Channel Custom Builders

Business Details

Calgary's Trusted Home Renovation Experts

Channel Custom Builders is a family-owned and operated design/build contracting firm that has been serving Calgary families for over 25 years. Our expertise in home renovation and custom home construction ensures that every project protects our clients' investments with the same care we would apply to our own. We specialize in transforming unique client visions into reality through meticulous planning, transparent communication, and hands-on project management. Recognized as two-time Grand Sam Award winners for Renovator of the Year, we maintain membership in BILD Calgary Region and the Better Business Bureau since the early 1990s. Our commitment to quality is reinforced by $2 million liability insurance coverage and third-party warranties.

We prioritize understanding each client's lifestyle to deliver tailored solutions that align with their budget and timeline. Our team's deep knowledge of Calgary's building envelope science ensures energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing exterior renovations. With extensive experience in kitchen and bathroom renovations, home additions, and basement developments, we provide comprehensive project management from concept to completion. Our reputation for completing projects on time and within budget has earned us repeat clients and industry recognition. We take pride in fostering long-term relationships with Calgary families while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and client satisfaction.

Services

Major Renovations Kitchen Renovations Bathroom Renovations Home Additions Interior Renovations Exterior Renovations Basement Renovations Custom Homes

Highlights and features

25+ years of Calgary-specific renovation expertise
Family-owned business with hands-on project management
Better Business Bureau member since the 1990s
Award-winning quality with two Grand Sam Awards
Comprehensive $2M insurance and third-party warranties

Associations and certifications

Better Business Bureau
BILD Calgary Region
Grand Sam Award

What people say

Completed on time Highly recommend Professional Excellent project management No surprises

Website

Update Listing

Services

Major Home Renovations

Channel Custom Builders specializes in comprehensive home renovations that transform entire properties while maintaining structural integrity. Our process begins with detailed consultations to understand clients' evolving needs, followed by customized design plans that optimize space functionality. We manage all aspects from permitting to construction, ensuring seamless integration of modern systems with existing architecture. Our 25+ years of Calgary-specific experience guarantees solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with practical requirements.

Kitchen Renovations

Our kitchen renovation service combines functional design with aesthetic innovation to create spaces that serve as the home's central hub. We specialize in optimizing layouts for workflow efficiency while incorporating premium materials and energy-efficient appliances. From concept development to final installation, our team ensures minimal disruption to daily routines. The process includes detailed budget planning, material selection guidance, and expert coordination of specialized trades for plumbing and electrical work.

Home Additions

We design and construct functional home additions that seamlessly integrate with existing structures while enhancing property value. Our approach begins with assessing zoning regulations and structural compatibility before developing designs that maximize natural light and spatial flow. The service includes foundation work, framing, and exterior finishing that matches the original home's architectural style. We prioritize energy efficiency through proper insulation and window placement strategies.

Exterior Renovations

Our exterior renovation service enhances both aesthetics and energy efficiency through modern building envelope technologies. We replace outdated materials with durable, low-maintenance solutions like engineered wood trims and triple-glazed windows that reduce energy costs. The process includes roof upgrades, siding replacement, and decorative elements such as stone accents and composite decking. Our expertise ensures weatherproofing that withstands Calgary's climate while dramatically improving visual appeal.

Custom Homes

We guide clients through the complete custom home building process from lot selection to final walkthrough. Our service includes creating personalized architectural designs that reflect lifestyle needs, followed by detailed budget planning and permitting assistance. The construction phase features regular progress updates and quality control checks at every stage. We incorporate smart home technologies and energy-efficient systems while maintaining strict adherence to timelines and budget parameters.

People

Martin Kathrens

Owner

With over 25 years in Calgary's renovation industry, Martin Kathrens leads Channel Custom Builders with a focus on quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction. His expertise in navigating Calgary's building regulations ensures smooth project execution. Martin's design sensibility combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, earning industry recognition including two Grand Sam Awards. He maintains direct involvement in major projects to guarantee adherence to quality standards.

