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Northern Oaks
Aerial view of Lake of Bays Muskoka with rugged pine shoreline

General Contractor in
Lake of Bays.

Quieter, deeper, and one of Muskoka's most beautiful lakes.

  • 5.0 · 19 Google reviews
  • Licensed · Insured · WSIB
  • Replies in 4-8 hours
$5M liability + WSIB
3 years building in Muskoka
Huntsville to Parry Sound
Lake of Bays

Local builds, local knowledge.

Lake of Bays is the quieter sister to the Big Three: deeper water, more rugged shoreline, and a community that values restraint in cottage design. We work this lake every season.

Lakes we work
Lake of BaysPeninsula Lake
Services in Lake of Bays

What we build here.

Every service we run in Muskoka, scoped for Lake of Bays. Click through for full details, pricing signals, and past work.

Custom Muskoka lakefront cottage build with timber and fieldstone at golden hour
Lake of Bays

Custom Cottage Builds

Ground-up lakefront homes built for Muskoka winters and four-season living.

Explore Custom Cottage Builds
Renovated Muskoka cottage interior with fieldstone fireplace and lake view
Lake of Bays

Cottage Renovations

Full gut renos, additions, and tasteful modernizations of legacy cottages.

Explore Cottage Renovations
Muskoka mason setting fieldstone and granite veneer by hand
Lake of Bays

Masonry & Stonework

Self-performed fieldstone, granite, and natural-veneer masonry.

Explore Masonry & Stonework
Floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace in a Muskoka cottage great room
Lake of Bays

Fireplaces

Floor-to-ceiling fieldstone hearths designed as the room's centerpiece.

Explore Fireplaces
Custom Muskoka cottage kitchen with quartz island and lake view
Lake of Bays

Kitchen Renovations

Lake-view kitchens with stone counters and millwork built for entertaining.

Explore Kitchen Renovations
Spa-style ensuite bathroom renovation in a Muskoka cottage
Lake of Bays

Bathroom Renovations

Spa-style ensuites with tile, stone, and natural light.

Explore Bathroom Renovations
Multi-level cedar deck with glass railing on a Muskoka lakefront
Lake of Bays

Decks & Outdoor Living

Composite and cedar decks engineered for shoreline grade and exposure.

Explore Decks & Outdoor Living
Cedar pergola over fieldstone patio at a Muskoka cottage at dusk
Lake of Bays

Pergolas & Covered Decks

Cedar shade structures over fieldstone patios, built to weather decades.

Explore Pergolas & Covered Decks
Armour stone retaining wall terracing a Muskoka lakefront lot
Lake of Bays

Retaining Walls

Armour stone terraces that hold a shoreline and look like they were always there.

Explore Retaining Walls
Two-storey cedar boathouse with copper roof on a Muskoka lake
Lake of Bays

Boathouses & Docks

Two-storey boathouses and crib docks permitted to MNRF standards.

Explore Boathouses & Docks
Natural stone interlock driveway winding through pines at a Muskoka cottage entrance
Lake of Bays

Landscape Construction

Interlock driveways, natural stone walkways, grading, drainage, and lighting.

Explore Landscape Construction
Natural flagstone patio with stone fire pit and Muskoka chairs overlooking a lake at sunset
Lake of Bays

Patios & Interlock

Fieldstone, flagstone, and Techo-Bloc patios built on engineered base.

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Northern Oaks handyman repairing a cottage door frame on a Muskoka porch at golden hour
Lake of Bays

Repairs & Handyman Service

Cottage-side fixes done right, with the same crew that builds for our larger clients.

Explore Repairs & Handyman Service
Who we are

Based in Muskoka. Building in Muskoka.

Northern Oaks is a Muskoka-based general contractor and masonry firm. Live crew, one project manager, one contract, weekly photo updates.

More about us
3yr
In Muskoka
12+
Services
$5M
Insured
Our process

How a Lake of Bays project runs.

A clear six-step path so you always know what comes next, no surprises, no scope creep.

01

Inquire

Send us the project details through the form, email, or a phone call.

02

Connect

We reach out to learn more about your goals, timeline, and budget range.

03

Site walk

We meet you on site, walk the property together, and take measurements.

04

Fixed quote

You receive an in-depth, fixed-price proposal covering the complete project.

05

Approval & deposit

Confirm final changes, sign off, and pay the deposit to get booked in.

06

Build day

When your scheduled start date arrives, our crew shows up and the work begins.

What clients say

Real reviews from Lake of Bays projects .

5.0 · 19+ Google reviews
via Google
"We had an excellent experience with Northern Oaks Contracting. Rob was always friendly, professional and very knowledgeable in many different areas. Not only did he do a great job with our renovation but he noticed and helped us out in some other areas too."
Tiffany Wilson2 months ago
via Google
"I hired Northern Oaks for a driveway extension as part of my home renovation so I could park two additional cars, and I'm really impressed with the results. The quality of the work and craftsmanship really stand out. It's been over 6 months and it's held up perfectly."
Semir N.4 months ago
via Google
"The Northern Oaks Contracting crew has been amazing to work with from start to finish. Their ability to keep both customers and trades well-coordinated has made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a reliable and professional team!"
Curtis Henhawke4 months ago
via Google
"Robert installed a kitchen backsplash for us. Communication was great and he showed up to do the work when he said he would. The price was very reasonable and quality of work excellent. Would definitely recommend them."
Iris (Nodomu)3 months ago
via Google
"We hired Rob to complete a chimney rebuild and do some work on an exterior and interior wall. The work was completed within the agreed upon time frame and when we had an issue with the fireplace after the chimney rebuild Rob was speedy to come back and sort it out."
Bryan Osowiec8 months ago
via Google
"My property manager recommended Rob. I obtained multiple quotes, and his company stood out as the most professional and offered the best price. I highly recommend them, excellent customer service and I'm very satisfied with their work."
Matt Keyvani2 years ago
2025 Quality Business Award winner
Recognised 2025

Trusted across Lake of Bays.

Named #1 by the Quality Business Awards for craftsmanship, transparency, and on-time delivery across Muskoka.

FAQ

Lake of Bays questions.

Do you serve the whole Lake of Bays township?+

Yes, from Baysville and Dwight through Dorset and the surrounding lakes. It is a large geography and we plan crew travel and material staging around it.

Who issues permits around Lake of Bays?+

The Township of Lake of Bays building department, with additional approvals for shoreline and septic work. We prepare and submit the application and manage the inspection sequence.

Can you renovate a cottage that is only used in the summer?+

Yes, and the off-season is often the best time to do it. Working October through May means the project is finished before your season starts and the site is not competing with family use.

Do you build additions on older lakefront cottages?+

Regularly. Additions here usually involve matching an existing roofline, upgrading the foundation, and bringing older sections up to current insulation and structural standards at the same time.

How do you handle long driveways and remote sites?+

We assess access before quoting: truck turnaround, grade, culverts, and where materials can be safely staged. That assessment is part of the estimate rather than an extra charge discovered mid-build.

Do you offer a workmanship warranty?+

Yes, a five-year workmanship warranty on our own work, on top of the manufacturer warranties on materials and equipment.

Lake of Bays

Building in Lake of Bays. Let's talk.

Walk the site with us. We follow up with a fixed-price proposal, usually within two weeks.

12+
Areas
10
Services
$5M
Insured
Start your project

Tell us about your cottage.

Replies in 4 to 8 hours. Or call (705) 571-2690

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