
At Walnut Ridge Construction, we specialize in designing and building custom homes throughout McMinn County that reflect your vision and lifestyle. From rural estates and family homes to lakeside retreats, we bring quality craftsmanship and honest communication to every project.
McMinn County is where peaceful small-town living meets the scenic beauty of East Tennessee’s countryside. With its rolling hills, historic charm, and proximity to both Knoxville and Chattanooga, it’s an ideal place to build your dream home.
McMinn County offers a relaxed pace of life with the convenience of nearby city access. The area’s affordability, low property taxes, and beautiful landscapes make it one of the best-kept secrets in East Tennessee.
Homeowners Love McMinn County For:
Affordable land and low cost of living
Excellent location between Knoxville and Chattanooga
Close proximity to Watts Bar Lake and the Hiwassee River
Great schools and family-friendly communities
Historic small-town charm and modern amenities


We proudly serve homeowners throughout Blount County, including:
Featured Cities Include:
Athens
Etowah
Englewood
Niota
Unincorporated Communities / CDPs:
Riceville
Claxton (McMinn)
Clearwater
Mount Harmony
Each area is absolutely beautiful with rolling hills, mountain views, and driving distance to both Knoxville and Chattanooga.
While McMinn County is known for its open spaces and quiet living, it’s also close to several luxury communities where Walnut Ridge Construction builds custom homes. Or, if you prefer some solidarity and own a piece of land, we can build a custom home on your property.
New Home / Planned Communities:
Sweetwater extension projects
Riceville Estates (local subdivision)
Nearby Communities:
These communities offer lake access, golf, and high-end amenities, perfect for families and retirees seeking quality living.

Our available inventory changes frequently. Contact Walnut Ridge Construction to see current listings, schedule a showing, or learn about upcoming builds nearing completion.

General Contractor and Custom Home Builder, Kenny Schmidt, and his dedicated new construction team will manage every detail of your home’s design and construction. We offer comprehensive residential construction services throughout McMinn County and the rest of Southeastern Tennessee.
Our New Home Construction Services Include:
Whether you already have your lot and need to start building tomorrow or are just starting the initial stages, we have a solution for you. Call Walnut Ridge Construction today.
If you already own a home in McMinn County and need an upgrade or more space, contact Walnut Ridge Construction today. We specialize in quality home additions and stunning home renovations to make your home like new again.

We’re a family-owned business born and raised in Tennessee. Our business is built on relationships forged from years of honesty, transparency, and quality construction. Call Walnut Ridge Construction today.
McMinn County offers excellent schools, local services, and recreational amenities that make it a great place for families.
Helpful Local Resources:


When you build with Walnut Ridge Construction, you work directly with owner and general contractor Kenny Schmidt — not a sales team or distant project manager.
We Offer:
Transparent cost-plus contracts
Personalized home design from the ground up
Local permitting and inspection expertise
High-quality materials and energy efficiency
Hands-on communication and accountability
We don’t just build homes — we build trust, craftsmanship, and long-term relationships with every client.
“We interviewed several builders before choosing Walnut Ridge, but what sold us was their open-book pricing and constant communication. We saw every invoice and cost, and there were zero surprises. The process was honest and smooth from start to finish.”
Sarah & Mark L.

“From our very first meeting, we knew we were in good hands. Kenny and his team took the time to understand our needs, our land, and our budget. Our home fits our lot perfectly and turned out even better than we imagined.”
Tom & Rachel B.

“The craftsmanship is outstanding. Every trim line, cabinet, and stone detail feels intentional. It’s clear Walnut Ridge Construction takes pride in every home they build.”
Greg & Melissa K.

“We were building from Florida, and Kenny kept us updated with progress photos, budget reports, and quick responses. We never felt out of the loop, even from hundreds of miles away.”
David & Karen T.

“We’ve built before, and this was by far the best experience. The cost-plus contract gave us peace of mind, and the workmanship exceeded expectations. We would recommend Walnut Ridge to anyone building in Tennessee.”
Mark & Sheila R.

“I've had the pleasure of knowing the general contractor of Walnut Ridge Construction, Kenny Schmidt, for over 20 years. So, when it came time to build a house, there's only one person I trusted to take care of me. You'll never meet a more honest person in your life.”
David M. & Melanie W.

McMinn County’s natural beauty, affordability, and friendly communities make it the perfect place to build your forever home. With Walnut Ridge Construction, you’ll have a trusted local partner dedicated to creating a home that exceeds your expectations — built with honesty, transparency, and timeless craftsmanship.

East Tennessee’s trusted builder for custom homes, additions, and renovations crafted with care and a foundation of honesty, transparency, and integrity. Trust your home with Walnut Ridge Construction.
Contact Us
Walnut Ridge Construction
General Contractor
TN General Contractor Lic. #80735
1916 Highway 411
Vonore, TN 37885
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
© Copyright Walnut Ridge Construction LLC 2025. All rights reserved