General contractors tend to come and go. After all, it's a competitive industry sensitive to the ebbs and flows of the housing market and the economy at large.
That's why we at Custom Contracting are particularly proud our long history of success. We've provided full-service residential remodeling and general contracting services to our neighbors in Arlington and surrounding communities since 1990.
Over the years Custom Contracting has earned a reputation as the firm that people trust for kitchen renovations, bath renovations, major additions and much more. Our design/build approach combines personal service and quality construction to create living areas that truly reflect our clients' individual personalities and values. And the results have shown in our steadily growing base of satisfied customers.
We encourage you to stop by our Residential Design/Build Remodeling Center in Arlington, Mass. Or, if you're too busy, we'll be happy to visit you to discuss your home renovation project.
Unrestricted construction supervisor's license #059971.
The most wonderful person to work with. His entire crew is just amazing! They leave the place in better shape before they came in. The place just look amazing! If I want my house to look like HDTV, I will call them.
Description of Work: Completed and transformed a part of my carriage house upstairs.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
George M.
11/2014
5.0
remodeling
+ -1 more
Everything went as requested by me, on time, within budget. Very responsive to my questions as the project progressed. Excellent final results. I'm very happy with the work and the professionals who did it.
Description of Work: Custom Contracting rebuilt my front wood steps.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000
Anne Marie M.
10/2014
4.0
remodeling, home remodeling, plumbing, replacement windows, woodworking
+ 3 more
Considering everything, the project went well. The workmanship was excellent. I would highly recommend the carpenter, Tom. His work was outstanding. All of the workers were polite and efficient. They were also very neat! Custom Contracting has a good relationship with many suppliers so choosing and delivering fixtures, finishes and furnishings went very smoothly. The painters did an amazing job of matching the gumwood trim color on the new windows. Everyone worked hard to get the project done on time, although issues with the cabinets did push the finish deadline out about 10 days. The finished product is gorgeous. However, we had trouble in two areas: the project manager had a family emergency (unforeseeable and no one's fault) which pulled him away from the project and resulted in some pieces of the project getting off track. The kitchen designer was the main source of our issues with Custom Contracting. She was often unavailable, conversations and instructions did not translate to accurate designs, and her mismanagement of the design, placement, and order of the cabinets delayed the finish and forced us to compromise on details. The expertise we expected, and initially tried to work with, was not there. Our house is 75 years old and we knew the quirks and foibles but she was unwilling to accommodate those quirks or what we knew worked in the space because we had lived in it for 35 years. I would recommend Custom Contracting but definitely not their in-house designer. This would have been a near perfect project without her. As with any project, I would recommend that the homeowner keep very detailed notes of all orders, designs, and changes.
Description of Work: Our project was a total gut and rebuild of a kitchen and half bathroom as well replacement of 25 windows. This project included wall, ceiling and floor reconstruction, electrical and plumbing replacement, installation of cabinets, counters, appliances, etc. This was a big project that lasted 10 weeks plus a few extra days for touch up and punch list items.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100,000
Roberta O.
07/2014
5.0
doors
+ -1 more
We called the company because we wanted a Harvey door. Mike Daniel came out to give us an estimate, we had already picked out the door. He looked at the door he was replacing, measured, and said he would send an estimate. We received it and thought it was reasonable. We signed the contract and were told it would be about three weeks for the door to come in. Brenda called to set up a date and time. The installer was on time and did a great job. He was pleasant, everything was picked up, and he took the old door and all miscellaneous stuff with him.
Description of Work: Replaced my front storm door.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,500
Christine L.
