For cottage owners in Muskoka, the summer season is precious. It’s short, often busy, and best enjoyed without the noise and disruption of major renovations. That’s one of the reasons Michael Ainger, owner of Ainger Group, recommends scheduling exterior work such as siding and eavestrough upgrades in the off-season.
“Cottage season is short,” Michael says. “People want to spend their time relaxing, not watching a construction crew tear off siding.”
Ainger Group offers siding installation throughout the off-season, provided that the work is done within the temperature guidelines recommended by manufacturers. That flexibility allows homeowners to return to their cottage in the summer and enjoy their completely refreshed property.
Cooler weather can even improve results. “Our crews tend to be happier and more focused when they’re not working in the heat,” Michael explains. “You get better quality work because they’re not exhausted or overheating.”
Siding choices in Muskoka need to go beyond appearance. The region’s weather and terrain present unique challenges, so selecting the right materials is critical. While natural wood siding remains a timeless favorite for its warmth and beauty, Michael notes that it requires its own brand of care.
“Natural wood looks great and is a classic choice, but comes with a maintenance schedule,” he says. “Engineered options, like wood-look products or high-end vinyl, offer similar aesthetics with less work over time.”
Modern materials have evolved significantly, and Ainger Group stays up to date through regular training, factory visits, and partnerships with manufacturers. “We help clients find siding that fits their lifestyle, property value, and design preferences,” Michael says. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.”
The same attention to detail applies to eavestroughs. Many people don’t realize the importance of an eavestrough’s role in protecting the structure of a home or cottage, especially during the freeze-thaw cycles of fall and spring.
“Eavestroughs direct water away from your foundation. Without them, water runs down the walls and pools at the base,” Michael explains. “Once the temperature drops below zero at night, that water freezes and expands in small foundation cracks. That’s where real damage begins.”
As part of its service, Ainger Group encourages routine maintenance, including what they call seasonal walkdowns to check for wear and tear. “Everything on the exterior needs maintenance,” says Michael. “There is no such thing as set it and forget it.”
The company offers twice-a-year inspections to identify minor problems early. A bit of cracked caulking or minor damage from animals can become much larger issues if left unchecked. “Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs,” Michael adds.
Ainger Group’s philosophy of care and transparency carries over into another area most homeowners wouldn’t expect – insurance.
After the ice storm of 2025, Michael’s clients found themselves in a better position to make claims, thanks to the company’s detailed project documentation. Every job is photographed and described in a final report that outlines the condition of the building before, during, and after the work.
“Clients were able to send not just an invoice, but a full report to their insurance company,” Michael says. “We heard back that adjusters were impressed. The documentation made everything easier and faster.”
This level of transparency benefits everyone. Clients experience fewer delays, and insurance companies get what they need without additional site visits or disputes. “It helps combat fraud, too,” says Michael. “That’s become a big problem in the insurance world. We want to be part of the solution.”
Michael believes that open communication and proper recordkeeping should be industry standards. “It’s not about hiding things or skipping steps. It’s about raising the bar for everyone – homeowners, contractors, and insurers.”
Another way Ainger Group sets itself apart is through access. In Muskoka, many cottages are located on islands or remote shorelines that are not reachable by road. To handle those projects, the company uses its own barge.
“Having our own barge gives us control over materials and waste management. We don’t have to wait on someone else’s schedule, and we can move quickly when the water is open,” Michael explains.
“People want to enjoy their cottages. We do everything we can to make that possible while still getting the work done efficiently and properly.”
Michael emphasizes that hiring a contractor familiar with the region is essential. “Muskoka isn’t like a subdivision. The terrain, the weather, the access – all of it is different,” he says. “You need someone who understands that and has the right equipment to do the job.”
In the end, the message is simple. A well-maintained cottage is one that will last. Whether it’s through siding upgrades, eavestrough protection, insurance-ready reports, or lake access by barge, Ainger Group aims to make sure your property is well taken care of so that you can enjoy your summer.
“Maintaining your home is like maintaining your relationship,” Michael says with a grin. “Put the work in, and you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
TEXT KARI KLASSEN
