Our Mission

Our Mission
As a custom home builder and local construction company, we create top quality homes using natural, local, and time tested building materials that outperform modern composites in durability, safety, and environmental responsibility. We specialize in building energy-efficient homes designed to last for generations.

Our mission is to support local economies; from mills and farms to loggers and trades men so rural communities can thrive and landscapes remain working. We are committed to sustainable building practices that reduce reliance on plastic, synthetic, and petroleum-based products, investing in people and communities rather than corporations.

By choosing real wood, natural insulation, and other sustainable building materials, we deliver healthier, more beautiful living spaces. Our goal is simple: to build custom homes that sustain local industry, protect the environment, and offer a quality of life you’ll be proud to own. We’re proud to be a trusted home builder dedicated to craftsmanship, sustainability, and lasting value.

Colton Dow - Owner, Operator

Building has always been part of my life. I grew up working alongside my dad, a builder who had me on job sites before I was old enough to drive. From the start, I loved working with my hands, solving problems, creating things that last, and being part of a process you can stand back and feel proud of.

Along the way, I also fell in love with farming. In my teens, I worked on local farms, later studied Dairy Farm Management at UNH, and went on to design and manage farm operations after college. That experience taught me more than just hard work, it gave me an appreciation for strong systems, working with nature, and doing things right the first time.

That’s when I got into timber framing, raising barns, working with big beams and native wood, and building structures meant to last for generations. Those early days still shape the way I build today.

Eventually, I came back home to work with my dad again, and that’s when everything clicked. I realized I could combine the things I care most about: craftsmanship, sustainability, and supporting local farms, mills, forestry and economies. That’s what Dow Construction is all about, building beautiful, lasting homes using natural materials that are good for people, good for the planet, and good for the local economy.

I’ve been influenced by time spent in Hawai‘i and by the values embodied in Hawaiian culture. Two words have stayed with me: pono and aloha.

  • Pono means doing what is right, living with integrity, balance, and respect for others and the environment.

  • Aloha is more than just a greeting, it’s a way of life rooted in love, compassion, connection, and care.

I try to live and build with pono and aloha in everything I do, from the way I treat clients and crew, to the choices we make in materials, to the homes we craft with care and purpose. To me, that’s the foundation of a well-built life and a well-built home.

These days, my wife and I live here in the valley with our three dogs. When we’re not on a job site, you’ll find us hiking, floating the river, or mountain biking, always looking for ways to build a good life, just like the homes we create.

My Role as Owner-Operator

As the owner-operator of Dow Construction, my role is to stay true to our mission: building quality homes with care, consistency, and integrity. I’m here to energize and support our crew, manage our jobs, and make sure every client feels heard and taken care of.

That means overseeing timelines, coordinating supplies, setting clear expectations, and keeping communication strong between the team and our clients. I’m hands-on in the field and behind the scenes, lkeeping projects on track, upholding our standards, and making sure the work reflects who we are.

I work on improving our systems so we can create a smoother experience for both our clients and our crew—helping us deliver consistent results, reduce stress, and keep quality at the center of everything we do.

Meet the Team

  • Hannah Palmer- Office Manager

    Hey, I’m Hannah. I moved to the Mount Washington Valley in eighth grade. I’m originally a southern New Hampshire girl, but after years of living in the beautiful MWV, I’m excited to be planting my roots here.

    I’m the Office Manager at Dow Construction LLC and will often be the first point of contact for our clients. I enjoy being the person who helps keep communication clear and the process organized from the very beginning.

    I grew up around construction, with my father working in carpentry, and I was often the cutman on his jobs. That experience gave me an early understanding of the trade and allows me to bring a more well rounded perspective when speaking with clients today.

    I take pride in being approachable, detail oriented, and supportive throughout the building process, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that values quality work and strong relationships.

    When I’m off the clock, you can usually find me hiking up a mountain with my pup, Koda

  • Peter Dow - Project Manager

    I’ve been building for over 45 years, working in nearly every part of the trade, from framing and finish work to full home construction. Over that time, I’ve learned that good building comes down to doing things the right way, with care, consistency, and respect for the process. I take real pride in the work I do and the homes we create.

    Today, I serve as the project manager, bringing a deep understanding of how projects flow from start to finish. While I still enjoy being on site when I can, my primary role is guiding the build, consulting on the more complex details, coordinating people and timelines, and sharing decades of hard-earned experience with the team. My focus is on keeping projects moving smoothly and delivering lasting, high-quality homes that everyone involved can be proud of.

  • Tim Warren- Senior Craftsman

    Tim Warren- Senior Craftsman

    With nearly four decades in the building trades, our foreman brings a depth of experience that can’t be taught only earned. He started in construction at 16 and has spent his career building everything from major commercial projects in the valley to some of the area’s most sought-after homes. A true framing master, he understands how buildings go together from the ground up and sees problems before they become issues.

    In his role with our team, he leads with experience and judgment guiding projects, setting the pace, and mentoring younger crew members. He thrives on complex builds, knows how to prioritize a job from start to finish, and keeps projects moving in the right direction with precision and purpose.

  • Garrett Gagne- Lead Carpenter

    Hi there, everyone! My name’s Garrett, and I was born here in the shadow of the great Mt. Washington. This beautiful valley is where I grew up, creating lasting memories with friends and family—snowboarding in the winter and enjoying everything the summer here has to offer.

