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The Best Residential General Contractors in Boston

16 Min Read

Boston feels like a small town, even though it has all the advantages of a cosmopolitan city. It has a metro area that showcases a wide range of restaurants and access to cultural institutions. Its closeness to top-notch universities, employers, and health care makes it one of the perfect places to settle down and start a family. It is on the cutting edge of medicine and technology, but it still loves old-fashioned things like going to Fenway Park to cheer on the Red Sox.

This article about the best general contractors in Boston, Massachusetts, has everything you need to know if you are thinking of building your own custom home or business space. The top-shelf skills, experience, and portfolios of these firms are what landed them on this list.


S+H Construction

45 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA 02478

S+H Construction is an award-winning, high-end residential building and remodeling firm based in Eastern Massachusetts. Since its inception in 1979, the firm has believed that its success comes from the knowledge and experience of its hard-working staff, who are dedicated to delivering the best possible results. It offers vast knowledge and expertise in custom building and home renovation, allowing it to deliver a smooth and enjoyable experience for its clients. As a result, the firm has won many industry awards showcasing its quality. The firm has remained loyal to its clients, as obvious in the positive feedback it regularly receives from past customers.

Near the Harvard Divinity School, S+H Construction was hired to do a significant renovation on the back half of this sprawling Victorian building. The kitchen was opened to the backyard with an addition and a large porch leading down to the garden. The kitchen has a stunning coffered ceiling, cabinets, and custom trims. The deck includes pipe decking and a metal grid guard rail.


Sea-Dar Construction

580 Harrison Ave. Suite #4W, Boston, MA 02118

Sea-Dar Construction is a full-service construction management and general contracting firm that was founded in 1991. Since then, the firm has made an average of $50 million in sales annually by delivering exceptional projects. The firm was founded by Jean Abouhamad, a Structural Engineer with a lot of experience in development and project delivery methods. The firm maintains offices in Boston, New York, and Cape Cod. Its impressive portfolio features primarily high-end residential clients, including single-family homeowners, condo unit owners, developers, and institutions. Over the years, the firm has built several condos in Boston’s historic neighborhoods, cementing its status as an industry leader.

This Brookline Green project involved various remodels and additions to the area. The result was a new gourmet kitchen, a master bedroom, a yoga room complete with a steam room and spa, a geothermal HVAC system, and a green roof. It also features Rift White Oak veneer kitchen cabinets and 150 feet of full-height windows that bring it a lot of natural light.


New England Design & Construction

103 Terrace Street, Boston, MA 02120

New England Design and Construction is a general construction firm staffed by a group of intelligent, creative, and passionate people who believe that well-designed and built spaces can make people feel better. With its unique design-build approach to projects, the firm consistently delivers exceptional projects that reflect each client’s unique personality, lifestyle, and tastes. The firm does a lot of mid-range to high-end residential remodeling projects, such as additions and kitchen overhauls. Its impressive portfolio showcases various projects that have proven its capability to exceed client expectations.

In the featured project, the client thought that the kitchen in their home was very plain, builder-grade, unappealing, and not in the style they wanted. The pantry was at the end of the kitchen, so the layout was outdated and inefficient. The remodel’s goals were to make the kitchen more valuable, change how it looks, and make it the heart of the house. Those goals were met.


Merz Construction

168 Bingham Road, Carlisle, MA 01741

Merz Construction is an award-winning custom home builder specializing in high-end homes. Jonathan Merz started the firm in 1986 to build traditional and modern homes and carefully renovate existing ones. With over 36 years of experience, the firm’s continuous strive for learning and improvement has resulted in a well-tuned process that encourages open communication among all team members and ensures that every project is successful and significant. The firm’s hands-on and collaborative approach instills a strong sense of working together on every project, solid listening skills, and a commitment to building quality. Thanks to a diverse team of experts, the firm values the knowledge and different points of view that great architects bring to the design and building process.

This Carlisle Contemporary home in Carlisle, Massachusetts, is one of the firm’s notable projects. It features contemporary design elements that create a modern atmosphere. The design is sophisticated and elegant thanks to its clean lines and monochromatic tones.


Atlas Contracting

624 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02459

Atlas Contracting is a renowned construction firm built on a solid sense of family, a modern vision, and tradition of morals and values. Since its inception in 1995, the family-run business has cemented its reputation as an industry leader that provides stunning projects that leave lasting impressions. The firm was founded by Ohan Ozcan—he and his father have worked together for decades, bringing years of combined experience and knowledge to the table. As a result, the firm has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver the best craftsmanship and customer service at every step of every project. From the beginning to the end, clients are gently guided to ensure every detail is taken care of and their expectations met and surpassed.

