Renovation contractor in the Almaguin Highlands.
Garland Contracting renovates year-round homes, rentals and village buildings in the Almaguin Highlands, from Burk's Falls and Sundridge to Magnetawan and South River. Most of these jobs sit within 55 km of our base.
Renovating a house you live in
A renovation in an occupied house needs planning. Dust, noise and open walls affect daily life. We work in stages, close each opening when we can and keep the site tidy. Tell us which rooms you need to use and when, and we plan the order of work around that.
The photos show drywall around a door and framing with insulation. Both stages mark steps in a renovation. Drywall seams need time to dry between coats, and framing and insulation need inspection before they get covered.
Warm walls for cold winters
Almaguin winters make insulation a priority. A renovation that opens a wall gives you a chance to improve it. We insulate walls, floors and ceilings during a renovation, and we close and finish them with drywall. Tell us where the house feels cold or where you see frost on the inside of windows, and we look at those spots first.
Floors, trim and the finish
- Subfloor repair and levelling
- Hardwood and laminate flooring
- Baseboard, casing and door trim
- Interior doors and stairs
- Built-in shelves and cabinets
- Punch-list work to finish the job
Finish carpentry shows in every room. A tight miter and a clean line make a renovation look finished. We take the time to measure and fit each piece.
Rentals and village buildings
Owners of rentals and multi-unit properties need renovations that finish on schedule. Send us the scope, the dates and the access limits. We price the job, plan the order of work and tell you how long each unit stays out of service. We carry $2 million in liability insurance and provide a certificate on request. For larger projects, Dylan walks the site and sets the price.
A short checklist for a renovation quote
- Photos of each room from two corners
- Photos of any stains, cracks or sloping floors
- A list of what you want to change
- Your timeline
- Notes on access and parking
Send those to (705) 238-8634. Dylan reviews them and tells you what he sees.
Beams, walls and what lies behind them
An Almaguin house often has a history of changes: an addition from the seventies, a wall moved in the nineties. When we open a wall, we find the framing as it stands. We repair or reinforce what needs it, then plan the new work on solid ground. Send photos of any sloping floors, cracks or sticking doors so we know where to look.
Drywall, from hanging to paint-ready
Good drywall work takes several steps. We hang the sheets, tape the seams, apply joint compound in coats and sand between them. Each coat needs time to dry. A rushed job shows ridges and cracks under paint. We plan the schedule so each coat dries, and we protect floors and furniture from dust. When you send photos of a room, include the ceilings, since ceilings and stairwells need the most care.
Flooring and the subfloor beneath it
A floor is only as good as what sits under it. Before we lay hardwood or laminate, we check the subfloor for movement, damage and level. We repair or replace it where needed. Hardwood moves with humidity, so we let the boards adjust to the room before installation. Laminate needs a flat surface to avoid gaps. Send photos of any soft spots or squeaks.
Stairs, railings and open ceilings
Older Almaguin houses often have steep stairs and low ceilings. A renovation can open a stairwell, move a railing or lift a ceiling, and each change calls for framing and a plan. Stairs need steps of consistent height and a handrail where required. We build and fit them as part of finish carpentry, and we frame openings to carry the load.
Phasing to fit a budget
A large renovation can run in phases. A first phase might repair framing and add insulation. A second might hang drywall and lay flooring. A third might fit trim and doors. Each phase leaves the building safe and finished enough to use. Send the full list and we price it whole and in phases.
Communities we reach near Almaguin Highlands
The Almaguin Highlands start at our door. Road distances from Sprucedale:
| Community | Road km from Sprucedale |
|---|---|
| Emsdale | 15 km |
| Katrine | 17 km |
| Burk's Falls | 24 km |
| Kearney | 24 km |
| Novar | 25 km |
| Sundridge | 42 km |
| Magnetawan | 48 km |
| South River | 53 km |
Distances and permits
Emsdale sits 15 km from Sprucedale by road, Katrine 17 km, Burk's Falls and Kearney 24 km, Novar 25 km, Sundridge 42 km, Magnetawan 48 km and South River 53 km. Each municipality sets its own permit rules, and structural changes draw more attention than finish work. We check what applies when we quote. The main renovations page lists the full scope of work, and rot repair in the Almaguin Highlands covers framing damage.
Questions about renovations in Almaguin Highlands
Can you renovate while we live in the house?
Yes. We work in stages, close openings where we can and plan around the rooms you need.
Can you add insulation during a renovation?
Yes. We insulate walls, floors and ceilings when a renovation opens them.
Do you renovate rentals?
Yes. We take contracts from owners and property managers of rental and multi-unit properties.
How far do you travel in the Almaguin Highlands?
Up to 100 km by road from Sprucedale.
Keep reading
Renovations in other areas
- Renovations: all service areas
- Renovations in Muskoka
- Renovations in Sprucedale
- Renovations in Huntsville
- Renovations in Parry Sound
More work in Almaguin Highlands
- Siding in Almaguin Highlands
- Rot repair in Almaguin Highlands
- Roofing in Almaguin Highlands
- Decks in Almaguin Highlands
Request a free quote or call (705) 238-8634. Page updated October 27, 2026.