From Family Roots to Forever Homes: The Story Behind Danson Custom Homes

Written by Cody Chikie

The Beginning of Danson Custom Homes

Before Danson Custom Homes existed, my life was built around two things: hockey and construction. I grew up in Bon Accord, and from the time I was three, hockey was my world. It took me through the WHL, university hockey, and eventually into the ECHL. When my hockey career came to an end at 23, I returned home and stepped into a different kind of team: my family’s framing company.

My dad built a strong reputation in Edmonton’s framing industry by working hard, staying honest, and doing things right the first time. My older brothers were already leading their own crews, and I had a lot to learn. I enrolled in the carpentry program at NAIT, earned my Journeyman certification, and spent years gaining hands-on experience on job sites.

Those early days didn’t just teach me carpentry. They made me curious about the entire building process and what it takes to turn a set of plans into a place a family calls home.

Recognizing What Was Missing

After spending years in the industry, I started to notice a pattern. Families weren’t just looking for someone to build them a house. They were looking for trust, honesty, and clear communication. There were a lot of good builders out there, but there were also many homeowners who felt stressed, left in the dark, or disappointed by the experience.

The concern I heard most often was simple and real:

“What if the most important purchase of our lives is not built properly?”

That question stuck with me and eventually led to a bigger purpose.

Starting the Company

In 2017, I made the decision to start Danson Custom Homes. It was a risk. Leaving the comfort of our established family business meant stepping into something new and uncertain. But I believed there was room for a builder who focused on integrity, transparency, and the client experience from start to finish.

I leaned on the values I was raised with and the lessons I learned on the ice and on job sites. From day one, the goal wasn’t to become the biggest builder in Edmonton. The goal was to become a builder families could trust.

Early Projects and Support

Our first clients came from referrals. They weren’t just looking for a house. They wanted a home that reflected their vision and was built with care. Completing those early projects and seeing their reaction reinforced that we were on the right path. Their support and willingness to share their experience with others helped our business grow.

Facing Challenges and Staying Committed

Every business faces challenges, and ours was no different. The biggest test came in 2020 when supply chains broke down and material prices spiked. Timelines shifted overnight. Many builders paused work or passed unexpected costs along without much communication. We chose a different route.

We stayed open and honest with our clients, worked closely with our trades and suppliers, and found solutions wherever we could. It was not easy, but it strengthened our relationships and reinforced what we stood for. Our clients saw how we showed up during a difficult time, and that meant more than any perfect circumstance ever could.

Growing with Intention

As time went on, the trust we built early on continued to open doors. The projects became larger and more complex, and the relationships we built became long-term. We have always believed that the way you treat people matters more than anything else. That belief has shaped every home we build.

We treat each project as if it were for our own family. We communicate clearly. We avoid shortcuts. We care about the details that most people never see, because those are the details that build lasting quality.

Who We Are Today

Those early years shaped our identity.

We believe in doing things properly.
We believe in being upfront and accountable.
We believe in treating our clients and trades with respect.

We are not here to rush through builds or deliver something that looks good only on the surface. We are here to create homes that feel solid, thoughtful, and personal.

Since 2017, we have worked to raise the standard of homebuilding in Edmonton and surrounding communities. The results we are most proud of are not awards or numbers. They are the relationships, the trust, and the families who are proud to call their house a Danson home.

And we are just getting started.