From waterfront escapes to historic community builds. Franklinbuilt brings expert additions and luxury renovations to every corner of Fort Erie. Let’s grow your home.
The Fort Erie General Contractor Homeowners Can Trust!
Fort Erie is one of Niagara’s most unique communities — a border town with a rich history, stunning Lake Erie waterfront, and a diverse mix of residential neighbourhoods. FranklinBuilt has been serving Fort Erie homeowners with trusted construction and renovation services, delivering results that celebrate the area’s character while embracing modern standards of design and function. Our deep local knowledge means every project reflects a genuine understanding of Fort Erie’s unique homes, its waterfront neighbourhoods, and the people who call this community home.
10+
Years in Fort Erie
200+
Projects Completed
100%
Licensed & Insured
Google Rating
Free General Contractor Consultation
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Our General Contractor Services Available in Fort Erie
Every service is fully managed from initial design through to final inspection.
Home Renovations
Fort Erie homes range from century-old properties near the Niagara River to mid-century bungalows and seasonal cottages converted to year-round living. Our full home renovations are built around the specific construction and character of your Fort Erie property — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Basement Remodelling
In Fort Erie’s older neighbourhoods, basements often have low ceilings, original plumbing rough-ins, and concrete block walls that require specialized knowledge to finish properly. We assess every basement individually and develop a plan that maximizes usable space while meeting all current building codes.
Bathroom Renovations
Fort Erie’s mix of heritage homes, lakefront properties, and newer builds means bathroom renovations come in every size and complexity. From updating a dated main bath to adding an ensuite in a converted cottage, we bring the expertise to handle whatever your property requires — on time and on budget.
Garage Remodelling
Fort Erie properties — especially near Crystal Beach and the waterfront — often have detached garages or outbuildings that can be transformed into year-round usable space. We design and build garage conversions that are properly insulated, heated, and finished, turning overlooked structures into real assets.
ADU Backyard Structures
Fort Erie’s proximity to the border and its growing short-term rental market make ADU backyard suites an increasingly smart investment. We design and build fully permitted accessory dwelling units that comply with Town of Fort Erie zoning requirements — and are built to generate returns from day one.
Kitchen Renovations
Whether you’re updating a seasonal cottage kitchen to year-round standards or fully redesigning the heart of a century home, we bring the same craftsmanship to every Fort Erie kitchen project. Layouts that work harder, materials that last longer, and finishes that elevate the whole home.
What Fort Erie Clients Say
We have a century-old home near the Niagara River and needed a contractor who understood what they were working with. FranklinBuilt did — they respected the original structure, updated everything behind the walls, and gave us a bathroom that looks brand new without losing the home’s soul.
Tony B.
Fort Erie, ON
We renovated our Crystal Beach cottage into a year-round home. FranklinBuilt handled the insulation upgrades, heating system, new kitchen, and two bathrooms all in one project. It came in on schedule and the quality speaks for itself every single day.
Michelle K.
Crystal Beach, ON
The garage conversion FranklinBuilt did for us is now the best room in the house. It is a heated studio space with great natural light. The whole project took about six weeks and they left the site cleaner than they found it.
Paul & Joanne S.
Fort Eri, ON
Why Fort Erie Homeowners Choose Us
Experience with Fort Erie's Unique Property Mix
Fort Erie is unlike anywhere else in Niagara — century homes downtown, seasonal cottages in Crystal Beach, mid-century bungalows throughout Ridgeway, and newer builds on the outskirts. We’ve worked across all of them and understand what each type of property requires.
Cottage-to-Year-Round Conversion Specialists
More Fort Erie families are converting their Crystal Beach and lakeshore seasonal properties into full-time homes. We specialize in this transition — upgrading insulation, heating systems, windows, and plumbing to year-round standards while preserving the cottage character you love.
Town of Fort Erie Permit Management
We handle all permit applications with the Town of Fort Erie Building Division, including waterfront-specific setback requirements, ADU approvals, and heritage property considerations. One less thing on your plate.
No Hidden Costs — Ever
Fort Erie renovation projects can surface unexpected conditions, especially in older properties. We assess thoroughly upfront and price honestly — so your written quote reflects reality, not a low-ball number designed to win the job.
Single Point of Contact
You’ll work with one dedicated project manager who knows your property, coordinates every trade, and keeps your project moving — from the first site visit through to your final walkthrough.
10-Year Workmanship Warranty
Every project we complete in Fort Erie is backed by our industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty. We’re proud of what we build, and we stand behind it.
FAQ
At FranklinBuilt, we believe a home is a legacy. Whether you’re renovating a lakeside property, modernizing a family home, or finishing a basement for added living space, our team brings deep local expertise to every project. We understand Fort Erie’s diverse neighbourhoods, waterfront homes, and the Town of Fort Erie’s building and permit requirements.
We’ve compiled these FAQs to help Fort Erie homeowners navigate their renovation journey with confidence.
How much does a home renovation cost in Fort Erie, Ontario?
Renovation costs in Fort Erie vary widely depending on the property type. Seasonal cottage conversions, heritage home renovations, and newer build upgrades all carry different cost profiles. Kitchen and bathroom renovations typically run $25,000–$75,000, while full renovations or cottage-to-year-round conversions can range from $80,000 to $250,000+. We provide thorough on-site assessments and written quotes before any commitment.
Do I need a building permit for a renovation in Fort Erie?
Yes — the Town of Fort Erie requires permits for structural renovations, additions, basement finishing, and ADU construction. Properties near the waterfront may also be subject to setback and conservation authority requirements. FranklinBuilt manages the full permit process with the Town of Fort Erie Building Division, including any required Conservation Niagara approvals.
Can you convert a Crystal Beach cottage into a year-round home?
Absolutely — it's one of our most common projects in the Fort Erie area. Cottage-to-year-round conversions typically involve upgrading insulation throughout, replacing heating systems with year-round equipment, updating plumbing to prevent freezing, improving windows and doors, and often reconfiguring layouts for full-time living. We handle the entire process under one contract.
How do you approach older and heritage homes in downtown Fort Erie?
Fort Erie's older downtown properties and heritage-listed homes require a careful approach. We begin with a comprehensive structural and systems assessment to understand the original construction — including foundations, wiring, and plumbing — before designing the renovation scope. Our experience with older construction means fewer surprises and better outcomes.
How long does a home renovation take in Fort Erie?
Timelines vary significantly by project type. A bathroom update takes 2–4 weeks. A kitchen renovation runs 4–8 weeks. A cottage conversion to year-round use typically takes 2–5 months depending on the scope of work. We build Town of Fort Erie permit approval timelines into your project schedule from day one.
Is Fort Erie a good area to build a backyard ADU for short-term rental?
Fort Erie — particularly the Crystal Beach and Ridgeway areas — has an active short-term rental market that makes ADU investment attractive. Permitted accessory dwelling units add legal square footage and long-term property value. We assess your lot's eligibility, manage all Town of Fort Erie permit approvals, and build the structure to a standard that holds up to rental use.