"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."
Adding an extension or addition to your home costs more than a loft conversion in all but the rarest cases where the home's structural integrity is lacking. Because a home addition requires a new foundation section or significant structural upgrades to handle a cantilevered portion, the cost compared to almost any loft conversion is significantly greater for the same square footage.
It is recommended that you check with your local building official on barn building requirements and rules, since size restrictions vary greatly from region to region based on what your property is zoned for. Some cities limit barn construction depending on if your property is residential or commercial. The three main factors your building commission will evaluate are:
Height and lot coverage: How tall your barn is and how much of your total property it occupies
Setback: Distance between barn and property line
Easement: Legal right for another owner to access another’s property
Average barndominiums last between 50 and 150 years depending on the materials they are made from, how well they are maintained, and the environment they are built in. Barndominiums are very durable and have a much longer lifespan than traditional wood homes. With proper care and maintenance, well-built barndominium homes can last generations.
Yes, barn doors can be too heavy, although the limitation is usually imposed by the mounting hardware you buy and not your home’s framing, unless you’re building an unusually wide door. To keep the weight down, you can opt for 1-by material rather than 2-by material, and choose a softwood like pine rather than a hardwood like maple or oak. Check the weight limits on your mounting hardware, and always attach your door track to studs rather than to drywall anchors.
The best lumber for building will be the strongest and most eco-friendly wood your budget allows. That being said, Douglas fir, pine, oak, and maple are all common building materials. Contractors will use a strong, inexpensive wood to frame a house or other structure and finer woods like mahogany for detail work.
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.
