The Best General Contractors in Boston

Last updated on November 9th, 2024 at 06:52 am

Boston, home to many top universities and several championship sports teams, is the most populous city in the New England area. Festivals and public gatherings are common, and the Boston Foundation claims that the city has the highest average rate of philanthropy. The median home value in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area hovers around $500K, making it around double the median home value of the country.

As one of the oldest cities in the country, Boston is home to many types of architecture, including Colonial, Prairie School, Second Empire, Georgian, and Federal, among many others. Many homes have been well-preserved since the 1800s and must be maintained as they are, but home renovation and expansion is common among homes that do not require historical preservation.

This list compiles fifteen of Boston’s best contractors, able to respond to needs required by every homeowner. Contractors listed have been evaluated for their quality of work, customer service, and accolades. Every contractor has the necessary experience to make sure that homes are remodeled or renovated to meet the homeowners’ needs and desires.

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.

Kevin Cradock Builders

1476 River St. Boston, MA 02136 

The black and white motif highlights the reimagining of this 1920s center hall Colonial on Jamaica Plain into a flowing layout. Tall windows bring a lot of light into the sitting room and dining area. A gold-framed hanging tube light illuminates the space above the wooden dining table and the white leather chairs. The kitchen is in a galley layout, and the eat-in island is close to the French doors that lead to the deck. Tall cabinets anchor the island atop the marble counter, and classic white wainscoting matches the rest of the storage spaces. Playful accents make the private spaces a little more personal: colorful furniture in the bedrooms and family room and intricate patterns on the bathroom walls and floors. This project won Kevin Cradock Builders the 2020 Gold PRISM Award for Best Remodeling/Restoration between $750,000 and $1 Million from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston.

Kevin Cradock has loved building since he was a teenager; he officially started in the industry as a finish carpenter. He then went on to build custom woodwork. In 1996 he established his own firm. Today, Cradock oversees a skilled team of project managers, carpenters, and woodworkers building throughout Boston.

Payne Bouchier

173 Norfolk Ave, Boston, MA 02119

Payne Bouchier, founded in 1981, is led by Stephen Payne, an alumnus of Hampshire College and Oliver Bouchier, who studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England. Bouchier’s fluency in design led to his status as a board member of Institute of Classical Architecture and Art in 2009.

The company specializes in contemporary design. The home above features a striking minimalist living area. Earth tones blend in well with shades of white, and the use of various horizontal and vertical tiles makes the space appear larger. The seamless transition from the living area to the dining area maximizes the practicality of the home, as more guests can be accomodated in the room. A workstation in the transitional area is a clever addition, as it helps guide the spatial transition between the two areas.

WORKS by Jesse DeBenedictis

239 Western Ave, Essex, MA 01929

Jesse DeBenedictis is a North Shore and Greater Boston Area staple. DeBenedictis has been in the business for 17 years, and has served over 8,000 clients during this period. Boston Architects awarded WORKS the Top 8 Bathroom Remodeler award for 2018.

The firm works with a wide range of styles, notably traditional and Bungalow. Intricate stonework and strict symmetry are at the core of DeBenedictis’s design style. French-type windows are evenly distributed in the facade of the home, and the stone chimney adds texture to the facade. An annex serves as additional function space, and adds volume and distinction to the overall structure of the home. This home resonates classic Boston area design.

Hammersmith Associates

292 Newbury St, Suite #541 Boston, MA 02115

The husband-and-wife team of Mark and Dawn-Michelle Smith has created a powerhouse construction firm in downtown Boston. Mark handles the construction management; Dawn takes care of the marketing and operations. The company has been in business for over 20 years, and was featured by Smart Home in 2015. The firm serves the Greater Boston area.

Hammersmith Associates frequently completes contemporary and modern projects; a contemporary style renovation done at a Beacon Hill home is a fine example. The home is a three-thousand square-foot townhouse. The three-story home has 4 rooms and 3.5 baths, all embellished with contemporary elements. The company fuses light colors and Earth tones to create a balanced ambiance. The living room shown above functions as a primary space for the homeowners; in addition to being placed at the intersection of many rooms, the living room is also welcoming and accommodating.

Merz Construction

168 Bingham Rd, Carlisle, MA 01741

Since Merz Construction’s establishment in 1986, the company has established itself as one of the area’s best contractors. The firm is based in Carlisle, but has a significant number of projects in the Boston area. Merz Construction has been featured in various circulations such as Boston Magazine, Globe Magazine, New England Home, and Boston Design. Founder Jonathan Merz has more than 30 years of work experience, ranging from boat building to residential contracting.