06/2014
5.0
custom cabinets, remodeling, home remodeling, woodworking
+ 2 more
The proposal process went well. It started with a meeting at my home with the owner/president of the business. We discussed my needs and wishes. He was very professional and listened well. Unlike some other contractors I have interviewed, he didn't walk in determined to do my kitchen in a particular style. He was flexible about how much demolition to do, so that the planned project is of much shorter duration than that of other contractors. He has a kitchen designer on staff. These were all important to my selection of Custom Contracting, as was their overall reputation of quality workmanship. A contract followed my acceptance of their proposal. It was clear, accurate, and easy to understand. The price included generous allowances for cabinetry and counters. I worked with the kitchen designer, who is very knowledgeable and helpful, to solidify the location and style of appliances and cabinets. I visited the appliance dealer they recommended (extraordinarily helpful) and selected appliances that fit my budget. My sense is that Custom Contracting does a lot of high end work, but I haven't felt pushed to select items/materials that don't fit my more modest kitchen preferences. There are probably contractors who would provide the same kitchen for less, but for me the comfort of dealing with this pleasant, professional, reputable business is worth paying for!
Description of Work: I am beginning a full kitchen remodeling. So far, Custom Contracting has provided a proposal, followed by a contract, and design services. The order for cabinets has just gone in, and a proposed start date established.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$40,000
Susan P.
06/2014
5.0
remodeling, roofing
+ 0 more
We liked Custom from the initial meeting. They are professional, responsive and do really good work. They helped recommend products and made good design suggestions. Their pricing was very fair. We would absolutely work with them again on other house renovations and would highly recommend them to others.
Description of Work: Custom refurbished our garage, put new front stair and handrails and did roof and gutter repair.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$23,000
Marianne B.
06/2014
5.0
remodeling, insulation, home remodeling
+ 1 more
It went extremely well. Couldn't be happier!
Description of Work: Renovated 2 full baths; built and insulated large new closet. These guys are the best!
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50,000
Victor & Susan P.
06/2014
2.0
remodeling
+ -1 more
He was very nice and had a number of good/helpful ideas and seemed to know what he was doing. . We went with another contractor who seemed both a bit cheaper and more able to meet a strict timeline.
Description of Work: Provided an estimate for our basement refinish project. He DID NOT perform the work, so we only know a little bit about him.
Kirk, the lead carpenter, and Don, the plumber always provided quality workmanship. They kept us informed as their work progressed, gave us all the written literature provided with the products they installed, and always cleaned up any debris generated by their work. Kirk smoothly replaced the existing skylight in our sunroom with a Velux solar operating skylight. He also installed 2 recessed medicine cabinets, 2 Basco shower doors, a Bertch vanity, and a Panasonic in-line vent fan servicing both bathrooms. Don expertly replaced 3 toilets with low-flow American Standard models, He also installed 2 sinks with Moen faucets, and 2 Hansgrohe showerheads. The newly painted walls, ceilings, and trim look many years younger. And the new electric timer switches controlling the in-line fan are most welcome. The project took longer than expected, probably due to a couple of the vendors not keeping to the planned schedule. Custom Contracting was competent and pleasant to work with. The workers arrived on site when expected, office staff was available every day if needed, and company management did not consider the job complete until we were totally satisfied.
Description of Work: Replaced existing skylight in sunroom and updated 2 bathrooms
My experience with Custom Contracting was good. I would rate them an 'A'.
Description of Work: Custom Contracting did some structural work for me.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$10,000
Roz K.
01/2014
5.0
remodeling
+ -1 more
we loved our contractor especially Eric who was the lead carpenter, Tom the painter and Joe the plumber - everyone who worked on our new bathroom were especially wonderful caring and with a great sense of humor figured out all the details and problems that comes with a renovation. we love our new bathroom and thank all the people at custom for making it happen.
Description of Work: custom contracting built us a brand new bathroom
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$30,000
Claire F.