Spencer Kathrens

Project Manager

Spencer Kathrens brings structured project management to Channel Custom Builders, developing detailed scheduling calendars that enhance client transparency. His approach combines technical knowledge with clear communication, ensuring clients understand every project phase. With experience in both residential and commercial renovations, Spencer effectively coordinates trades while maintaining budget discipline. His client-focused methodology has earned multiple testimonials for exceptional service delivery.

Questions

What areas does Channel Custom Builders serve?

We primarily serve Calgary and surrounding communities including Lake Bonavista, Scenic Acres, Riverbend, and Okotoks.

How long has Channel Custom Builders been in business?

We've been serving Calgary families since the early 1990s with over 25 years of continuous operation.

What types of renovations do you specialize in?

Our expertise covers major home renovations, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, home additions, and complete custom home builds.

Do you offer design/build services?

Yes, we provide comprehensive design/build solutions that streamline the renovation process from concept to completion.

Are you licensed and insured?

We carry $2 million liability insurance and are licensed by the City of Calgary and Province of Alberta.

Can you handle projects with tight timelines?

Our detailed scheduling and experienced team consistently deliver projects on time, as confirmed by multiple client testimonials.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Ashley Elliot

Nov 17, 2018 Report

Channel Custom Builders exceeded our expectations on our carport conversion project. We entrusted them to manage the major project of converting our carport into a new entryway and bedroom. All details of the project were thought of and timelined prior to the project even commencing. We were impressed with Martin and Spencers attention to detail, noticing items that needed repair that we wouldnt have even noted. We also appreciated that the site was inspected daily and kept as neat as possible. The trades they brought in were highly skilled and courteous. The management of this project by

Ian Lunt

Oct 31, 2018 Report

This is the second time that weve the pleasure to work with Channel Builders. Martin and his team are fantastic. The projects we have done, including the most recent indoor gas fireplace project, was managed with a professional prebuild plan, budget, and timeline that you would only expect on larger full renovation or new build. All little details and costs were covered with no surprises. In both projects we changed scope and it was clearly laid out how the decision would impact cost and schedule and we both agreed to the change order. The job site was maintained tidy throughout the project

Mallory Avdeeff

Dec 21, 2016 Report

We have just recently finished a guest bathroom renovation with Spencer and Channel Custom Builders and not only did he make our dream bathroom become a reality, but it was also completed within the exact timeline we were provided with and on budget! This is all any home owner could ask for when hiring a contractor. This is not our first renovation with Channel Custom Builders either! We knew exactly what type of high quality, timely and positive experience we would have with Spencer because we had employed his father, Martin, to be our contractor for our entire main floor and other areas of our

Susan & Brent Storey

Dec 20, 2016 Report

Channel Custom Builders just completed a full renovation of our en-suite bathroom and a partial, but still significant, renovation of our main bathroom. After 25 years new life as well as a beautiful new look now exists in both. We could not be more pleased with the end result of the professional work carried out in both rooms. The project was extremely well managed by Channel Custom Builders (owned and managed by Martin Kathrens) from start to finish and the construction schedule was adhered to without any delays. The degree of detailed inspection during the entire duration of each and every stage

Vidya Venkat

Jul 24, 2016 Report

We did our very first renovation a few years ago and I was constantly told as I was going through the process of choosing a general contractor that there will always be significant delays in the timelines proposed and the budget would always over exceed. I was pleasantly surprised when Martin and Co not only completed the renovation in a timely fashion, as well as within budget. Throughout the process, Martin was very helpful with his experienced advice on not only the technical aspects of the renovation, but also the aesthetic aspects. Even today, as I hear my friends talk about their renovation

Rob Stevens

Dec 09, 2015 Report

I have known Channel Custom Builders, and more importantly Martin Kathrens, for over 10 years. During that time Martin has presented himself as a master contractor. He has the experience and knowledge to ensure the overall success of any project. His relationships with his clients though is what sets him apart. He is easy going and really cares about the needs and wants of his clients. I have recommend Channel any time I am asked for a contractor reference.
Rob Stevens
Smart Site Inc.