The company builds in various styles; Contemporary, French, Bungalow, and Victorian styles are among the most common in its portfolio. This Bungalow home with Craftsman elements is an excellent example of Merz’s skills. The home is characterized by complex woodwork and stonework. Different wooden beams and panels intertwine throughout the upper portion of the home, while stone platforms solidify the foundation of the house.

Mitchell Construction Group

511 Main St, Medfield, MA 02052

Mitchell Construction Group, founded in 1987, has garnered multiple awards during its 30 years, including Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50. Founder Tom Mitchell’s interest in construction started when he was a young boy, watching his father work on construction sites. Years later, with his passion for building still going strong, he founded his own company.

The company’s portfolio emphasizes French, Victorian, and colonial styles. The Victorian home picture above has an asymmetrical facade, which flows naturally in multi-level platforms. The brick chimney and neutral stonework balance the soft white color of the home. The large patio and pool area allows many guests, with a beautiful view of the nighttime sky.

FBN Construction

17 Wolcott Court, Boston, MA 02136

FBN Construction has been serving Bostonians for over 20 years. The company places a high value on customer service. Bob Ernst, the company’s principal, was hailed as the Design Mentor of the Year 2018 by Design New England. His leadership has brought the company to its successful position today; the company has an annual revenue of around $10M.

The company specializes in single-family homes and condominium units, priding itself on its smart, sleek, and minimal design, which prioritizes clean and sophisticated elements. The firm transformed this condominium unit into a modern, airy space. Slanted wooden beams accentuate the slanted ceiling. Gray tones in the furniture, closet, and carpeting contrasts with the colored ornaments. Overall, the unit displays a dynamic and youthful lifestyle, perfect for the cosmopolitan Boston.  

DeJesus Industries

60 State Street Suite 700, Boston, MA 02109

DeJesus Industries is the youngest firm on this list. The firm has only been in operations for a year, but has already made significant strides in the industry, with a feature in The Boston Voyager. Principal Alberto J. DeJesus has worked in the sales and service department of other corporate firms; he climbed his way to the top and then founded a company of his own.

The firm specializes in luxury remodeling, and has received the Exotic Award for Exceptional Design 2018. The kitchen above is an example of DeJesus Industries’ excellent work. This kitchen is an elaborate combination of Mediterranean and contemporary elements. Pacific patterns and plant ornaments add a playful rendition to a highly utilitarian space. Geometric lamps and displays add a sense of luxury to the kitchen. The cabinet above the fridge, with a unique pattern, sets the kitchen apart and adds a touch of design sensibility to the home.

New England Design & Construction

103 Terrace St, Boston, MA 02120

Six-time NARI CotY winner New England Design & Construction is one of Boston’s most decorated general contractors. The company has been listed several times on Remodeling Magazine’s  Top 550, Professional Remodeler’s Top 500 and Qualified Remodeler Top 500. David Supple founded the company 15 years ago, just after graduating with a degree in architecture from Tufts University.

As per the client’s request, the first floor of the home above was transformed into a more functional space. Bar stools give the breakfast counter elegant efficiency. A thin, vertical blackboard placed beside this counter is a useful tool for cooking or other kitchen needs. Wooden ensembles make the space feel home-like and accommodating.

Fallon Custom Homes & Renovations

250 Acton St Room 1301, Carlisle, MA 017415 | 171 Reservoir S, Needham, MA 02494

Fallon Custom Homes & Renovations is been one of the most popular general contractors in the Boston area. The company has been featured in The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, and the Chronicle on Channel 5 in Boston. Peter Fallon, who founded the company in 1984,  works closely with the Beacon Hill Civic Association and the Back Bay Architectural Association.

The company has completed multiple historical residential renovations. Homes that have existed for decades are given new life. A private estate in Dedham, build in 1922, was given an interior overhaul. While an update on the design was necessary, the core elements of the estate had to be preserved, so most of the updates were done in the backyard, where a large pool and porch were added.

Adams + Beasly Associates

606 Main St, Suite 3003, Reading, MA 01867

Eric Adams and Angus Beasly started their company after graduating from Colby College and Yale University. Their passion project has been in operation since 2004, and the company has seen nothing but success. The company won the Chrysalis Award, NARI Gold CotY, Forty under 40, and Best of Boston awards. Furthermore, they have been featured in Qualified Remodeler, Builder + Architect Magazine, and the Qualified Remodeler Top 500 in 2016.