The outside of this new house in Weston is in the craftsman style. It is a large, green, three-story Arts and Crafts house with different types of siding and a shingle roof. It has both clapboards and stone cladding on the outside, which gives the design more depth. The light colors and earthy tones help it blend in with the background.


RemodelWerks

621 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

RemodelWerks is a construction firm that specializes in the design-build process. The firm can finish construction and remodeling projects on time and within budget while using the highest quality materials, regardless of size, scope, and flexibility. The firm finds creative building solutions and the latest technologies and combines them with meticulous management to focus on all aspects of residential and commercial interior and exterior design and remodeling. The firm offers excellent customer service, guaranteeing all of its work for five years.

The Touch-of-Green Kitchen Remodel is one of the firm’s notable projects. It features a contemporary kitchen that is both visually pleasing and functional. The use of white cabinetry complements the stainless steel appliances, while the warm hardwood floors give it a rustic twist. The kitchen island is placed strategically in the center for a more efficient workflow.


Groom Construction

96 Swampscott Road, Salem, MA 01970

Brothers Tom and Dave Groom founded Groom Construction in 1979 to focus on home renovations and additions. Over the years, the firm quickly grew and expanded to include custom homes and small commercial projects in its portfolio. When Dwight Groom, the youngest brother, joined the business in the late 1980s, it went back into the retail market. With nearly 50 years in the business, the firm has repeatedly earned its reputation by delivering high-quality buildings. Its impressive portfolio features various projects that include luxury homes, commercial and institutional buildings, and a growing list of national retail brands. With over 180 dedicated and talented employees, the firm’s personalized services have been a hallmark of its unwavering commitment to “client-first” service.

The Groom Construction team worked closely with the homeowner and Grazado Velleco Architects to fix up and restore this 5,000-square-foot oceanfront enclave on the North Shore of Boston. It features breathtaking views of the ocean and a number of impressive green features: a recycled rubber slate roof, geothermal heating and cooling, and smart-home technology. The result is a well-designed home that uses less energy.


brookes + hill custom builders

5 Militia Drive, Lexington, MA 02421

David Brookes and Eric Hill have worked with architects and designers for over 40 years to build homes that people will remember. Founded in 2009, brookes + hill Custom Builders is a general construction firm that focuses on building high-end, one-of-a-kind custom homes all over New England. Its comprehensive services include both new construction and complete remodels. As builders with years of experience, the firm remains true to its traditions of quality craftsmanship while combining those skills with new methods and the latest technologies to make each client’s home more than just a house. The firm closely works with its clients to build a home that fits their lifestyle and gives them value on their investment.

This three-floor steel-frame building with mahogany slat screens was a garage addition for the client. Behind the double-wide red door on the ground floor, there is space for parking and a Vespa workshop, but the rooms above feel and work more like a country retreat. This stunning home addition uses a lot of contemporary elements that create a modern atmosphere.


Sleeping Dog Properties

1745 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118

Sleeping Dog Properties is a Boston-based company that has been around since 1993. Founded by Chris Rapczynski, the firm started working as a small development company with a few great tradesmen, subcontractors, and administrators. Nearly 30 years later, the firm has expanded to provide the highest quality, expertise, and service. As a result, it has reached its goal of being the firm that provides the best residential, hospitality, and retail projects in Boston and the rest of New England. Its impressive portfolio showcases various properties that offer lasting value using high-quality design and finishes and personalized service.

The firm’s team worked closely with a pair of sharp-eyed clients on this project to bring their unique ideas to life. The most challenging part was figuring out how to make the most of the small space, which was only around 990 square feet. Now that it has been fixed up, the condominium is both visually pleasing and functional.


Sterling Homes Development Corporation

400 Trade Center, 5th floor, Suite #5900, Woburn, MA 01801

Sterling Homes Development Corporation has been building high-end custom homes, new homes, and remodeling homes for clients in the Greater Boston area and all over Massachusetts for over 25 years. The design-build firm offers years of experience in traditional stick-built and modern modular homes. No matter the project’s size, scope, or complexity, the firm offers various building methodologies that can cater to each client’s unique needs. The firm is backed by a team of licensed contractors who work together to ensure the project is built well and uses energy as efficiently as possible. The firm appreciates that building or fixing a home is a significant investment of money and time, so it has remained committed to its core values of honesty, collaboration, cooperation, and putting the customer first.

