You see it all the time from businesses.

“Est. 1985”

“Family-owned Since 1962.”

But how does being in business for a certain amount of time actually benefit you?

We thought about this as our 25th anniversary approached and wanted to explain why it matters.

When over 41% of businesses fail in Canada after 5 years, it takes something special to surpass this milestone.

We’re proud to celebrate 25 years of success as one of Ontario’s premier design-build firms.

But being in business for this long is not what’s important.

It’s the lessons we learned that taught us how to deliver a world-class client experience.

Discover why our past experiences make us the best choice for your next project.

1. Build Your Home in Harmony with Nature

Proper site placement ensures privacy, preserves the landscape, and takes full advantage of nature’s beauty.

We study how the sun moves across your property to maximize natural light and warmth throughout the day. 

We analyze how water drains after heavy rainfall and how snowmelt affects the soil to prevent foundation issues.

When a home is built in harmony with its environment, it stands stronger, lasts longer, and becomes one with nature.

2. Expert Craftsmanship Builds Everlasting Homes

A poorly built home in Cottage Country won’t hold up to extreme weather. 

Every material choice, construction method, and finishing selection determines how your home will age.

Decades of custom building have taught us the true value of quality craftsmanship.

Our builders love what they do, which shows in the finished product.

When a custom home is built with passion, every detail is crafted with care.

3. Merge Function with Aesthetics

Many people focus on how a house looks before thinking about how it will function.

A custom home should be designed to make your daily life more convenient.

We begin every project by learning about how you move through your day.

This level of personalization transforms your daily routines into an effortless living experience.

4. Build Your Home to Withstand Harsh Weather

Summer is short in Cottage Country, but winter lasts half the year.

Snowfall, ice buildup, and strong winds test every home.

We build our structures using superior insulation, weather-proof windows, and durable building materials.

Efficient heating systems ensure your home stays warm without wasting energy.

If your home isn’t designed for resilience, it won’t last in Cottage Country.

5. Expertise Makes Custom Home Building Simple

Building a custom home should be exciting, not overwhelming.

The wrong team leads to delays, miscommunication, and costly mistakes.

We keep the entire design-build process under one roof and manage it with a team of experts.

This ensures your vision, budget, and timeline stay aligned.

When you choose us to build your home, we make the process simple and smooth.

6. Bring Natural Light into Every Room

A poorly lit home, even with a spacious layout, can feel cramped and uninviting.

Natural light makes a home feel open, warm, and more connected to its surroundings.

The placement and size of windows affect how sunlight moves through each space.

Large windows in living areas create energizing spaces.

Bedrooms benefit from softer light that encourages rest.

Over the years, we learned how to design homes that use natural light to its full potential.

7. Waterfront Homes Demand Specialized Materials

Waterfront homes face more environmental stress than inland properties.

High humidity accelerates wood rot.

Moisture built up during the long winter, combined with temperature changes, creates condensation.

This constant exposure to moisture corrodes metal and can lead to mould.

We use marine-grade materials, moisture-resistant finishes, and corrosion-proof fasteners to ensure longevity.

Maintenance becomes a constant battle if your waterfront home isn’t built with the right materials.

8. Adaptable Home Design Reduces Costs

Making design changes after construction leads to costly delays and unexpected expenses.

You may need more storage, a better kitchen layout, or larger windows to capture stunning views.

Our 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs help you experience your home before construction starts.

This process allows for adjustments while your new home’s design plans remain flexible.

9. Energy Efficiency Is a Profitable Investment

An energy-efficient home is good for the environment and saves on utility costs over time.

For instance, triple-pane windows block drafts and regulate indoor temperatures to make every room more comfortable.

A premium HVAC system uses smart thermostats and zoning controls to heat and cool the spaces that need it.

Over the years, we have learned how to build custom homes that lower utility bills and provide comfort year-round.

10. A Custom Boathouse Is a Must-have

A waterfront property without a boathouse is missing its full potential.

This upgrade transforms your shoreline into a functional space that makes every moment by the water an epic adventure.

Eliminate the hassle of marina fees and off-site storage altogether.

Picture a rooftop deck for watching sunsets, a shaded lounge for hot afternoons, or even a guest suite where loved ones wake up to the sound of the water.

Built with marine-grade materials to withstand waves, ice, and weather, a well-designed boathouse is an investment in your property’s value and your quality of life.

11. Storage Is an Underrated Luxury

A beautiful home loses its charm when clutter takes over.

Without enough storage, everyday items are scattered on counters, shoved into closets, or piled in corners.

Custom cabinetry and built-in solutions turn wasted space into functional storage.

This keeps everything organized and out of sight.

A well-designed home is about creating a space that feels effortless to live in.

When storage is planned from the start, your home stays clutter-free to provide a calming living experience.

12. Floor Plans Should Foster Connection

When rooms don’t flow well, daily tasks feel harder, and gathering spaces feel unwelcoming.

A great floor plan guides you from one space to the next.

It makes interactions easier and more frequent.

Well-placed doorways, sightlines, and gathering spaces create a home where people feel connected.

