About us
About Blue Cottage
Blue Cottage is an independent reference about looking after cottages and rural homes in Canada. It exists because the practical knowledge of keeping a country building sound is scattered — passed down informally, learned the hard way after a burst pipe or a soft deck board, or buried in manufacturer instructions that assume you already know the basics.
What this site covers
The focus is narrow on purpose: the recurring, seasonal work that keeps a rural building in good condition. That means roofs and snow, exterior wood, plumbing that has to survive an unheated winter, and the grounds immediately around the structure. It does not cover interior renovation, real estate, or anything outside the upkeep of cottages and rural homes.
How the articles are written
Each guide explains the reasoning behind a task, not just the steps, so the advice still holds when your site and building differ from the example. Where a job crosses into licensed trades — wells, fuel systems, structural work, electrical — the text says so plainly rather than pretending every task is a weekend project.
Sources and accuracy
Articles draw on widely accepted building practice and publicly available references from Canadian public bodies. Where exact figures vary by region — snow-load requirements, for example, are set locally — the text describes the principle and points to the appropriate authority rather than inventing a single number. Photographs are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons or public domain licenses, with attribution shown on each image.
Independence
Blue Cottage is not affiliated with any contractor, manufacturer, or supplier, and the guides do not endorse specific brands. References point to standard products and recognised public sources so the information stays useful regardless of what is available in your area.
Questions and corrections are welcome through the contact form.