Eden Build Named Finalist at the 2026 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence
This spring, Eden Build travelled to Quebec City to attend the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) National Awards for Housing Excellence Gala as a national finalist in the category Best Whole Home Renovation ($500,000–$800,000) for our Fenwick Home Renovation project.
Being recognized alongside some of the top home renovation companies and general contractors across Canada was an incredible honour for our team and an important milestone for Eden Build as a Niagara renovation company. The Fenwick project was selected as one of only a handful of finalists in the country, representing the craftsmanship, problem-solving, and dedication that went into transforming this historic home.
A National Recognition for a Niagara Home Renovation
The CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence celebrate some of the best builders, renovators, and designers across Canada. To have a Niagara home renovation recognized on a national stage was something we are extremely proud of.
Our Fenwick renovation, titled The Home That Bridged Two Centuries, focused on preserving the character of a late-1800s rural home while completely reimagining it for modern living.
We partnered with Sprague Interiors on this large scale renovation. The project involved extensive structural, mechanical, and layout changes, including:
- Reconfiguring the kitchen around a new central island
- Removing a load-bearing wall
- Upgrading outdated plumbing and electrical systems
- Introducing a new forced-air HVAC system
- Improving insulation and energy efficiency
- Preserving original architectural details throughout the home
The renovation balanced modern comfort with timeless craftsmanship, something that became a central theme throughout our award submission.
Exploring Quebec City
While attending the gala was the highlight of the trip, spending time in Quebec City was equally inspiring.
Walking through Old Quebec, we were surrounded by centuries-old architecture, detailed stonework, traditional craftsmanship, and buildings that have stood the test of time. As a Niagara general contractor focused on quality home renovations, seeing that level of preservation and enduring craftsmanship reinforced many of the values we bring into our own projects.
There is something incredibly motivating about seeing historic spaces continue to function beautifully hundreds of years after they were originally built. It served as a reminder that great construction is not just about appearance, it is about longevity, attention to detail, and building spaces that continue to serve families for generations.
That philosophy closely reflects the vision behind the Fenwick renovation itself: renewing an older home without losing the character and story that made it special in the first place.
The Fenwick Renovation
The Fenwick renovation was one of the most technically challenging and rewarding projects our team has completed.
Once demolition began, the home revealed decades of irregular framing, uninsulated cavities, aging systems, and structural settlement that all needed to be addressed carefully before the finished spaces could come together.
Despite those challenges, the finished result transformed the home into a warm, functional, and highly personalized living space while maintaining its historic identity.
Some of our favourite features include:
- The redesigned heritage-inspired kitchen
- Refinished original doors and trim details
- Custom cabinetry and millwork
- The reimagined bathrooms and laundry spaces
- Improved natural lighting throughout the home
- The restored stairwell and architectural details
Projects like this require a huge team effort, and we are incredibly grateful to every trade partner, designer, supplier, and team member who helped bring this renovation to life.
Most importantly, we want to thank our clients for trusting Eden Build with their home and vision.
Looking Ahead
Although we did not take home the award this year, being named a CHBA national finalist is an achievement we are extremely proud of. It reflects the level of care, craftsmanship, and professionalism our team strives to bring to every renovation project throughout Niagara.
Experiences like this continue to motivate us to push our standards even higher as a home renovation company and general contractor serving Niagara Region.
If you are planning a whole home renovation, kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, or home addition in Niagara, our team would love to help bring your vision to life.
