So You’ve Ordered a Prefab Cottage — What’s Next?
Ordering a prefab cottage is an exciting step toward creating your own getaway space, whether it’s a cozy lake retreat, a family bunkie, or a peaceful workspace. But before your new cottage can arrive, there’s one key step to tackle: preparing your lot for delivery.
Proper site prep not only makes the delivery process smooth, but also ensures your cottage sits safely and securely for years to come.
1. Choose and Prepare Your Site
The first thing to consider is where on your property your cottage will go. You’ll want to choose a flat, well-drained area that’s accessible for trucks and equipment. Avoid low-lying spots where water tends to collect, these can lead to long-term moisture or foundation issues.
Once you’ve chosen your location:
Clear away brush, stumps, and debris.
Remove any large rocks or uneven ground.
Mark the four corners of your future pad to help visualize the footprint.
A little planning here goes a long way, especially when it comes to access for the delivery crew.
2. Create a Solid, Level Gravel Pad (We Recommend Our Team for This Step!)
One of the most important steps in preparing your lot is getting the foundation right. Your cottage is only as strong as the base it sits on, and a well-built pad makes all the difference for long-term stability and drainage.
At West Quebec Shed Company, we recommend a compacted gravel pad for most prefab cottages. Gravel provides excellent drainage, keeps moisture away from the base, and allows your structure to settle evenly over time. It’s also a more flexible option than concrete, making future adjustments easier if you ever decide to move or expand your cottage.
A proper gravel pad should:
Be level and compacted using a plate compactor
Extend at least 12 inches wider than your cottage on all sides
Use crushed stone (not round rock) for stability and drainage
Sit on firm, well-drained ground
We highly recommend having our experienced site-prep team handle this step for you. They know exactly what’s required for a smooth delivery and proper installation. Our crew will make sure your pad meets the right specs and is fully ready for delivery day — saving you from headaches or costly fixes later on.
3. Check Accessibility for Delivery
Our prefab cottages are delivered fully or partially assembled, depending on the model and size. That means the truck and trailer need clear access to your pad.
Before delivery day:
Make sure your driveway or access lane is wide enough for a large delivery truck.
Trim overhanging branches or remove obstacles like fences or gates.
Check for low power lines or sharp turns that could block access.
If you’re not sure about accessibility, send us photos or a short video walkthrough of your property, our delivery team can help assess whether any adjustments are needed. We can even do a site visit for a small fee.
4. Review Permits + Local Regulations
Every municipality has its own set of rules when it comes to installing prefab structures. Before delivery, check with your local building department to see if you’ll need:
A building permit
A foundation or zoning inspection
Setback approvals (distance from property lines, water, etc.)
It’s always better to start this process early, some areas take several weeks to approve permits. What some help with the permit process? Check out our blog on permits.
5. Plan for Utilities (If Applicable)
If you plan to add hydro, plumbing, or septic, now’s the time to plan it out. You may need trenches or pre-installed lines before your cottage arrives. Even if you’re starting off-grid, it’s smart to plan where future hookups might go.
6. Schedule Delivery + Final Prep
Once your site is ready, we’ll confirm delivery details, access routes, and any final measurements. On delivery day, our team will handle the setup and ensure your structure is leveled and secure before we leave.
All you’ll need to do after that is step inside, take a deep breath, and start enjoying your new space. 🌿
Frequently Asked Questions: Preparing for Your Prefab Cottage Delivery
🏡 Do I need a permit for my prefab cottage?
In most cases, yes, but every municipality is different. Some areas require a simple building permit, while others have additional zoning or foundation requirements. It’s always best to check with your local office early on so there are no surprises later. If you’re unsure where to start, we can point you in the right direction or share what’s typically needed in your area.
🚜 Can you help with preparing the site?
Absolutely. We actually recommend it. Our crew has handled hundreds of site preps and knows exactly what’s needed to make delivery day go smoothly. We’ll make sure your pad is level, solid, and built to last, saving you time and potential issues later on. We can remove branches and other objects if needed, just ask!
🪵 What kind of foundation do I need?
We recommend a gravel pad for most cottages. It’s durable, drains well, and gives you a solid base without the added cost of concrete. If your property has a slope or tricky terrain, we can help you choose the best solution and get it built properly before delivery.
🚛 How do I know if my lot is accessible for delivery?
Our delivery team will ask for photos or a quick video of your property to make sure our trucks can access your site. You’ll need a clear path that’s wide enough for our trailer, and no low branches, power lines, or tight turns in the way. If there’s any concern, we’ll come take a look or talk through options with you before delivery day.
📦 How long does it take to prepare a site?
It really depends on your property. For a basic gravel pad, most sites can be prepped in a day or two once we’re on location. If you need clearing, tree removal, or excavation, we’ll work with you to plan a timeline that fits your project.
⚡ Can you connect hydro, water, or septic?
We don’t handle utility hookups ourselves, but we can help you plan where those connections will go. Many customers start off-grid and add utilities later, it all depends on your setup and budget.
🗓️ When should I start planning my cottage delivery?
The earlier, the better! Most customers start in fall or winter for the following summer season. That gives time to handle permits, prep the site, and pick your design before the spring rush.
💬 Can I customize my prefab cottage?
Yes — all of our cottages are built to order. You can choose layout, finishes, and even adjust window or door placement to suit your property. Our team can walk you through options or design something that fits your space perfectly.
🌳 What if my lot is in a remote or rural area?
No problem! We deliver throughout West Quebec, the Ottawa Valley, and surrounding areas. Our crew is used to tight drives, long lanes, and rural setups. We’ll plan accordingly to make sure your delivery is smooth.
✨ Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you’re getting ready for next summer or just starting to dream about it, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Visit westquebecshedcompany.com to explore prefab cottage designs, pricing, and delivery options for 2026.
