We Help Uncover It — One Tree at a Time.
Let’s be honest—building your own home in Northern Ontario isn’t just a project. It’s a dream, a commitment, and a big damn deal. And that dream doesn’t start with blueprints or bricks. It starts with land. Real land. Unrefined, overgrown, raw land. The kind that needs work before it’s ready to support your future.
That’s where we come in. At Canada Brush Control, we clear the way—literally. We help you uncover that clean slate, one tree at a time. Because you can’t build your dream if you can’t see it.
Step One: Clear the Ground
Before you break ground, you’ve got to see the ground. If your lot is full of brush, trees, rock, or uneven terrain, you’re not building anything—yet.
We handle all of that. Tree clearing, brush removal, site prep, rough grading—we’ve got the tools and experience to do it right. Whether you’re in North Bay or tucked deep into the bush, we know the land, and we know how to make it build-ready. We’ll also flag anything you might want to consider for the next stages, like access points for trucks or the best spots for septic and wells.
You don’t want surprises halfway through. This is where it all begins.
Step Two: Understand the Money
Now let’s talk financing—because it’s not like buying a pre-built house. Building means a construction mortgage, and that’s a different ball game. You’ll need to prove to your lender that you’re serious, ready, and not going to leave a half-built house abandoned in the woods.
You’ll Need a Solid Plan
That means a real quote from a licensed contractor showing everything: site clearing (yes, us), foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, roof, finish work, septic system, and well drilling. Your lender uses this to run an appraisal based on what the house will be worth when it’s finished. They’ll offer you financing based on the lower number between your budget and the appraised value.
Own Your Land
If you don’t own your land outright yet, that’s fine—but any loan you still owe on it gets added to your debt ratio. You’ll either need to pay that off or factor it into your total plan. Also, make sure your land is zoned correctly and that permits are ready to roll. No point clearing and prepping land you can’t legally build on.
Down Payment: Think 40%
You’re going to need a decent chunk upfront. Most lenders in Northern Ontario want to see at least 40% of the full cost ready to go. Why? Because the first 30% of any build gets eaten up fast—clearing, foundation, rough-ins—and lenders aren’t going to fund the start unless you show them you can handle it. Overestimating your budget? Smart. Running short? Not so much.
Watch Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
This one trips up a lot of people. Lenders want your total debt—including your new mortgage, future heating costs, property taxes, and any borrowed start-up cash—to stay under 42% of your gross income. That includes that little loan you forgot to mention from Uncle Bob.
Sweat Equity Can Help
Doing some of the work yourself? Awesome. Your labour has value—just not unlimited value. Lenders will usually count sweat equity toward your down payment, up to 10% of the total project cost. Just make sure you document it. That means showing what work you’re doing, getting quotes on what it would cost to hire out, and keeping receipts for materials.
Step Three: Plan for the North
Building in Northern Ontario isn’t like building in the city. Winters hit hard. Terrain can be brutal. Construction seasons are shorter. The unexpected is part of the deal.
That’s why every smart build starts with local knowledge—whether it’s your contractor, your mortgage broker, or your land clearing crew. We know the area. We’ve worked the terrain. We’ve seen it all. And we’ll help you avoid the costly mistakes that come from assuming this build is just like any other.
At Canada Brush Control, we don’t just cut trees. We help people take the first real step toward their dream home. We’ll walk your land with you, help assess the scope of work, and give you a no-pressure, no-BS quote to get things rolling. Fast, affordable, and done right.
Build Your Dream the Right Way
To be honest, you can’t build a house until you prep the land. It’s that simple. And prepping it properly? That’s what turns a patch of bush into a blank canvas.
So if you’re ready to start, let’s talk. Whether you’re building a home, a cottage, or just prepping land for the future, Canada Brush Control is here to help uncover your dream—one tree at a time.
