Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Solutions in New England
Founded in 1979, Commonwealth Building Inc. has established itself as a leading full-service general contractor in New England and Upstate New York. Our team-first culture and commitment to excellence have enabled us to retain top talent and deliver high-quality projects across Retail, Restaurant, Corporate, and Commercial sectors. With decades of experience, we provide client-focused solutions from pre-construction planning to project closeout. Our collaborative approach ensures seamless coordination with subcontractors, design teams, and clients, fostering trust-based relationships.We specialize in complex renovations, occupied-space construction, and ground-up developments, leveraging advanced planning to align timelines, costs, and design objectives. As an industry leader licensed in all New England states, we combine technical expertise with a dedication to safety, quality, and client satisfaction. Our 40+ year legacy reflects our ability to adapt to evolving market needs while maintaining core values of integrity and teamwork.
Services
General Contracting
Preconstruction Services
Design-Build Delivery
Special Projects
Maintenance Division
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in commercial construction across multiple sectors
- Our team includes certified professionals with specialized expertise in complex renovations
- We provide end-to-end construction services from pre-construction to closeout
- Our collaborative approach ensures seamless coordination with design teams and subcontractors
- We maintain a 95% client retention rate through consistent quality delivery
Services
General Contracting
We provide comprehensive general contracting services covering all project phases from initial planning to final inspection. Our team manages timelines, budgets, and quality control while coordinating with subcontractors and design professionals. With expertise in occupied-space construction and complex renovations, we deliver commercial projects across Retail, Restaurant, Corporate, and Commercial sectors while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.
Preconstruction Services
Our preconstruction team offers value engineering, constructability analysis, and cost estimation to align project goals before construction begins. We provide scheduling, permitting assistance, and risk management strategies to ensure successful project execution. This early planning phase helps clients make informed decisions about design, materials, and budget allocation for optimal project outcomes.
Design-Build Delivery
We offer design-build services that combine architectural design and construction management under one contract. This approach streamlines communication between designers and builders to reduce project timelines and costs. Our integrated process includes concept development, value engineering, and construction coordination to deliver cohesive, efficient solutions for commercial clients.
Special Projects
Our special projects division handles small-scale repairs and maintenance work across multiple sectors. With dedicated in-house labor teams and rapid response capabilities, we complete urgent work orders efficiently. Services include carpentry, painting, flooring, and mechanical systems maintenance to support ongoing facility operations for commercial clients.
Construction Management
We provide comprehensive construction management services including scheduling, budget control, and quality assurance. Our managers coordinate all project phases from site preparation to final inspections. With expertise in complex renovations and new construction, we ensure projects meet specifications while maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance throughout the building process.
People
Chris Fontaine
President and CEO
With over 25 years at Commonwealth Building, Chris Fontaine leads strategic operations and company culture development. A graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology, he focuses on team growth and client relationships while maintaining industry leadership roles.
Ed Walsh
Vice President | Project Executive
Ed Walsh brings 35+ years of construction experience to Commonwealth Building. As Vice President, he specializes in project management and pre-construction services while maintaining multiple industry certifications including OSHA 30 and Procore Project Manager.
James Caponigro
Vice President - General Superintendent
James Caponigro oversees field operations with expertise in safety protocols and quality control. With 23 years of experience at Commonwealth Building, he focuses on bridging office-field communication and implementing best practices across all construction sites.
Emily Harding
Manager of Business Development & Marketing
Emily Harding leads marketing strategy and client relationship management at Commonwealth Building. With a background in real estate and consumer brands, she develops strategic campaigns to enhance market presence and support business growth initiatives.
Joseph Frasca
Senior Manager of People and Operations
Joseph Frasca focuses on company culture development and operational efficiency at Commonwealth Building. With expertise in business management, he implements programs that enhance employee growth and organizational effectiveness while maintaining a strong focus on team development.
Questions
What construction services does Commonwealth Building offer?
We provide full-service general contracting including preconstruction planning, design-build delivery, special projects, and maintenance services across Retail, Restaurant, Corporate, and Commercial sectors.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
Commonwealth Building operates throughout New England states and Upstate New York, with our headquarters located in Rockland, Massachusetts.
What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize in Retail, Restaurant, Corporate, and Commercial construction projects, with extensive experience in occupied-space renovations and complex developments.
How long has Commonwealth Building been in business?
Founded in 1979, we have over 45 years of experience in the construction industry, incorporating as Commonwealth Building Inc. in 1980.
What makes Commonwealth Building different from competitors?
Our team-first approach, 45+ year legacy, and focus on client collaboration set us apart. We maintain a 95% client retention rate through consistent quality delivery and transparent communication.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we specialize in both ground-up construction and complex renovations, including occupied-space projects that require careful coordination with existing operations.