09/2013
2.0
remodeling
+ -1 more
I was excited to work with CC as they have amazing Angie's List reviews, and a friend who is an architect recommended them as good quality for a moderate budget. I called and they took my information and said they would call me back with a time for Bill, the head guy, to come out and do a measure of the space and talk about ideas. They didn't call back so a week or so later I called them, and we set up a time. (This becomes a theme.) Bill came out and did a measure and we talked about the kitchen, two bathrooms, and a laundry room--I was excited to get all my dreams for my home out there, though it was the kitchen I was really looking to start with. I had had other contractors come out and they had given me rough estimates over email within about three days, so that is the timeline I expected. When I hadn't heard anything from them in about a week I called and Bill seemed surprised and said he'd be getting that estimate to me (no timeline given). He warned me that they were scheduling jobs into the fall. That was fine, I said, the work would start when it started, but I was looking forward to seeing the estimate. So I went about my life and went on vacation for a week. I expected to have an estimate waiting for me in the mail when I came home, but nothing. I kept getting estimates from other folks and ended up going with another company. Finally, in August, they sent me a postcard that said (paraphrased) "We haven't heard from you in a while, so we guess you aren't moving ahead with your project now. Let us know if you do!" I called to let them know that since we had never heard from them, AT ALL, after Bill's visit--even though I had been talking about projects that would cost a lot of money!--we had gone with another, more responsive firm. The woman on the phone gave me an "oops, sorry" kind of response. All in all, it was very strange. I was obviously very serious about my renovation and I was talking about a major project. I am not sure if they blew me off or just lost track of my info--neither is a very good reason. Maybe they just are slammed with business and didn't need mine, in which case, good for them in this economy. For a company with great reviews, I was very disappointed. Not only did they lose my kitchen reno, they lost my future projects, too.
Description of Work: I contacted this firm with high hopes to give me their estimate and ideas for my full kitchen renovation.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
2.0
Jeanne D.
07/2013
5.0
decks, remodeling
+ 0 more
They're honest, on time and on budget. They stand by their work and they're trustworthy.
Description of Work: They did a huge renovation and deck and porch.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500,000
Noel P.
06/2013
5.0
remodeling, replacement windows
+ 0 more
Entire project went smoothly from start to finish. Detailed quote was supplied promptly & contained several suggestions for ways to reduce project price. Work began as scheduled and they were very respectful of the rest of the home during the project. We were kept appriased of everything that was going on and consulted regularly for detail decisions. Schedule was delayed by less than 1 week due to a final request by the plumbing inspector. All subcontractors initiated work exactly when Custom told us they would. Entire project has gone smoothly and we would use them again in a heartbeat.
Description of Work: Full basement finishing including family room, bedroom, full bathroom, and workshop area. Replaced/upgraded HVAC system. Installed egress windows.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$90,000
Catherine D.
05/2013
5.0
remodeling
+ -1 more
The work went well. The experience of having our home damaged was offset by the thoughtful and careful work that they did. We recommend them highly.
Description of Work: Because of a wind storm, a gigantic tree fell on our house, punching a hole in the roof, and damaging our attic and master bedroom. We called on the services of Custom Contracting for emergency roof repair and, ultimately, for the roof restoration, attic repair, and a structural review of our bedroom ceiling and walls, and for plastering and painting.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000
Ira Z.
02/2013
5.0
insulation, home remodeling, roofing, siding
+ 2 more
I used Custom Contracting last year for bathroom renovation. They just finished some major work on my roofing and siding this past week. It was a whole new roof. It went very smoothly with both jobs. They planned it out very well. Both jobs were done with probably less than 1% or 2% deviation from the estimate and there were potential pitfalls that they were careful to tell me about and fortunately they did not come to pass. They did siding and insulation mainly in areas to properly connect the roofing with the house and there was some bad wood sidings. I do have other jobs in the spring time in connection with the house.
Description of Work: .I used Custom Contracting for bathroom renovation.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50,000
Thomas B.
