General Contractor in the Beaver Valley
Chalets, custom homes, steel roofs and decks along the Beaver River, from Eugenia to Kimberley and up the escarpment.
Steep lots and big views
The Beaver Valley follows the Beaver River north from the Eugenia area toward Kimberley and Georgian Bay, with the Niagara Escarpment rising on both sides. Most of the valley is about twenty minutes from our shop in Markdale.
People build in the valley for the views, the ski hills and the trails. That often means chalets, walkout homes on a slope and big windows facing the escarpment. It also means building sites that take more planning than a flat lot.
We bring the framing, roofing and finishing skills those builds need, and we work through the extra approvals with you so nothing catches you off guard.
Building on a hillside takes more planning than building on flat land, and it pays to get that planning right. A well placed house on a slope can give you a walkout basement, better light and a view that a flat lot never could.
What makes the valley different
Before we price a Beaver Valley build, we look at the land, the rules and the weather.
We bring these up at the first site visit, so the design, the budget and the approvals line up from the start.
- Escarpment rules. Much of the valley is inside the Niagara Escarpment Plan area. Many projects there need a development permit from the Niagara Escarpment Commission before a building permit can be issued.
- Steep lots. Slopes call for walkout foundations, retaining and careful drainage so water moves around the house, not into it.
- Driveways. Steep lanes have to work for concrete and delivery trucks, and for you in January.
- Ski season snow. The valley gets heavy snow, so steep steel roofs that shed it well are a common choice.
- Big windows. Window walls facing the view need properly sized headers and framing to carry the load above them.
- Two municipalities. Depending on where the lot is, the building permit comes from Grey Highlands or The Blue Mountains.
Close to the valley, we also work in Grey County, Markdale, Owen Sound, Chatsworth, Flesherton, Durham, Blue Mountains and Meaford.
Beaver Valley questions
Do I need a Niagara Escarpment Commission permit?
If your lot is in the development control area of the Niagara Escarpment Plan, most new buildings and additions need a development permit from the Commission first. We help you find out early so it does not hold up the job.
Can you build a chalet with a steep steel roof?
Yes. Steep steel roofs suit the valley because they shed snow. We frame, sheath and roof the whole building.
Can you build a walkout on a sloped lot?
Yes. We plan the foundation, drainage and grading around the slope so the walkout works and stays dry.
How far is the Beaver Valley from you?
Around twenty minutes from our base in Markdale, depending on where in the valley you are.
Does building on a slope cost more?
Usually, yes. A sloped lot can mean more excavation, a taller foundation, retaining and more drainage work. The written quote shows you where the extra cost comes from.
Can you finish the inside of a chalet or cabin?
Yes. We do the interior as well as the shell, including pine walls, trim, stairs and built ins.
Which municipality issues my permit?
Most of the upper valley is in Grey Highlands. Lots further north toward Georgian Bay can be in The Blue Mountains. We confirm which one applies to your property.
Building in the Beaver Valley
Each service has a page of its own. Start with the one closest to your project.
Most valley builds draw on several of these at once, and one crew handles the whole job from the foundation to the finish.
Custom Homes
Chalets and full time homes designed around the slope and the view.
Steel & Shingle Roofing
Steep steel roofs that shed heavy valley snow.
Decks & Porches
Decks and covered porches built to take in the escarpment.
Foundations & Site Work
Walkout foundations and site prep for sloped lots.
Framing & Additions
Additions and window walls framed with the right headers.
Interior Finishing
Pine, trim, stairs and built ins to finish a cabin or chalet.
Chalets, cabins and roofs
Photos from CKThompson builds, including a roof install on a steep pitch and cabin finishing.
Working on a steep roof takes the right setup and experience. These photos show our crew doing exactly that.
Building in the Beaver Valley?
Tell us where your lot is and what you want to build. We will help you sort out the approvals and the plan.