Frequently Asked Questions
Sheds – FAQs
Which areas does Summit serve?
As custom builders in Ottawa, we serve Ottawa and many of the surrounding areas. If you’re not sure whether we serve your area, please contact us.
How are Summit’s structures constructed?
Our structures are built to last! Here’s an overview of how we build.
- Base – Built on pressure treated 4×4’s, which are placed on patio stones to lift the structure off the ground. This provides for proper ventilation and allows water to run under the structure, rather than through it.
- Leveling –The structure is leveled to the highest point on which it will sit.
- Flooring – 2×4, 16″ on centre; 5/8″ OSB tongue and groove. As an upgrade, studs at 12″ on centre, with plywood or pressure treated plywood is available.
- Wall construction – 2×4, 16″ on centre; 7/16″ OSB sheathing.
- Higher Walls – We build 7 foot walls, rather than the standard 6 foot walls, with approximately 9 feet at the peak.
- Roof – 2×4, 24″ on centre; 7/16″ OSB, with aluminum drip edge and architectural asphalt shingles. The Victorian shed has metal valleys on each side of the dormer, like a house would have, as this is the proper way to roof around a dormer. Shingles instead of valleys will cause the shingles to deteriorate quickly, reducing the lifespan of the shingles and resulting in leaks, as all the water flows to each side of the dormer.
Is a building permit required?
The Ontario Building Code was recently changed to allow for sheds up to 160 square feet to be built WITHOUT a building permit. Any structure larger than 160 square feet requires a building permit.
For structures over 160 square feet, we will handle the permit process for you.
How close can my structure be to the property line?
By-law requires that there be two (2) feet of clearance from the edge of the roofline to fences and property lines for all sheds up to 160 square feet.
For sheds larger than 160 square feet, a building permit is needed and the City will require that the roofline be a minimum of four (4) feet away from property lines and fences. Alternatively , with a grading plan that the City approves, the roofline can often be built as close as two (2) feet from property lines and fences. Obtaining a grading plan is the property owner’s responsibility.
Is a base included in the price?
Yes, all of our sheds include 2×4 framing and a floor. The structure will be installed on patio stones and pressure treated 4x4s. In many yards where the soil is undisturbed and well-compacted over the years, this is sufficient.
If the property is 6 years old or newer, if we’re building the shed where there is or was a garden or a tree, or if the area retains water during the Spring thaw, then an eco-grid+gravel base is required. Without this base, the shed will become unlevel and sink over time. Ecogrid is a concrete replacement for stability and the gravel is for drainage.
Is installation included in the price?
Yes, our structures are “built to order” and built from raw materials on your property, so all of our prices include pick-up and delivery of materials, onsite construction, leveling of the structure (up to 6″), removal of all building debris, site clean up and a comprehensive 3-year warranty. If your slope is greater than 6″, there will be a leveling fee and depending on the slope, we may need to build a structure under the shed to support it being built on a more extreme slope.
What customization/upgrades are available?
At Summit, we’re all about customization. We have many options available to customize your shed, pool house or studio. If there’s an option that you’d like, but you don’t see it on our site, we’ll do our best to source it for you. Each year we build structures that are unlike anything that we’ve built in the past and sometimes these “one-offs” become quite popular.
Can the floor of my structure be at the same height as my patio/walkway?
No, it can’t. It MUST BE 6″ above the grade/height of the ground surrounding the structure so the water doesn’t enter. This is critical.
Can the floor of my shed be the patio stones that I have in place?
The patio stones can remain in place, but these cannot serve as the floor of the structure because water will enter it under the door and walls. The structure must be a contained structure and it MUST BE 6″ above the height of the ground around it. As well, when the patio stones shift, and they will in Ottawa weather, so will the shed. A proper wooden floor and framing is still required so that the structure can be raised and re-leveled when the patio stones shift over time.
Should my structure be on a concrete pad?
A concrete pad is not typically necessary and the cost of the pad is significant because in most cases, we can’t get gravel and concrete trucks to the where the structure is being built.
If you want a concrete pad, a 4″ slab is not sufficient to support the weight of the shed and our snowload. The pad has to have footings, there must be rebar in the footings, 4″ gravel, wire mesh and 4″ of concrete in the centre (more concrete in the footings).
The pad MUST BE at least 4″ higher than the grass or interlock pavers that will surround the structure, otherwise water will enter under the door and walls.
What kind of doors does Summit use on its structures?
Wooden doors are one option and these require painting within two weeks of installation.
All of our other doors, with or without glass, are steel house doors. We do not use shed doors on any of our structures because shed doors are made of wood, wrapped in aluminum. Water gets between the wood and the aluminum, rolls to the bottom of the door and rots the wood. Aluminum also dents easily, so a door is not a good place to have aluminum.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. Because your structure is being custom-built to your specifications, a deposit of 1/3 of the total price is required when you place your order.
What is the warranty?
Summit offers the best warranty in the business. We have a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on materials and workmanship; we even warranty the leveling of the shed, which is important in our weather because the ground heaves in the spring. Exterior finishes have extended manufacturer warranties. For cedar sheds, clients are responsible for ongoing maintenance of the exterior finish to ensure its longevity.
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Studios – FAQs
Which areas does Summit serve?
As custom builders in Ottawa, we serve Ottawa and many of the surrounding areas. If you’re not sure whether we serve your area, please contact us.
What type of base do I need?
