KAWARTHA LAKES

DESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE, ON

Design-Build Contractor in Cameron Lake, ON

Henley Contracting is a design-build contractor on Cameron Lake, near Fenelon Falls, for homes on steep, wooded lots above the water. We plan houses that step down the hillside, work out access, retaining and drainage before design is final, and build them with the same team so the plan works on the slope as well as on paper.

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SERVICE: Design-Build & Planning
AREA: Cameron Lake, ON
REGION: Kawartha Lakes
CALL: (905) 576-9714

Three-level custom home stepped down a wooded hillside with decks facing the water at Cameron Lake, Ontario (illustration) – Design-Build Contractor in Cameron Lake, ON

01 / OVERVIEWDESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE

DESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE

Hillside homes on Cameron Lake

Much of Cameron Lake's shore rises steeply from the water, with mature maples, pines and rock outcrops. A house that steps down the hill, with a level for each grade, can give every floor its own view and a walkout to the trees.

Getting there takes careful planning. Access for equipment, retaining walls, drainage and how far the house can sit from the water all affect the design and the cost.

01 / STEPPED DESIGN
Levels that follow the slope.
02 / ACCESS PLANNED
Equipment routes on a hill.
03 / DRAINAGE SOLVED
Water managed above and below the house.
04 / CITY PERMITS
Applications to the City of Kawartha Lakes.

02 / WHAT WE BUILDDESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE

What a steep lot needs

Survey

Topography to place each level.

Retaining

Walls engineered for soil and water.

Shoreline

Setbacks and natural buffers.

Approvals

City, Kawartha Conservation and Parks Canada.

03 / IN FOCUSDESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE

Building on a slope

Concrete trucks, lumber and machines all need a way in. We plan access before design so the house can actually be built where it is drawn.

Steep undeveloped wooded lot with rock outcrops falling toward the lake, Cameron Lake, Ontario (illustration) – Design-Build Contractor in Cameron Lake, ON

04 / IN FOCUSDESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE

Stairs, paths and the dock

On a steep lot, the route from the car to the house and down to the dock matters as much as the house itself. We plan stairs, landings, lighting and handrails as part of the design, so getting around the property is safe in rain, snow and darkness.

05 / IN FOCUSDESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE

Views from every level

A stepped hillside house can give each level its own outlook. We place windows and decks so the main floor sees over the treetops and the lower level opens to the shore, while keeping privacy from neighbours on the slope.

06 / IN FOCUSDESIGN-BUILD & PLANNING · CAMERON LAKE

More on the lakes

We also plan and build on Balsam Lake and Sturgeon Lake, and in Fenelon Falls. See also custom homes on Cameron Lake.

Have a lot on Cameron Lake? Tell us about your project.

CLIENT REVIEWSIN THEIR WORDS

Henley Contracting Ltd.

50 Google reviews

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Laura Barrett

Google review

After receiving a few quotes from different contractors to do a full renovation of our kitchen and dining room, we chose Henley because of how comfortable Nick and his team made us feel right from the first conversation.

From start to finish it took just over three weeks for the team to demolish our ugly, dated, and dark kitchen, and fully rebuild a stunning bright and light new space, designed with style and functionality in mind.

The Henley team was very responsive (shout out to Tom and Michelle), and kept us fully informed throughout the project with the Buildertrend app. They uploaded photos and notes to the app daily, so we always knew where the project was at and how things were progressing. We loved the transparency of this, especially not being at home through the reno.

Thank you Henley Contracting for completely transforming our space.
We are so happy with the final results!
J Oxley

Google review

These guys put another level on our house and did a great job. Everyone was knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and communicative. I highly recommend them.
John Chiappetta

Google review

We recently collaborated with Henley Contracting on a custom cottage build in the Kawartha Lakes area, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. Their team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the project met our exact specifications.

Communication was seamless throughout the process; they kept us informed at every stage and were always available to address any questions or concerns. The project was completed on schedule and within the agreed-upon budget, reflecting their commitment to reliability and efficiency.

The quality of workmanship exceeded our expectations, with meticulous craftsmanship evident in every facet of the build. The final result is a stunning cottage that not only meets but surpasses our vision.

We highly recommend Henley Contracting to anyone seeking a trustworthy and skilled contractor for custom home or cottage construction. Their dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction is truly commendable.

Ps. Thanks for the invite to your cottage this summer! Looking forward to it!

Read all reviews on Google

QUESTIONSCAMERON LAKE, ON

Frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Tell us about your project and ask us directly.

Can you build on a very steep lot?

Often, with a stepped design, engineered retaining and careful access planning.

Why plan access before design?

If equipment cannot reach the house site, the design or the cost has to change. Knowing early avoids that.

Who approves building on Cameron Lake?

The City of Kawartha Lakes, with Kawartha Conservation and Parks Canada where they apply.

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YOUR PROJECT

Planning a home or renovation on Cameron Lake?

Tell us about your property and what you have in mind. We will help you work out the scope, budget and next steps before anything is priced.