"We hired James, Dan, and their crew for a major deck renovation. The level of thoughtfulness and craftsmanship throughout the project was outstanding. This was not a simple refresh — it involved removing an existing hot tub, renovating a cabana, reworking the deck framing to convert it into a single-level deck, installing a new staircase, and adding a cable rail system. Every aspect of the project was approached with precision and care, and the finished product is without flaw.
They were easy to work with from start to finish, handling decisions and mid-project modifications thoughtfully and professionally. The whole crew was consistently approachable and friendly, and clearly took pride in their work. Daily cleanup was always done well, which we especially appreciated since we had a puppy at the time. Definitely recommended!"
"The team did a fantastic job on my full home renovation. From start to finish, they were professional, punctual, and very detail-oriented. The quality of the craftsmanship is top-notch, and they kept the site clean throughout the process. I?m extremely happy with the final result. Highly recommended"
"I hired Victor to build a new house to specification and it came out great. The finishes were high quality and working with him was a breeze. I appreciated how organized he was and how he kept the project on schedule. Would very much recommend him to others and use him again."
"Lightship Development is the gold standard for renovations. Kim and Dave form an incredible team, combining clear communication, realistic expectations, and timely delivery. We tackled a major project in a very old home, and they completed it within the time frame they initially estimated—only a minor delay, which was due to factors on our end. Kim excels at organizing all the subcontractors and keeps us in the loop with multiple updates throughout the week. Dave is the expert on-site, handling all the details with precision and ensuring everything meets our satisfaction. I’ve recommended Lightship Development to others and will continue to do so because of their excellent work, lighthearted approach to complex and stressful projects, and straightforward business practices. There were no surprises—we finished on time, on budget, and couldn’t be happier with the results."
"Wood Trades did a wonderful job on my front deck and quality work. I love the way John picture framed the steps, nicely done. Must note the intangibles, Wood Trades communicated with me every step of the project. They respected our home and cleaned up each day."
"Justin and his team did an amazing job converting our attic into a master suite and playroom space. Justin kept me informed with all the details during the project and the result was beyond our expectations. The detailed woodwork he added made our upstairs space flow Beautifully with our main floor. Justin Is very trustworthy, fair and honest and made us all feel very comfortable around him."
"Great experience with Brooks Brothers. We needed to replace all interior doors in our home. Given this is an older house, all doors had to be custom cut. Bobby was professional, courteous and friendly. He made sure we were happy with every step during the process. Iâ  m very happy with the completed job and it was done within the estimated time. I would have no hesitation in using their service again."
"Will Arana was great to work with with a bunch of home improvements including repairing and painting a ceiling, replacing a dozen drop ceiling panels, replacing a garbage disposal, repairing a handrail and replacing a door handle. All don at reasonable labor rates with me buying my own materials. Will was ver professional and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend him to anyone."
"Very professional. Great value. Timely estimate and work completion. I would highly recommend if you need any repair/construction needs. I will be hiring again."
The term “cottage” is subjective, so there’s no rigid definition, but it generally refers to a small home with simple and purposeful architecture that embraces nature and focuses on charm over everything else. Cottages are typically 1 or 1 1/2-stories tall, usually with gabled roofs, and are built out of natural materials that help make the structure a part of the surrounding nature rather than something that stands out from it. A big part of what makes a cottage a cottage is the decor, which includes natural materials from the nearby area.
Skid foundations, deck block foundations, and concrete block foundations are the most affordable shed foundation options. Of these, we recommend deck blocks. Deck blocks are easy to install and level, and they raise your shed up off the ground to prevent rotting from exposure to water and moisture. Keep in mind that deck blocks won’t resist soil movement or frost heave, so they’re not ideal in areas with expansive soil or a deep frost line.
Any type of construction that damages a tree’s roots via soil compaction can be dangerous, and is one of the primary causes of mature tree death in residential areas. Simply putting lots of weight on the ground around the tree, like construction supplies, trailers, and equipment, can kill roots near the surface. Of course, installing new foundations, patios, or utility lines can cut through nearby tree roots. Accidentally striking a tree with equipment or supplies is rarely a problem, but can cause damage of its own, too.
This answer varies based on where you are, but most states require that all homes are greater than 320 square feet. Remember that four walls are not the only requirements—windows, closet space, minimal ceiling heights, and indoor air quality are also factors. Each state and municipality differs, though, and as some don’t consider tiny homes permanent shelters, you’ll need to check to ensure you aren’t violating any local or state laws with your build.
Ranch and colonial-style homes are often the most affordable to build. They have a common layout with available designs that are easy to adjust in simple ways without having to spend too much on a structural engineer or architect. Both types of homes' symmetry, simple roofs, and often one or two-story plans mean they often fall in the $150 to $200 square-foot range, putting them right around average.
The Rehoboth, MA homeowners’ guide to barndominium building
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If home is where the barn is, a barndominium may be the dream house you’ve been looking for. Here are all the details you need to know about barndominium costs.
A barndominium offers lots of advantages, including durability and versatility. But is building a barndominium the right choice for you? Let’s find out.
