only the materials you need right now.
Make sure special order materials such as windows, trusses, special siding and shingles are ordered ahead of time.
Keep your contractor informed and establish a schedule everyone can keep. Establish a payment schedule for both the contractor and supplier.
Establish a clear procedure with yourself, your contractor and your supplier for ordering and scheduling. One person should be in charge of scheduling deliveries and deal with one person in our office.
Check your loads when they arrive, not a day or two later. Follow the material list we provide and keep it handy when ordering.
Pre-establish a “house account” with us so all information and credit details are looked after. If financing with a bank, confirm their requirements for draws — funds are normally released in stages.
Put aside a contingency fund — you will probably use it! Tell your neighbours in advance what you are planning; you may need temporary access or electricity.
Read your building permit. It is important to call your building official at certain times for inspections. Permits are required even for changes to the structure or systems of your home or cottage (normally anything over 100 square feet). As the homeowner, you are legally responsible for obtaining the building permit.
The Province of Ontario has a certification program for Designers. Any plan submitted for a building permit must be certified. Not only is the firm (Emmerson Lumber) certified, our designers must also take extensive courses to be qualified. Each is issued a BCIN number and it will appear on all final sets of drawings. We can also do small commercial buildings.
Permits are required even for changes to the structure or systems of your home or cottage — normally anything over 100 square feet. As the homeowner, you are legally responsible for obtaining the building permit; contractors or the building supply yard can do this on your behalf.
Bylaws are passed by local governments to control development — zoning restrictions, set-backs from a neighbour or the shoreline, height or size limits, and allowed uses of the property.
Municipality of Dysart et al · Township of Algonquin Highlands · Township of Highlands East
Dysart et al: Instruction sheet · Ministry of Housing · Tarion Application · Building By-Law & Fee Schedule · Road debris fee structure
Algonquin Highlands: Permit Application · Info to accompany permit · Building Dept FAQs
Highlands East: Bylaw · Building Permit Application
Health Department (Septics): Septic inspections are now done by the respective municipalities.
Ministry of Natural Resources (Shoreline): Minden Office 705-286-1521 — a permit is required for any work that would alter the shoreline or risk soil/silt entering a body of water.
Telephone: Bell Canada Customer Service 310-2355 · Electrical Inspector: Hydro One 705-286-2031
Fire Permits: MNR Haliburton 705-457-2107 · Land Registration: Haliburton County Registration Office, Minden 705-286-1391
Contact our certified design team to get correct, detailed, build-ready plans — and a refundable design fee when you buy your materials from us.
