The Dow Difference: Thoughtful Design. Natural Materials. Built to Last.

At Dow Construction, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all homes. Every home we build starts with a custom architectural design—crafted specifically for your site, your needs, and the New England climate. These designs aren’t just beautiful to look at—they’re built with intention. Rooflines, overhangs, siding details, and material choices are all carefully considered to enhance curb appeal, improve water management, and handle temperature swings with ease.

We choose real, sustainable materials—like locally milled wood, Timber HP insulation, and Havelock Wool—not just because they’re healthier and more environmentally responsible, but because they last. With the right design and techniques, wood can outperform synthetic alternatives. Our homes breathe, shed water properly, and resist the common failures caused by poor planning or shortcuts.

Every element—from how we flash a window to how we vent a roof—is chosen to reduce maintenance, increase durability, and give you a home that stays strong and looks sharp for years to come.

Smart design. Honest materials. Local craftsmanship.
That’s the Dow Difference

Solid Wood Only – No Finger-Jointed Lumber, No Plastics
 We use full-dimension, solid wood for all trim, flooring, and structural components. You won’t find plastic trim, composite decking, or finger-jointed material in our builds. Solid wood is stronger, longer-lasting, and avoids the synthetic chemicals found in manufactured substitutes. It’s safer for builders, safer for homeowners, and can be locally sourced to support regional forestry and milling operations.

Real Wood Siding – Cedar, Spruce or Pine
 We build with locally milled cedar and spruce siding, which are naturally rot-resistant, breathable, and beautiful. Unlike vinyl and composite sidings that off-gas toxic chemicals and degrade into microplastics, real wood is biodegradable, renewable, and timeless in appearance.

Natural Wood Decking – No Composites
 Our decks are built with solid wood, not composite or PVC materials. This avoids the environmental cost of petroleum-based plastics and supports local mills. Wood decking is repairable, recyclable, and has a much lower embodied carbon footprint.

Solid Wood Flooring – Never Engineered or Laminate
 We use traditional, solid hardwood floors that can be sanded, refinished, and enjoyed for generations. No glued layers, no formaldehyde, and no off-gassing—just timeless beauty and durability.

Sustainable Insulation: Wool and Wood

Why We Use Havelock Wool and Timber HP Insulation: Sustainable, High-Performance Choices for Your Home

At Dow Construction, we prioritize using environmentally friendly, high-performance materials to ensure the longevity and health of your home. Two standout insulation options we offer are Havelock Wool and Timber HP insulation. Both materials provide excellent thermal performance, enhance indoor air quality, and contribute to sustainable building practices.

Havelock Wool: Real Sheep’s Wool Insulation

  • Air Quality: Havelock Wool naturally filters volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving indoor air quality for healthier living spaces.

  • Moisture Control: Wool absorbs and releases moisture without losing its insulating value, helping to maintain a comfortable environment year-round.

  • No Harmful Chemicals: Unlike fiberglass, Havelock Wool contains no formaldehyde, adhesives, or synthetic fire retardants, ensuring a safer, healthier option for your home.

  • Biodegradable and Renewable: Made from 100% sustainable sheep’s wool, this insulation is compostable at the end of its life, making it a fully renewable and environmentally friendly choice.

  • Supports Regenerative Farming: By sourcing wool for insulation, we support farmers who use sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact of traditional insulation methods.

Timber HP: Sustainable Wood Fiber Insulation

  • Superior Thermal Performance: Timber HP insulation offers excellent thermal resistance, helping to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This results in lower energy consumption and greater comfort.

  • Sustainable Sourcing: Made from renewable wood fibers, Timber HP insulation is locally sourced, supporting regional mills and businesses while reducing the carbon footprint from long-distance transportation.

  • Healthier Indoor Air Quality: Timber HP does not off-gas harmful chemicals, providing a healthier living environment for families, particularly those with sensitivities or allergies.

  • Moisture Resistance and Durability: Designed to perform well in various environmental conditions, Timber HP helps prevent mold and mildew by resisting moisture, ensuring your home’s insulation maintains its integrity.

  • Local Economic Support: By choosing Timber HP, we contribute to the local economy, helping to sustain jobs and reduce the environmental impact of shipping materials from far-off suppliers.

Both Havelock Wool and Timber HP insulation are excellent choices that support sustainability, healthier indoor air quality, and efficient energy use. By integrating these materials into our builds, we help create comfortable, environmentally conscious homes while supporting local economies and farming practices.

Finishes that Matter: Vermont Natural Coatings

We exclusively use Vermont Natural Coatings for interior and exterior paints and finishes. Their products are made with a patented PolyWhey® formula derived from recycled dairy whey—a byproduct of Vermont’s cheese industry.

  • Zero VOCs and Non-Toxic: Safe to apply and live with

  • Superior Durability: Outperforms conventional polyurethane in abrasion resistance

  • Eco-Friendly: Made from renewable resources, not fossil fuels

  • Supports Local Agriculture: Created in Vermont with local waste streams

These finishes bring out the natural beauty of the wood while protecting it without introducing toxins into your home or the environment.

Cost-Effective, Long-Lasting, and Better All Around

Our materials don’t just outperform synthetics in health and environmental safety—they're also financially comparable to conventional options. Through smart design, careful sourcing, and efficient techniques, we deliver a custom-built home that costs similar to mainstream construction—but offers superior health, beauty, and sustainability.

Thanks to our critical design features—like proper roof overhangs, smart drainage planning, and breathable building assemblies—we make sure these natural products last just as long (or longer) than plastic or synthetic alternatives. That means you’re not just getting a better product—you’re getting one that holds its value, ages beautifully, and stands the test of time.

Why It Matters

When you build with Dow Construction, you’re choosing:

  • A healthier home for your family

  • A safer jobsite for our crew

  • A better world through reduced carbon emissions and plastic waste

  • A stronger local economy by supporting mills, loggers, farmers, and tradespeople

  • A preserved rural landscape by keeping local industries alive and working

  • A smart financial investment that matches the cost of conventional builds while outperforming them in longevity and quality

We believe a home should last a lifetime—and feel right from day one.
As a trusted home builder, we take pride in delivering custom homes built with honesty, quality, and care. From start to finish, our team focuses on craftsmanship that lasts, clear communication, and creating lasting value for the families and communities we serve.