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding on your base and we’ll provide you with recommendations. The most suitable base for your studio will vary based on the size of the structure, the slope of your property, and the interior finishes that you’d like.
Is a building permit required?
The Ontario Building Code was recently changed to allow for sheds up to 160 square feet to be built WITHOUT a building permit. A studio is not a shed, so the studios can be up to 108 square feet without a permit.
For structures requiring a permit, we will handle the permit process for you.
How close can my studio be to the property line?
By-law requires that there be two (2) feet of clearance from the edge of the roofline to fences and property lines for studios up to 108 square feet.
For studios larger than 108 square feet, a building permit is needed and the City will require that the roofline be a minimum of four (4) feet away from property lines and fences. Alternatively , with a grading plan approved by the City, the roofline can often be built as close as two (2) feet from property lines and fences, though this can vary by property.
How much is a studio?
Your studio is being custom built for you, so pricing can vary significantly based on your choices. Your selection of doors; window style, size and quantity; siding and interior finishes, for example, will impact the price of your final product.
Please contact us to discuss your ideas in more detail. And, if you have a budget that you’re trying to work within, let us know so that we can guide you on making appropriate choices.
Is installation included in the price?
Yes, your studio is being custom built from raw materials on your property, so all of our prices include pick-up and delivery of materials, onsite construction, leveling of the structure, removal of all building debris and clean up. There is a travel surcharge for areas outside of Ottawa.
What interior and exterior finishes are available?
We offer a variety of options for exterior siding, in a broad range of colours and finishes. We also have a number of choices for the interior that will allow you to create a space that suits your taste.
What customization/upgrades are available?
At Summit, we’re all about customization. We have many options available to customize your studio – from interior and exterior finishes, to doors and windows. Creating your studio is similar to the process undertaken for a custom home, but on a smaller scale. Our designer is available to work with you to develop a plan that you can really get excited about!
How long will it take to build my studio?
The majority of our studios take a week to complete. This means that you’ll have your new space before you know it! Larger, more complex projects can take up to two weeks and may require some lead time to obtain a building permit.
Will my studio withstand snowy Ottawa winters?
All of our structures, including our sheds, are built to withstand Ottawa winters and built to last. Our structures comply with the Ontario Building Code, so you don’t have to clear snow off the roof any more often than you would clear it off of your house which, with most of our winters, is never.
Will my studio be warm enough in winter?
Our studios are well-insulated from the floor to the roof, with Ottawa winters in mind.
We offer a ductless heat pump that will control the internal climate year around (heating and air conditioning).
If you’re only concerned with heating, then a floor or wall mounted space heater(s) will be sufficient. The best solution for your studio will vary based on its size, the amount of time that you’ll spend in it, how you plan to use the space.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. Your studio is being custom built based on your choices, so a deposit is required when you place your order because we will be ordering custom materials specifically for you. A payment plan will be set out based on the complexity of your project and reviewed with you at the outset.
What is the warranty?
We stand behind our work, with a 3-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty on all of our structures – the best in the business! Interior and exterior finishes have extended manufacturer warranties.
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Garages – FAQs
Which areas does Summit serve?
As custom builders in Ottawa, we serve Ottawa and many of the surrounding areas. If you’re not sure whether we serve your area, please contact us.
How are Summit’s garages constructed?
All of our structures are built to comply with the Ontario Building Code.
At various pre-determined stages in the construction process, an inspector from the City will come to the construction site to inspect our work and approve the team advancing to the next phase of construction.
Is a concrete base included in the price?
Yes. When we provide a quote for your garage, it will include everything from the base to the roof, and any options that you’d like included.
Is a building permit required?
Yes, a building permit is required for a garage/shed that is greater than 160 square feet.
We take care of the architectural drawings and building permit process for you.
How close can my garage be to the property line?
For garages/sheds larger than 160 square feet, a building permit is needed and the City will require that the edge of the roofline be set a minimum of four (4) feet away from property lines and fences. Alternatively , with a grading plan that is approved by the City, the roofline can often be set as close as two (2) feet from property lines and fences, though this can vary by property.
Is installation included in the price?
Yes, your garage is being custom built from raw materials on your property, so all of our prices include pick-up and delivery of materials, onsite construction, removal of all building debris and clean up. There is a travel surcharge for areas outside of Ottawa.
What finishes/siding and trim choices are available?
We offer a variety of options for exterior siding, in a broad range of colours and finishes, including:
- Vinyl siding, dutch lap or board and batten
- Cedar
- Steel wood grain siding
- Hardie Plank
- Fiber cement
We use aluminum trim (soffits and fascia) on all our structures, which is available in many colours. With aluminum, no painting is needed.
View our Finishes and Options for more details.
What customization/upgrades are available?
At Summit, we’re all about customization. We have many options available to customize your garage – from exterior finishes, to doors and windows. Once we understand how you’re planning to use the space, our designer is available to work with you to develop a plan that will address your needs.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. Because your garage will be custom built to your specifications, a deposit is required as we’ll be ordering specific materials for your project, based on your choices. Once we work through your design, we’ll prepare a payment schedule that is tied to key milestones in the construction process so that you know what to expect in advance. The final payment is not due until the City completes its final inspection of your garage.
What is the warranty?
We stand behind our work, with a 3-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty on all of our structures – the best in the business and just like a new car! Interior and exterior finishes have extended manufacturer warranties.
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Shed Base, Outdoor garden storage
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Location
Ottawa, Ontario
Please note that we are not permitted to build in Quebec.
We Accept