In the featured project, Sterling Homes turned another small, old kitchen into a warm, open, and valuable space for a family to live in. This Long Island colonial is in a very New England neighborhood and it had a very small kitchen and living room. This busy family of four hired the firm to open up the space and breathe new life into their home.

For more information, you can visit their website here.


Attitash Custom Home Builders

60 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Attitash Custom Home Builders is a full-service construction company that works in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Over the years, the firm’s integrated approach has resulted in a streamlined process that meets specific standards for quality, being on time, being professional, and making sure the customer is happy. The firm’s commitment to excellent client service allows it to prioritize its clients. It enables them to trust the firm’s quality and work. The firm is backed by a team of experienced and highly qualified project managers, supervisors, and professional installers.

This home has been completely remodeled from top to bottom in Watertown, Massachusetts. This project included siding and soffit panels, new plumbing fixtures, a custom master closet, custom paver patio and landscaping, hardwood floors, push-button bidets, and a self-closing toilet. The new space has a clean, modern look that gives it a sophisticated feel.


Sanford Custom Builders

310 Washington Street, Suite #202, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

Sanford Custom Builders specializes in building custom homes, additions, and renovations in Weston, Wellesley, MetroWest, and Boston. The firm’s integrated, hands-on, and personalized approach allows the firm to be involved in every project to the fullest extent. With a focus on smooth communication and collaboration, the firm can stay on top of things that result in exceptional projects delivered on schedule and within budget. Its excellent client-focused services ensure an enjoyable experience for its clients, high-quality craftsmanship, and professionalism.

This classic shingle and stone home in New England was built by Sanford Custom Builders and designed by Jan Gleysteen Architects. The home includes 5 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a master bedroom with a luxurious spa bath, a walk-up office suite with an extra bathroom, a media/movie theater room, a step-down mahogany family room, and a first-floor office with wood paneling and barrel-vaulted ceilings. There is a gym, a wet bar, and a pool room on the lower level.


AD Construction

1750 Washington Street, Suite B1, Boston, MA 02118

AD Construction is an award-winning general contractor and builder in Boston, Massachusetts. Its experience and expertise allow it to serve clients with various building needs—everything from tearing down old buildings to building new ones from start to finish. With over 34 years of experience, the firm has built an impressive portfolio of various home improvements, remodeling, historic restorations, and custom homes. Its collaborative processes allow the client, the architect, the designer, the consultants, and the contractor to work together as a team. The firm includes detailing all the details of the building’s budget, schedule, and estimates and managing the risks for its clients.

The Kitchen Renovation South End Boston is a rustic South End apartment that was turned into a bright, modern, and contemporary space with a kitchen with high-end appliances, custom-made cabinetry, and hand-picked granite stone. The ceiling was made to make the separate space stand out in an open area.


International Builders

561 Boylston Street, Suite #200, Boston, MA 02116

International Builders is a family-owned general contractor that was founded in 1994. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, the firm serves the entire Greater Boston area with exceptional projects. The firm has earned its well-deserved reputation as one of the best in the construction industry by striving for excellence and by putting its clients first. Its success comes from how hard it works and how it cares for each client, consistently going above and beyond their expectations.

This tiny and ancient garage got a complete and significant makeover. This cottage has a full bathroom, a cozy living room with an alcohol fire-based fireplace, skylights, and an elegant sliding door that opens onto a deck. The firm suggested a country barn style that worked well for this cottage. The walls are made of reclaimed wood, which gives the room a cozy feel. It can be used all year.


Gilman Guidelli & Bellow Custom Builders

26 Farwell Street, Newton, MA 02460

Gilman, Guidelli & Bellow began as Gilman & Guidelli in 1990, when Rick Guidelli and Gary Gilman got together to do minor custom carpentry and remodeling jobs. Since then, the firm has quickly become known for the quality of its work, its honesty, and its ability to handle projects that were difficult to handle. As the firm grew, so did its team of experts who offered their experience and knowledge to provide inventive building solutions, the latest materials, and cost-efficient practices.

This downtown condo is on top of The Garden and has a stunning city view. The apartment has windows on three sides and a large roof terrace. The project included a complete gut renovation of the whole apartment, new electrical and mechanical systems, new windows, and new paving on the outside.