"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."
"It went great we had a woodpecker put a hole in the side of our house. Communication was great through out the process, work was done in a timely efficient manner. Exceeded our expectations would highly recommend."
"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 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.
It can, especially with the rising popularity of treehouses that go beyond the ones designed for kids. Adults can now use them as office spaces, yoga studios, or quiet treetop retreats. That said, a treehouse can appeal to families with children or adults who might want to convert it into a space of their own. Depending on the buyer, they may be willing to pay extra for the unique feature.
Due to the expansion of the tiny house movement, you can usually find tiny houses to buy in your state. Prices range considerably based on size, style, and type. If you’re looking for a tiny home that’s move-in ready, you may be able to find a good deal to buy or a prefab dealer near you.
Yes, you can use a storage shed several ways, including as a chicken coop, but you'll need to make some modifications. You will have to add a chicken door, roosts, ventilation near the roof, mesh on the windows, and insulation if you live in a colder climate. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the shed is predator-proof so no other animals can harm your chickens. You should also add a run and nest boxes to your shed.
While prices fluctuate because of increased demand, fewer supplies, and engineering time, OSB generally remains more affordable than plywood at $1 to $2.40 per square foot compared to the $4.50 to $10 for plywood. Cost is only one factor you should consider when deciding between OSB and plywood.
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.