01/2013
5.0
flooring contractor, remodeling, interior painters, home remodeling, plastering, plumbing, woodworking
+ 5 more
We found Custom Contracting (CC) to be a highly competent, serious, meticulously managed and hard-driving business; but at the same time, one that treats its clients with genuine warmth, respect and the highest standards of fairness, honesty and integrity. We had never done a major remodeling and were full of doubts and questions. But soon we realized that these folks were for real and had our best interests foremost in mind. There was never a hint of pressure: Bill, the President, Craig, the Production Manager, Dave, our great lead carpenter, and the other staff members we dealt with were relaxed--laid back would be a fair expression-extremely knowlegeable and responsive in working out plans, solving problems and making changes both large and small. CC's subcontractors, in demolition, plastering, plumbing, electric, flooring and painting were all top-notch. It's notoriously difficult to keep to schedule in this kind of work. We think that, partly because the subs know that CC is very advantageous to work with, they give their jobs high priority. In any case delays were mostly minor, and CC worked hard to minimize inconvenience in this and all aspects of the work. CC's system for materials--cabinets, sink/faucet, countertops, etc., allocates a defined fair market price amount for each in the overall contract. But, no problem if the client happens to find a better price for something and pay a supplier directly. CC will subtract the material's designated amount from the contract, so that only the installation/labor is charged. You receive ongoing clear, professionally prepared schedules of payments, related to stages of progress, that accurately account for any of these changes. Follow-up: our project was finished last year just at the start of the busy Spring season for remodeling. There were a couple of minor problems over the following months that CC nevertheless promptly worked into their schedule. In one continuing problem, soft-close hinge parts breaking one at a time over several months, CC responded even though it was doubtful that their installation had anytthing to do with it. Recently we found the breakages are in fact due to a factory defect in the part itself, which the supplier has now agreed to replace with a new reinforced model.
Description of Work: Remodel kitchen and dining room: assist with plans, drawings and design, coordinate with outside suppliers; obtain all construction permits and coordinate inspections, demolish intervening wall, ceilings and floor; remove old cabinets and install them in garage and basement for storage; install new overhead and under-cabinet lighting, circuits and outlets; replace popcorn type ceilings with plaster; rework ducting; remove kitchen island and reroute dishwasher and sink plumbing to wall cabinet sites; install new cabinets to design spec's; install hardwood flooring; remove five old appliances and replace with new ones, modifying asociated electrical and plumbing; assist with granite countertop purchase and installation; paint all affected areas.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$41,880
Diane K.
09/2012
5.0
remodeling, home remodeling
+ 0 more
I had an excellent experience with Custom Contracting. Everyone was professional and helpful, subs were great. Lead carpenter assigned to oversee my job went out of his way to make sure I was happy. He was also a really nice guy and a great carpenter. I wanted to have a new kitchen that blended in with the style of my 1920's home and they really understood what I wanted from the beginning. They removed, saved and reinstalled existing trim on doors and windows, which was fantastic. They also moved and reused existing windows to improve the layout.They listened to what I wanted and offered options. They fixed any issues right away to my satisfaction. The job took 9 weeks from start to finish, only slightly more than what they projected, and was due to having to wait for a few days for subs. I also have a relatively small kitchen space and they really worked hard to maximize the area and listened to my wants and needs. (I think working in smaller spaces requires more skill than if you have a large area.) I would highly recommend them. Prices were competitive with other bids I got.
Description of Work: Complete demolition and remodel of kitchen
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50,000
Natalie S.
09/2012
5.0
doors
+ -1 more
Although the whole project took longer than we would have originally guessed (8 months from the first phone call to the final signoff!), Custom was very professional and responsive. The delays were caused by us and/or unavoidable factors [such as waiting for the door to arrive, or trying to mesh our schedule with the long-planned summer vacations of their skilled staff], not Custom; they always explained exactly what was going on and why. We accepted their original bid and did not seek other bids. They came when they said they would (or called if they had to reschedule). They responded promptly to all communications from us whether via email or phone. Supervisors came from HQ to discuss and price the work, then an excellent carpenter did the actual door installation. The carpenter also installed, but was not satisfied with, the storm door hardware that had been ordered, so Custom obtained a replacement set of a different type and installed that. They cleaned up every scrap when they finished the work. There were no extra charges at any time. Everyone we dealt with was courteous and intelligent. Several weeks after the job was completed, we called Custom because we were still having a problem with the storm door not closing correctly. Custom send a man to fix it the next day (no charge of course) and now both doors work perfectly. We are "newbies" to home renovation work and are very pleased with our excellent experience with Custom Contracting regarding this 'small" job. In addition to the carpentry work, they had a stone mason who put the stones back together in our front door stoop. I don't know if they are the cheapest company in town but they did a great job for us.