13. Small Details Make the Biggest Impact

A home isn’t just walls, floors, and furniture.

It’s the feeling you get when you walk through the door.

It’s the cozy reading nook bathed in morning light.

It’s the perfectly placed skylight that frames the night sky.

It’s the hand-carved mantel that becomes the heart of the living room.

These details may seem small, but they make you feel that this home was crafted just for you.

14. Your Home Should Reflect Cottage Country’s Spirit

Weathered wood, locally sourced stone, and natural tones allow your home to blend into its landscape.

Large windows should frame the water, treetops, or rocky shorelines to make nature the focal point of every room.

Outdoor living spaces should feel like a natural transition rather than an afterthought.

A custom cottage that respects its environment feels more peaceful, timeless, and deeply connected to the spirit of Cottage Country.

15. Biophilic Design Enhances Every Living Space

Morning light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows makes waking up feel easier.

The soft glow of sunset creates a natural transition into the evening.

The warmth of exposed timber beams, the coolness of stone floors, and the gentle movement of air through well-placed openings create a space that feels alive.

Even the smallest details—like the sound of rain on a metal roof or the scent of cedar-lined closets—can deepen your connection with Mother Nature.

A house that embraces its surroundings doesn’t just function better.

It makes you feel more grounded, present, and at peace.

16. Interior Design Should Be Planned With Architecture

We’ve seen what happens when interior design is treated as an afterthought.

The lighting feels off, furniture placement is awkward, and built-in features clash with the home’s structure.

A carefully planned custom home starts with both elements working in sync.

When architecture and interior design are planned together, the result is a home that feels effortless to live in.

17. Expertise Matters When Building Off-Grid

Building in remote areas comes with challenges that city builds never face.

Limited road access can make transporting materials difficult.

It requires careful planning and sometimes barges for delivery.

A custom builder with remote experience anticipates these challenges.

We know how to secure the proper permits, transport materials, and ensure that every stage of construction runs smoothly.

18. Compliance With Land Conservation Is Essential

Cottage Country has strict building regulations to protect its forests, shorelines, and wildlife.

Tree removal is often restricted to preserve natural habitats and prevent soil instability.

An expert builder understands how to secure the proper approvals and designs homes that respect conservation laws.

Following these guidelines protects the environment, prevents costly fines, and avoids project delays.

19. Experience Solves Problems Before They Start

Building in Cottage Country has surprises—hidden bedrock, shifting water levels, or materials delayed due to remote access.

The best custom home builders plan for these challenges.

Soil tests and site surveys help prevent costly foundation issues before construction begins.

Our experience has taught us how to plan for weather delays and material shortages to keep your project on track.

20. Custom Home Building Blends Indoor and Outdoor Life

A home in Cottage Country should be designed for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience in nature.

An entrance that is conducive to coming in soaking wet from the beach protects your floors.

A screened-in porch lets you enjoy summer nights without pesty insects.

A covered deck provides shelter from rain without forcing you indoors.

A well-placed fire pit creates the perfect gathering space.

Thoughtful indoor-outdoor design makes your living experience easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable year-round.

21. Long-Term Relationships Lead to Better Homes

We’ve learned that building a home is just the beginning of a lasting partnership. 

Many of our clients return years later for renovations, expansions, or new projects on their property. 

A custom home builder who understands your style, priorities, and long-term vision can design with the future in mind.

This allows for easy additions, cohesive upgrades, and seamless transitions. 

A trusted relationship means confidence in every stage of the process.

22. Your Vision Should Guide Your Home’s Design

Some homeowners have a clear picture of their dream home.

Others need time to refine their ideas. 

We’ve learned that the best new home design comes from imagination.

When your vision leads the design, the result is a custom home that feels uniquely yours.

23. Custom Home Building Should Tell Your Story

The most memorable homes reflect the people who live in them.

Every detail should connect to your history, passions, and daily life.

Over time, it becomes a collection of experiences, memories, and personal meaning.

When designed with intention, your home tells a story that only you can write.

24. The Last 5% Defines Your Custom Build

A home may be well-built, but without the final details, it feels incomplete.

The last 5% is where craftsmanship meets character.

It’s where the right trim, the perfect lighting, and the smallest finishes bring your space to life.

The difference between a good home and an extraordinary estate isn’t in the big things.

It’s in the details you notice daily, even if you don’t realize it.

25. A Well-Built Home Adapts to Changing Needs

Families grow, routines shift, and new priorities emerge over time.

An adaptable home includes flexible spaces that can serve different purposes.

Smart design choices ensure that your home remains functional and comfortable for decades.

When a home is built with adaptability in mind, it becomes a place that supports every stage of life without needing major renovations.

Enjoy a World-class Client Experience with Gilbert + Burke

Your home should be more than just a place to live.

It should be a lasting reflection of your life and the landscape around it.

With 25 years of experience in custom design and construction, we understand how to build homes, cottages, and boathouses that are true singularities.

Schedule a call today, and let’s explore the possibilities together.