Small Structures

Tiny homes have gained popularity in recent years due to their affordability, sustainability, and minimalistic lifestyle. These small structures offer a unique living experience, allowing homeowners to downsize and simplify their lives, reduce living expenses, and lower their environmental footprint.

Of course, you could easily build a tiny home or studio on your property as a cozy personal retreat, or as a place to house aging parents or occasional guests.

Typically sized at under 400ft², tiny homes can be built on wheels or on a permanent foundation.

Tiny homes require careful planning and organization to make the most of the limited space, and this is an area where my skills shine.

Your workshop can be customized around your specific needs, whether it’s woodworking, metalworking, or any other hobby or profession.

There are various types of workshops that can be built depending on your needs and available space. A detached workshop is a standalone structure that offers maximum privacy and flexibility, designed to blend seamlessly with your existing architecture or stand out as a unique feature.

Another option is an attached workshop, which is connected to your main house or garage, allowing for easy access to tools and materials.

Whether for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet moments alone, the benefits of having an attached or standalone deck on your property are numerous. They extend your living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without leaving your property. Decks also increase the value of your home and provide a great return on investment.

Understanding your vision, property dynamics, and aspirations is the first step in crafting a deck that truly reflects your style and aligns with your preferences.

Whether you envision an intimate space for basking in the sun, a sprawling area for entertaining, or a tranquil spot nestled in your landscape, the goal is to create a deck that becomes a harmonious extension of both your lifestyle and landscape.

Some benefits are obvious, such as helping to protect your belongings from damage caused by our unpredictable West Coast weather.

Of course, a custom shed also allows you to keep your gardening tools and supplies in one place, making them easily accessible when needed. It can even be used as a workspace for potting plants, starting seeds, or other gardening activities.

However, a garden shed built by Donnelly Woodworking can be so much more than an organizational unit! With the right planning, I can craft you a functional and beautiful oasis designed for your specific green thumbs.

If you have a pool or hot tub on your property, I can tailor the design to offer a comfortable place for changing, showering, and refreshing before and after your aquatic adventures.

But you don’t have to be a pool owner or reside by the waterfront to fully appreciate the benefits of an outdoor bathhouse or shower.

I particularly enjoy building outdoor bathhouses and showers. And yes, I have one for myself.

Picture yourself immersed in a deep soak beneath the stars, surrounded by nature’s tranquility, in a space crafted for intimate relaxation and quiet reflection.

(See what I mean?)

Whether you enjoy hosting family barbecues, collecting friends for summer gatherings, or want to savour a quiet solo dinner beneath the stars, I can help design and build an outdoor kitchen that adapts to your needs.

From a simple setup ideal for grilling wings to a fully-equipped haven featuring a grill, countertops, wood-fired pizza oven, storage cabinets, running water… well, the possibilities are endless.

Beyond the practical benefits of outdoor cooking, your outdoor kitchen serves as an intentional space where you can prepare meals while embracing the beauty of the Vancouver Island outdoors.

This thoughtfully designed small structure provides gardeners with a controlled haven for nurturing plants, extending Vancouver Island’s growing season, and safeguarding delicate flora from our often unpredictable weather.

While prefabricated greenhouse options are often limited on style and functionality, a custom-built greenhouse is built for your specific needs, and optimized around your available space.

Beyond expanding your plant palette, a greenhouse serves as a shield against pests and diseases, diminishing the reliance on chemical pesticides. A custom greenhouse really is a mindful investment in your gardening journey.

Pergolas are relatively simple outdoor structures. They’re most commonly used to provide shade and add a decorative element to gardens and patios. A custom pergola can add a comfortable and inviting space to any outdoor area.

Pergolas can be freestanding or attached to a building, and they can be customized with various features such as lighting, curtains, and climbing plants.

I have found them to be a popular choice for homeowners on Vancouver Island who want to enhance their outdoor living areas with a relaxing atmosphere for entertaining or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Even with a solid roof, the open-side design of a gazebo still provides an outdoor feel. They’re kind of perfect for enjoying the fresh Island air while being protected from the elements.

Gazebos can be made of various species of wood, and can be designed in different styles to match the aesthetic of the surrounding area.

Octagonal, circular, rectangular, or square, this versatile structure is perfect for hosting lively celebrations and cozy moments alike. They are often used for outdoor gatherings such as weddings, parties, or family events, and can also serve as a peaceful retreat for relaxation and meditation.

Whether you need a carport to shelter your car from the sun, rain, or snow, or a boat cover to keep your boat safe and dry when it’s not in use, custom-built options provide a quality and fit that you won’t find in a pre-fab solution.

And when it’s not shielding your vehicle or vessel from the weather, a carport can be repurposed as an outdoor workstation, a covered play area for kids, or a protected spot for BBQs and outdoor gatherings.

Don’t automatically assume that going custom means you’re paying more than a store-bought option, either. I can work with you to choose the size, style, and materials that best suit your needs, your landscape, and your budget.

With a custom over you’ll enjoy shade and protection from the elements, which will make it possible for you to enjoy the outdoors even when our Vancouver Island weather is less than, let’s say enthusiastic.

I approach every custom carpentry project with a mindset of intentional design and meticulous care, and a patio cover is no different. When possible I will even hand-select the materials, so your outdoor upgrade will not only withstand the elements but also stand as a piece of craftsmanship.

When you choose to go custom, you’ll end up with a cover that integrates right into your existing space, elevating your outdoor area into a cozy retreat for relaxation, entertainment, and simply enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you.