KAWARTHA LAKES

MAJOR RENOVATIONS · BALSAM LAKE, ON

Major Renovation Contractor in Balsam Lake, ON

Henley Contracting is a major renovation contractor on Balsam Lake for cottages and lake houses that owners want to keep and improve. We renovate older places on the limestone shore with new windows toward the water, rebuilt decks, updated kitchens and year-round comfort, and plan the City of Kawartha Lakes permit and any shoreline approvals before work starts.

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SERVICE: Major Renovations
AREA: Balsam Lake, ON
REGION: Kawartha Lakes
CALL: (905) 576-9714

1970s lake house renovated with cedar shingle siding, new floor-to-ceiling windows and a rebuilt covered deck on the rock shore of Balsam Lake, Ontario (illustration) – Major Renovation Contractor in Balsam Lake, ON

01 / OVERVIEWMAJOR RENOVATIONS · BALSAM LAKE

MAJOR RENOVATIONS · BALSAM LAKE

Cottage and lake house renovations on Balsam Lake

Balsam Lake is the highest lake on the Trent–Severn Waterway, known for clear water and a flat limestone shoreline. Many cottages here were built in the 1960s and 70s, on lots that would be hard to find today. Owners often decide the right move is not to tear down, but to renovate what they have.

A good renovation keeps the spot, the setback from the water and the cottage's story, while fixing what no longer works: small windows, cold floors, a cramped kitchen and a deck that has seen too many summers.

01 / KEEP THE LOT
Renovating can preserve a location that new rules might not allow again.
02 / OPEN TO THE WATER
Bigger windows and doors toward the lake.
03 / FOUR SEASONS
Insulation, heating and water lines for winter use.
04 / APPROVALS PLANNED
City permit plus any shoreline review.

02 / IN FOCUSMAJOR RENOVATIONS · BALSAM LAKE

What renovating on Balsam Lake involves

Building permits are issued by the City of Kawartha Lakes. Older cottages often sit closer to the water than a new building could, so changes to the footprint need care; work kept within the existing footprint is usually simpler. Septic systems at older cottages are often small, which matters if you add bedrooms. Anything in or near the water involves Parks Canada, because the lake is part of the Trent–Severn Waterway.

Renovated lake house kitchen with white oak cabinets, a long island and a dining area facing new windows onto Balsam Lake (illustration) – Major Renovation Contractor in Balsam Lake, ON

03 / WHAT WE BUILDMAJOR RENOVATIONS · BALSAM LAKE

Renovations we take on on Balsam Lake

Lake house renewals

New siding, roofing, windows and decks.

Kitchens and living areas

Open, bright rooms that face the lake.

Year-round conversions

Seasonal cottages made ready for winter.

Structural updates

Foundations, floors and framing made sound.

Site visit. Cottage, shoreline, septic and access reviewed.
Plan and budget. What to keep, what to change and the cost.
Approvals. City of Kawartha Lakes permit and any shoreline review.
Renovate. One team on site, with updates if you are away.

04 / IN FOCUSMAJOR RENOVATIONS · BALSAM LAKE

Renovate or rebuild on Balsam Lake?

It depends on the structure, the foundation and what the current rules would allow on your lot. A renovation can keep a footprint and a closeness to the water that a new building might not get. We look at both options with you before you decide.

05 / IN FOCUSMAJOR RENOVATIONS · BALSAM LAKE

More on the lakes

We also renovate on Cameron Lake and Sturgeon Lake, and in Fenelon Falls and across Kawartha Lakes. More about our major renovations.

Have a cottage on Balsam Lake? Tell us about your project.

CLIENT REVIEWSIN THEIR WORDS

Henley Contracting Ltd.

50 Google reviews

Write a review

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

QUESTIONSBALSAM LAKE, ON

Frequently asked questions

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

Should we renovate or rebuild our Balsam Lake cottage?

It depends on the structure, the foundation and what the current rules allow on your lot. Renovating can keep a footprint closer to the water than a new build might get. We review both with you.

Who issues renovation permits on Balsam Lake?

The City of Kawartha Lakes. Work in or near the water also involves Parks Canada, because Balsam Lake is on the Trent–Severn Waterway.

Can our cottage be used in winter after a renovation?

Often, yes. It usually means insulation, windows, heating and protected water lines, and sometimes foundation work. We check the cottage first.

NEXT STEPSTART A CONVERSATION

YOUR PROJECT

Planning a renovation on Balsam Lake?

Tell us about your home and what you want to change. We will look at the house with you and walk you through the next steps.