Description of Work: Our back door, the most-used entrance of the house, was failing after 50+ years of service. Custom recommended a particular replacement door that met our requirements (solid wood, glass panes similar to the existing door), then installed it. The job required removing and replacing the whole door frame and threshhold, and included replacing the hardware on the storm door, then finishing the new door and painting the storm door and frame. Also, the bluestone stoop at our front door entrance was falling apart; a Custom mason put it back to together.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,800
Alexandra S.
09/2012
5.0
remodeling
+ -1 more
I looked into many contractors in the area and ultimately decided upon Custom Contracting due to a fantastic experience in the quoting process and ultimate follow-up. Working with them, I have experienced nothing but constant professionalism and responsiveness from everyone in the office and on the site. They were extraordinary to work with throughout the whole process and the finished product is of a very high quality, we love it. I would absolutely work with them again on any future projects.
Description of Work: We are a growing business and needed to remodel an unfinished basement into a new conference room and workspace. Work performed: carpentry, insulation, drywall, painting, electrical, carpet, all finishing work.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$57,000
BRIAN & SARAH B.
07/2012
5.0
remodeling, home remodeling
+ 0 more
Took about 3 weeks to complete total and they were very mindful of the fact that it is hard to live without a kitchen when you have two small kids. Aside from one day, our kitchen was usuable throughout the project- so I could actually cook dinner in the evenings when they left- they just cleaned everything up and they kept all appliances in place until they needed to come out, took out the old sink and installed it the same day as the countertop was installed.They kept mess to a minimum- put up plastic t containt the dust and cleaned with a hepa shop vacuum daily whenever any dust was generated. They respected our space and did top quality work.
Description of Work: Kitchen remodel- choose to keep same layout and cabinets so this was not a total gut rehab. We replaced three kitchen windows, installed new soapstone countertops, new undermount sink and new faucet, replaced stove and hood (which they vented for me to outside as I desired), painted the cabinets and walls, installed a tile backsplash, replaced hardware (hinges and knobs) and replaced two light fixtures, installed new LED undercounter lights (it was already wired for this- we replaced flouresecnt undercounter fixtures)Labor was about 19,000; supplies (new sink and faucet, stove, hood, windows, tile, countertop stone and hardware) was an additional 10,000.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$29,000
Catherine P.
05/2012
5.0
home remodeling, plumbing, woodworking
+ 1 more
They always do exactly as promised when they advise the project will be completed. They are very easy to work with. They have good communcation and really work with you to meet your expectations, even if that includes making changes during the work or when a problem might arise. They are a little pricey but it is worth every penny.
Description of Work: I have used Custom Contracting several times. Most recently, they fixed a leak, upgraded my bathroom and built some storage units in the pantry.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Sung C.
08/2011
5.0
ceramic tile, remodeling, home remodeling, plumbing, woodworking
+ 3 more
We have hired Custom Contracting to do multiple substantial jobs over the last several years. Each time they were very professional and performed consistently high quality work. We have previously experienced difficulties with multiple other contractors. It is a comfort to know that we can hire this company and not have headaches afterwards.
Description of Work: Full upstairs remodel Downstairs bath remodel and reinforcement Exterior painting
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$40,000
Martha D.
06/2011
5.0
remodeling, home remodeling, replacement windows, woodworking
+ 2 more
I was able to make a decision based upon their very helpful suggestions.
Description of Work: I have wooden beams which suffered major water damage and visible stains due to the storms of 2010. I received various suggestions as to how to repair this damage. Custom was the most helpful with their suggestions and very generous with their advice.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
ELENA Z.
06/2011
5.0
remodeling, insulation, plastering, replacement windows
+ 2 more
They are a very well organized company, and their project management is very good. People arrive when promised, and they always follow up. I?ve experienced no headaches while working them.
Description of Work: I’ve worked with Custom Contracting several times. Their work for me has included remodeling, insulation, plastering, new windows, and structural work.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
General Remodeling,
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling,
Finished Carpentry and Woodworking,
Plumbing,
Decks and Porches,
Doors,
Ceramic Tile,
Windows,
Siding,
Flooring Sales and Installation,
Interior Painting,
Roofing
FAQ
Custom Contracting is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Custom Contracting accepts the following forms of payment: Check,MasterCard,Visa