    At a young age, I stumbled upon a set of my father’s old tools and a box of nails in our basement, along with an assortment of lumber in the backyard. I spent countless hours building structures from these materials, bending each nail straight again for my next project. That’s where my passion for crafting was born.

    Although I taught myself some basic techniques growing up, it wasn’t until after high school in 2011 that I had the opportunity to join a carpentry crew. There, I learned from some of the best carpenters in town, building custom homes and working on amazing remodeling projects. Whether it's a small job like hanging a shelf for your grandma or a larger project such as building a beautiful home from frame to finish, my drive and passion to make our customers’ dreams come true only grows with each passing year.

    I hope that you and your family can create lasting memories in the valley, just as I have.

  • Kyler Hall- Lead Carpenter

    My name is Kyler, and I got my start in construction after high school in Massachusetts where I remodeled homes in the Central Mass/Greater Boston area.

    At 20, I left and joined the Marine Corps where I spent 4 years in the infantry. After leaving the military I returned to carpentry, building custom homes in the mountains of Montana and, more recently, here in the Mount Washington Valley. I like to work hard and do things right the first time, and have found that same mentality here at Dow Construction. I look forward to building your dream!

  • Andrew Warren- Frame to finish Carpenter

    Andrew Warren is a skilled young carpenter who brings energy, focus, and pride to his work. At 25, he has developed strong hands-on experience by working closely with his father, learning the trade the right waythrough discipline, repetition, and attention to detail.

    Andrew is reliable, motivated, and takes craftsmanship seriously. He shows up ready to work, continues to sharpen his skills every day, and contributes positively to the crew. His commitment to learning and quality carpentry makes him a valuable part of our team and a strong part of our future.

  • Asher Hardy-Frame to finish Carpenter

    Hey, my name is Asher Hardy, and I’m from the Mount Washington Valley. I’m probably a lot like many of you reading this message. I started carpentry in my senior year of high school, and now, at 21, I’ve been in the trade for 4 years. I don’t believe in cutting corners—quality is extremely important to me. I take pride in doing things the right way the first time, staying true to my craft, and keeping my work authentic.

    My goal in my carpentry career is to become a trusted, reliable tradesman—someone you can call to get the job done right and know it will be handled with care and precision. There’s still so much I can learn in this field, and that’s what keeps me motivated. I’m always striving to improve my skills and grow wherever I can.

    In my free time, I love to ski and spend time outdoors. We’re fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, and it’s great to be involved in it.

    I’m extremely grateful to work for Dow Construction and honored to be part of a team that’s committed to doing good work for anyone who makes the right choice in choosing Dow Construction.

  • Arsen Shalian- Electric

    Green Mountain Electric
    Green Mountain Electric is a small, locally owned company based in the Lakes Region. Owner Arsen Shalian takes pride in treating every customer with respect, fairness, and a positive attitude. From start to finish, Arsen approaches each project with a smile and a commitment to doing things right. When you work with Green Mountain Electric, you’re getting more than just quality electrical work—you’re getting a partner who truly cares.

  • Matt Cassidy- Plumbing and HVAC

    Matt Cassidy of Cassidy Plumbing & Heating and our team go back to our time together in the high school trades program. Since then, Matt has built a strong reputation through hard work, skill, and consistency. For the past six years, he has been our go-to plumber and a key part of our projects.

    Matt’s work is impeccable, his layouts are thoughtful, and his execution is precise. Just as importantly, he operates with honesty and integrity. He communicates clearly, stands behind his work, and brings a level of trust and reliability that we value on every job.

  • Harland Fallen

    Sheet Rock

    Harland brings nearly 50 years of experience in drywall and finishing, with a level of skill that only comes from decades of hands-on work. He has spent his career perfecting his trade and is known for clean lines, smooth finishes, and an attention to detail that sets the standard on our jobsites.

    With us, Harland focuses on quality and consistency, bringing walls and ceilings to life and making sure each space is ready for its final finish. His experience, patience, and pride in his work help elevate the entire project, and his steady presence is a valuable asset to both the crew and the finished product.

  • Ledge Painting

    Jeff Jacques

    Ledge Painting

    Jeffrey Jacques brings a lifetime of hands-on experience, craftsmanship, and deep respect for the outdoors to his work as a painter with Dow’s Construction. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Jeffrey moved to Madison, New Hampshire at age twelve, but his connection to the White Mountains began long before that. Nearly every weekend of his childhood was spent camping with his family in the mountains, building a lifelong appreciation for the region and its communities.
    In high school, Jeffrey worked alongside his father in tree work, developing a strong work ethic and comfort with physically demanding, detail-oriented labor. That foundation naturally led him into commercial and residential painting, complemented over the years by experience in the service and hospitality industries—shaping both his craftsmanship and his professionalism with clients.
    Jeffrey has been a Maine resident since 2017 and purchased his home in Denmark, Maine in 2019. Outside of work, he loves fishing with his sons and daughter, kayaking, snowboarding, camping, and spending time outdoors with his three young children and fiancée. He deeply values the safety, beauty, and sense of community found throughout the Mount Washington Valley and surrounding areas.
    Jeffrey truly loves painting and takes great pride in his workmanship. He is honored to be part of Dow’s Construction and grateful to work within a community that values integrity, quality, and passion for the craft.