A Message From Our Founder
Essex is a residential building and remodeling company specializing in custom home building and renovation for clients in Boston, Metro West and the North Shore. Our crew has well over 250 years of combined experience in building, historic preservation, and remodeling. With a uniquely diverse mix of education and experience, what brings our team together, and sets us apart, is commitment to quality workmanship, attention to detail and extraordinary customer service. In addition to our in-house staff, Essex works with a select group of subcontractors on a regular basis. As a result of this consistent collaboration, we are confident in their expertise, and they are familiar with our high standards.
Walter Beebe-Center
Building Custom Homes
Hiring a contractor is a leap of faith. You’re trusting someone with your home; one of the most personal things you own. That trust has to be earned, and at Essex, we’ve spent 30 years earning it.
When you bring us onto a project, you’re not just getting a crew. You’re getting over 250 years of combined expertise in carpentry, historic preservation, and fine remodeling. That depth of knowledge gets built through decades of hands-on work, hard lessons, and a genuine obsession with getting the details right.
What holds our team together is a shared standard. Every nail, joint, and finish reflects something we believe down to our bones: quality craftsmanship and real customer care aren’t add-ons. They’re the starting point.
Over three decades, we’ve worked on virtually every corner of a home. That experience now drives what’s become our greatest passion: building custom homes from the ground up. Whether a client comes to us with a vision for a historic restoration or a modern build designed entirely from scratch, the same precision and care goes into every square foot.
The photos and testimonials throughout this site tell that story far better than any description could. Take a look at the work. And if you like what you see, we’d be honored to be part of what you build next.
EXPERT RESTORATION & REMODELING
WHERE HISTORIC CHARM MEETS MODERN CRAFTSMANSHIP
With over 250 years of combined carpentry and preservation expertise, our team transforms historic properties into stunning modern spaces without sacrificing their original character. From custom millwork to complete restorations, we bring unmatched attention to detail and a dedication to quality that shows in every project. Our carefully selected craftspeople and long-term partnerships ensure your home receives the care it deserves; backed by extraordinary customer service from start to finish.
Services
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Custom Homebuilding -
Home Additions
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Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling
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Historic Preservation
Affiliations
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National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
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Builders & Remodelers Association of Greater Boston (BRAGB)
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National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
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Historic New England
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National Trust for Historic Preservation
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Preservation Trades’ Network
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Trustees of Reservations
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Essex County Greenbelt
Our Team
Our crew has over 250 years of combined experience in building, remodeling, and architectural preservation. With a uniquely diverse mix of education and experience, what brings our team together, and sets us apart, is commitment to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and extraordinary customer service.
Our Portfolio
John and Walter, We are so happy! Can’t begin to tell you what a pleasure it has been to work with Essex, you and all your crew, all wonderful people. Any time you would like a rave review just say the word.
We couldn’t be happier with the work! We can certainly attest to your flexibility, ‘can do’ approach, and innovative solutions. Thanks again for a great job that was on time, on budget and exceeded expectations!
Walter and John unfailingly put in the time and effort needed to ensure that I understand my options and can choose those that meet my needs best. Essex staff are true professionals, from their craftsmanship to their project management and communication with me as a client. I will not hesitate to use them for home improvements in the future.
Never in all my years of home remodeling projects have I experienced the work ethic your group displayed. From your timeliness, quality of workmanship, and right down to the end of the day clean up. Everything by Essex was top notch and I am pleasantly surprised by how the team came together to get the job done.
Thanks for everything Walter. It is a pleasure to work with a true professional like you – you are a dying breed, I am afraid.
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed having them work here. I know it’s a weird thing to say, but they are all perfectly delightful, so professional, talented and knowledgeable gentlemen.
Walter, I felt a great need to let you know what a great group of guys you have hired.
Walter. You and your team are the best!!
You took good care of me! I liked working with you and the crew a great deal, and even two years later still get compliments on the excellent quality of the workmanship.
Thank you for the phenomenal job. The patience, attention and professionalism that you displayed made what we thought would be a stressful and uncertain experience seamless and stress-free. You returned our calls, showed up on time, and you completed the project on schedule.
Walter and John have led their company in highly successful projects with Torrey Architecture. Our firms have collaborated to provide design-build capabilities to realize our clients’ dreams to transform their homes. I recommend Essex as a capable and trustworthy builder who is a pleasure to work with.
Building with Recognition
We’re honored that our work has been recognized by industry publications and organizations throughout Massachusetts. These awards reflect our team’s dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and client satisfaction. We don’t pursue recognition for its own sake—we focus on doing great work for our clients. When that work gets noticed, it’s a meaningful validation of the trust homeowners place in us.