A remodel of a 4,000 square foot penthouse speaks to the firm’s design aesthetics. The apartment overlooks the Boston Public Garden and Beacon Hill, so Adams + Beasly Associates did not saturate the space with unnecessary accessories and furniture. Instead, they added green accents, which tie in with the outside scenery and complement the eggshell tones of the furniture. Onyx stonework and graphic carpeting add complexity to the elegant design.

Lee Kimball

606 Main St, Suite 3003, Reading, MA 01867

Lee Kimball, which has been serving the Greater Boston since 1940, began as an appliance and service contracting form. It blossomed to be one of Boston’s best general contracting firms; Lee Kimball won the coveted Clarke Sub-Zero and Wolf Design Contest, as well as the Best of the Best Platinum Award from Professional Remodeler.  

Almost eight decades of experience have enabled the company to master multiple design styles. The firm has recently been focusing on single-family homes and condominium units. One example above, a modern condominium in Brookline, stands out; monochromatic colors and gray accents create sharp shapes without being jarring to the eye. The marble countertop kitchen island complements other appliances. Massive windows bring natural light, and circular mood lighting provides ambiance at night. This design pairs well with the urban sophisticate lifestyle that the homeowner lives.

F.H. Perry Builder

90 Elm St, Hopkinton, MA 01748

For 41 years, F.H. Perry Builder has been a well-respected name in construction in the Bay State. The firm has been featured multiple times in The Boston Globe and Boston Voyager Magazine. Founder Finley Perry, an alumnus of Stanford University, founded the company after realizing a passion for home-building. His daughter, Allison Perry Iantosca, is the current President of the firm; under her leadership, the company was named one of the Top 100 Women-led Businesses for three consecutive years by the Commonwealth Institute.

In the featured project above, the company remodeled an antique home near Harvard Square. The house is a unique fusion of craftsman and contemporary style. The greenhouse garden and mudroom balance the form of the bright red facade. The firm always takes the homeowners’ lifestyle into consideration, and a library addition in this home was created at the request of the client.

Howell Custom Build

360 Merrimack St Building 5, Lawrence, MA 01843

Howell Custom Build, a family-owned business, was founded in 1997. Stephen and Susan Howell have completed over 700 projects. The company is a Best of Boston Home awardee by The husband-and-wife team specializes many times of construction and luxury home remodeling, and Susan served at the Board of Directors of Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity for six years.

Styles used by the company range from Victorian to contemporary. In a PRISM Gold award-winning piece, the company remodeled a Craftsman home. The home has an unusual facade. In addition, the floor plan of the home is asymmetrical and divided into two main parts. Cool colors were used to complement the dark roofing, creating a sense of balance and completion. French-type windows feel like a historical nod to Boston homes of old. Lastly, the elevated ground floor of the home makes room for a large porch and walkways, allowing the home to blend seamlessly on both ends.

Carpenter & MacNeille

106 Western Ave, Essex, MA 01929

Four-time Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston Home winner Carpenter & MacNeille has been serving the North Shore and Greater Boston area for more than 20 years. Rob MacNeille, who holds a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, serves as the design principal and president of the firm. He was awarded the prestigious Bulfinch award in 2013. Under his leadership, the company has been featured in multiple publications, such as Boston Magazine and Northshore Home Magazine

The company’s portfolio is heavy on Victorian, French, and ranch style homes. In a featured design, however, the company constructed a contemporary home in a secluded woodland area. The home sits perfectly in an unconventional site. The slanting roof is the most noticeable element in the design; it follows the unusual facade of the home, with enough allowance to include a massive window able to catch the sunlight. The porch in front of the house lends a homey touch and is a creative addition to the shape of the house.

Feinmann

27 Muzzey St, Lexington, MA 02421

For 30 years, Feinmann has been a trusted partner of choice when it comes to remodeling and transforming Boston homes, kitchen, and bathrooms into smart, beautiful spaces. Under Peter Feinmann’s leadership, his firm and team have been recognized for 100s of awards and accolades including PRISM awards, NARI CotY awards, Chrysalis awards, and Remodeler of the Year from Remodeling Magazine. The company has also been featured in the Boston Globe several times.

The firm specializes in design build driving every detail of your project from initial design concept through construction. The mid-century contemporary home above features an open floor layout, with intersecting dining and function areas. Earth tones and shades of blue made the space trendy; umber cabinets and a wine rack add depth through contrast. Large sliding windows and matching doors bring natural lighting to the interior of the home. This avoids the feeling of suffocation, and it adds a cozy, homey feel to the living area.

How can I find a contractor near me?

Read our latest articles on the best contractors in and near Boston. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.

The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Massachusetts

The Best General Contractors in Massachusetts

About Our Rankings

This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.

Get Bids For Your Build

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.