Interview with Ed Leimgardt of Ed Leimgardt Contracting: Building Homes Rooted in Tradition and Innovation

We had the chance to sit down with Ed Leimgardt, founder of Ed Leimgardt Contracting, to discuss his family’s history in construction, the inspiration behind one of his latest build, and what makes his properties stand out in the real estate market. With over 30 years of experience building custom homes in Creemore, Clearview, Collingwood, and beyond, Ed shares his insights and the story behind his company’s latest projects.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your family company.

Ed: The company really started with a family passion for carpentry and construction. I grew up working with my father and brother, learning the trade and developing a deep love for building. After working with them for many years, I realized I wanted to carry on the tradition in my own way, so I branched out and started Ed Leimgardt Contracting in 1991. Over the past 30 years, we’ve built high-end custom homes for clients throughout the area. What makes us unique is our attention to detail, and the fact that we live in the same community we build in. That drives us to create homes with the latest building technologies and features we’d want in our own homes. Now, we’re excited to start offering some of these portfolio homes for sale.

Q: Why did you decide to purchase this particular land and build on this plot?

Ed: Creemore and the surrounding areas have so much to offer. This property is one of three beautiful lots on the outskirts of town, and they all have spectacular views of the Creemore hills. The location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts—being steps away from Carruthers Memorial Park, the river, and nearby hiking trails. At the same time, you’re still close to town, so it’s the perfect blend of nature and convenience. When I saw the land, I knew we could create something really special here.

Q: What was the inspiration for this particular woodland build?

Ed: We were really inspired by the property’s natural surroundings. It’s bordered by mature trees, which not only give the home great privacy but also create this serene, woodsy atmosphere. We designed the home to embrace those natural elements, blending seamlessly with the environment. It was important to us that the house was positioned in a way that framed the best views, so every window invites the outdoors in. The wooded walking trails nearby were also a big inspiration—they really add to the peacefulness of the space.

Q: This property has so many upgrades and features. What are the two that stand out the most to make this a unique property?

Ed: There are quite a few, but two features that really stand out are the heated floors throughout the entire house and garage, and the custom millwork. The heated floors make the home incredibly cozy during the colder months, especially in the garage, which is rare. The custom millwork gives the home an elevated, high-end feel and adds a lot of extra storage. I should also mention the high-efficiency HVAC system, which runs entirely on electricity thanks to the heat pump and floor heating. It’s a great way to reduce operating costs and eliminate the need for fossil fuels—an important feature for the future.

Q: The garage is such a versatile space. What are some of the possibilities for how it can be used?

Ed: The options for the garage are truly endless. It’s such a large space that you can really personalize it to suit your lifestyle. Personally, I’d imagine a home gym in one part, with glass doors that open to the view—you can work out while feeling connected to the outdoors. Another option is turning part of it into a rec room, complete with a big screen TV and a bar area—perfect for watching Sunday games. The front half of the garage could easily serve as a mudroom to store outdoor gear. With the heated floors, it’s a great way to quickly melt snow and keep everything warm and dry. There’s a lot of potential to make this space whatever you need it to be.

With a deep-rooted passion for craftsmanship, Ed Leimgardt Contracting continues to deliver homes that blend modern convenience with the beauty of the natural landscape. Their attention to detail, innovative building practices, and strong connection to the community make each project truly unique. Keep an eye out for their latest portfolio homes, where nature meets luxury.