Frequently Asked Questions

For full kitchens and major renovations, we're usually booking 3–5 months out. Smaller projects — built-ins, deck repairs, trim work — can sometimes start within 4–6 weeks.

No. The first site visit and written estimate are free, anywhere within our service area (roughly Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Essex, Beverly, Hamilton, and Ipswich).

Cape Ann and the North Shore of Massachusetts, plus select projects in Greater Boston for repeat clients. We don't travel further than that — being local is part of how we work.

Yes. MA Home Improvement Contractor #189204, MA Construction Supervisor License #102847. We carry $2M general liability and full workers' comp coverage. Certificates available on request.

Yes, we pull all required permits in Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester, Essex, Beverly, Ipswich, and Hamilton. For historic district properties, we coordinate with the local commission on your behalf.

Typically 25% deposit at contract signing, progress draws tied to completed phases, and 10% retained until final punch list is signed off. We don't ask for full payment up front.

One year on workmanship, plus whatever the manufacturer warranty is on materials and hardware (usually 10–25 years on cabinetry, 25+ on premium decking).

For appliances, plumbing fixtures, and hardware, yes — we'll happily install client-supplied items. For lumber and structural materials, we prefer to source ourselves so we can stand behind the work.

We try to. A morning of trim repair or a single bookcase can be hard to schedule between bigger projects, but we keep a small-jobs list and try to clear it monthly.

Yes — historic restoration is one of our specialties. Pete trained at North Bennet Street School's Preservation Carpentry program and we work to MA Historical Commission standards when required.

Any change to scope or price is documented in writing and signed off before the work happens. No surprise add-ons in the final invoice.

Carpentry stays in-house. We coordinate with trusted local subs for plumbing, electrical, tile, plaster, and painting — usually the same handful of people we've worked with for years.

Yes, by appointment. The shop on Eden Road isn't a showroom, but we're happy to show you in-progress work, finish samples, and lumber stock. Call ahead.

Easiest is to send a note via the contact page or call the shop. We'll set up a time to come walk through the project, usually within 1–2 weeks.