Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Custom Home Builders in Lawrence, MA
Founded in 1997 by Steve and Susan Howell, our company has built a reputation for meticulous planning and expert craftsmanship in residential construction. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in custom homes, renovations, and additions across the North Shore of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Our disciplined project management approach ensures projects remain on time and within budget, minimizing surprises for homeowners. We maintain a 99% client satisfaction rate, with over half of our clients returning for multiple projects.Our team of licensed professionals and skilled carpenters delivers exceptional results, supported by a 2-year warranty program double the industry standard. We prioritize collaboration with architects and designers, offering preconstruction services to refine designs and budgets. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by 800+ completed projects and recognition as a PHIUS-certified green builder. Community involvement remains central to our values, including partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and local nonprofits.
Services
Custom Homes
Home Additions
Renovations
Timber Frame Construction
Green Building
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience in high-end residential construction
- Proprietary estimating system with
- PHIUS-certified passive house builders
- 99% client satisfaction rate with 50% repeat clients
- 2-year warranty program double the industry standard
Associations and certifications
- PHIUS
- National Association of Home Builders
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Professional team
On-time delivery
Transparent communication
Repeat clients
Services
Custom Homes
We design and build bespoke custom homes tailored to client specifications. Our process begins with collaborative design consultations and detailed budgeting. With 25+ years of experience, we deliver energy-efficient homes featuring premium materials and craftsmanship. Clients benefit from our proprietary estimating system and 2-year warranty program.
Home Additions
Specializing in functional and aesthetically integrated home additions. Our team handles structural modifications, permitting, and coordination of all trades. We maintain existing home integrity while expanding living spaces. Clients receive transparent cost breakdowns and timeline projections before construction begins.
Renovations
Full-scale residential renovations from kitchens and bathrooms to whole-house transformations. Our project managers coordinate all phases while minimizing disruption to homeowners. We employ skilled carpenters and vetted subcontractors to ensure quality outcomes. Preconstruction planning identifies potential challenges and cost-saving opportunities.
Timber Frame Construction
Craftsmanship-focused timber frame construction using traditional joinery techniques. Our experts design and build durable structures with exposed wooden beams. This method creates open, flexible spaces while maintaining structural integrity. We incorporate modern insulation techniques for energy efficiency.
Green Building
PHIUS-certified passive house construction that reduces energy consumption by 40-60%. We implement climate-specific designs and third-party verified quality assurance. Our green building practices include material selection, waste reduction, and indoor air quality optimization. Clients receive detailed performance documentation.
People
Steve Howell
President
B.S. Electrical Engineering from Cornell University. Former software engineer with Hewlett-Packard. 25+ years residential construction experience. Developed proprietary estimating systems. LEED-certified. Served on Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity board.
Susan Howell
Marketing Director
Cornell University Psychology graduate. Former educational publishing marketing executive. Community involvement includes Essex County Women's Fund and Uncommon Threads advisory board. Manages client relations and company branding.
Scott Graham
Director of Construction
Licensed architect (AIA) with 15+ years commercial and residential experience. Wentworth Institute of Technology graduate. Oversees project management and carpentry teams. Specializes in resolving architectural construction challenges.
Garrett Moynihan
Director of Preconstruction
20+ years residential construction experience. Phius-certified builder. University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate. Manages sales, estimating, and designer collaborations. Focuses on early-stage project planning and budget development.
Blaire Townsend
VP, Project Management
26+ years construction management experience. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Building Science graduate. Former executive roles at Casali Group and Shawmut Design. Oversees complex residential projects from design through completion.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve all towns north of Boston including Essex County, Merrimack Valley, and southern New Hampshire regions.
What types of projects do you handle?
We specialize in custom homes, renovations, additions, timber frame construction, and energy-efficient building projects.
How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary by scope but average 6-12 months for major renovations and new construction.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, all employees and subcontractors carry appropriate insurance. Project managers hold state construction licenses.
What is your warranty policy?
We offer a 2-year warranty program with follow-ups at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-completion.
How do you handle project changes?
We maintain transparent communication through weekly meetings and provide detailed change order documentation for all modifications.
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