--- title: "Howell Custom Building Group — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/howell-custom-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1325406688 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1325406688.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Howell Custom Building Group" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5c134ab40f7ca704_4366-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "370 Merrimack Street, Suite 405, Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843, United States" latitude: 42.6911 longitude: -71.1605 phone: "(978) 989-9440" website: http://www.howellcustombuild.com rating: 5 review_count: 38 best_of_houzz_awards: 17 followers: 436 last_updated: 2026-08-21 --- # Howell Custom Building Group Original Houzz profile: [Howell Custom Building Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/howell-custom-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1325406688) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Lawrence, MA - **Serves:** Salem, Andover, North Andover, Gloucester, Newburyport, North Reading, Lynnfield, Middleton, Georgetown, Boxford, Hamilton, Rockport, Groveland, Topsfield, West Newbury, Manchester - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (38 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 17 awards (2013–2026), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Howell Custom Building Group has been creating fine home additions, home renovations and custom new homes north of Boston for over 25 years. We pride ourselves on meticulous planning and expert craftsmanship, delivering consistently spectacular results. Working with Howell Custom Building Group means no surprises, no regrets. Just a great building experience and a home that will serve your family well throughout your lifetime. We typically get involved at the project's outset refining the project scope and budget, then putting the appropriate design and build team in place. We offer some in-house design services, but most often we collaborate with outside architects and interior designers. Our project managers and carpenters are our own employees. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Home Restoration - Porch Design & Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Project Management - Multigenerational Homes - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Barn Design & Construction - Custom Home - Indoor Basketball Courts ### Areas Served - Salem - Andover - North Andover - Gloucester - Newburyport - North Reading - Lynnfield - Middleton - Georgetown - Boxford - Hamilton - Rockport - Groveland - Topsfield - West Newbury - Manchester ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 5 million We focus on high end additions and renovations, as well as unique custom homes. We offer expert project management, top quality craftsmanship, and the ability to solve complex construction issues. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Howell Custom Building Group | | Address | 370 Merrimack Street, Suite 405, Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843, United States | | Phone | (978) 989-9440 | | Website | http://www.howellcustombuild.com | | License Number | 175166 | | Followers on Houzz | 436 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://facebook.com/HowellCustomBuild - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/HowellCusBldGrp - Blog — http://www.howellcustombuild.com/blog-2 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Howell Custom Building Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/howell-custom-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1325406688) - **Website:** http://www.howellcustombuild.com - **Phone:** (978) 989-9440 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2022 & 2021: PRO New England GOLD Award for Entire House $500k and over; 2016-2022: Best of Northshore Home (BONS) Editor's Choice Builder; 2021 PRISM Gold for Best Kitchen Remodel, Best Design for Outdoor Living; PRISM Silver for Best Remodel over 5,000 sq ft; Most Creative Use of Space - **Best of Houzz:** 17 awards (2013–2026), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Builders & Remodelers Assoc. of Gr. Boston (BRAGB)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/builders-and-remodelers-assoc-of-gr-boston-bragb-pfvwus-pf~1762063391) - [NAHB Remodelers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-remodelers-pfvwus-pf~597469654) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 38 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-719050185, March 2025** > I was so pleased with our first project in 2020 with Howell that I tasked them to help with two townhomes we renovated in southern NH! > When I walk into the renovated spaces I am in awe at this team's ability to transform the sad, dingy, ugly spaces into the bright and beautiful spaces we have now. Despite our short time in the newly renovated space we have entertained quite a bit and people (especially the ones who saw this townhome before the reno) are in shock at the new space. I think most people have always expected us to live in a lovely space, but there were definitely some who questioned whether or not anyone including me could do anything with the "Before". I am pleased to say the team's completed work or "After" has been oooohed and aaaahed over and over again! By the way, I respect these people's opinions so they would not be included in my "I don't give a fig what you think" category of people > Another exceptional job by Howell for us! **★★★★★ — Claire's Perspective, Jan. 2025** > I had the pleasure of collaborating with Howell Custom Building Group on a recent project, and I couldn't be more impressed with their professionalism, expertise and commitment to excellence. As an interior designer, attention to detail and clear communication are critical, and they delivered on every front. > > The team was highly skilled, responsive to project needs and proactive in addressing challenges. Their workmanship was superb, and they consistently went above and beyond to ensure a high-quality outcome. > > I highly recommend HCBG to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled general contractor. I look forward to working with them again on future projects! **★★★★★ — apl28, Nov. 2023** > We have worked with many contractors on home renovation projects over the years, and would put Howell at the top of our list for their attention to detail, proactive communication, excellent pre-project planning process (thank you Garrett) and execution of high quality work at a reasonable price. > > Howell finished our 1200+ sq foot basement including a wine cellar, a full guest suite, and an outdoor shower - and got it done several weeks ahead of schedule and right on budget. Their sub contractors worked efficiently - and even went above and beyond when we had an unrelated HVAC issue come up during the project. > > We have already recommended Howell to friends and look forward to working with their team again in the future. **★★★★★ — Tim Collins, April 2023** > I was very pleased with the performance of Howell Custom Building in all areas of the project; initial cost estimation, project management, and the quality of the work. They renovated 2 barns and built two new barns; one of which was a very project which included restoring a 1793 timber frame. They dealt with my numerous requests for small 'unique add-on work' professionally and pleasantly. **★★★★★ — baileylab01, Feb. 2023** > If you are looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom and want quality and reliability call Howell Custom Building Group. We recently remodeled our Boxford kitchen and MasterBath and the results are stunning! > From pulling the permit to the help of a knowledgeable project manager to keep things on track the Howell team is the best! Their carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters are all top notch. They stand by their work. **★★★★★ — Patricia O'Brien, June 2022** > My experience with Howell has been unique in that we started the process right before Covid and entered into the construction faze during the height of Covid. Steve and Susan Howell and all their associates Steve, Leana, Josh, Dave etc have conducted themselves in a most professional, thoughtful and careful manner. Always putting the safety of my family first. > The renovation turned out beautifully. We completely renovated the majority of the second floor with a lot of smaller jobs that needed to be done else where on the property. The same care and attention to detail was given to the smallest of tasks as were the largest! Very impressive indeed. There were also very few surprises on this job. Between the careful planning, design and then scheduling culminating in the completion of tasks we always knew exactly what was going to happen, how much it was going to cost and when it was happening. Usually with a reno this size you might move out for a few months, but we stayed put since Covid was such an unknown and although very challenging with people working and schooling from home the team at Howell made every effort to be quiet when possible and super clean! > I highly recommend Howell Custom Building Group! **★★★★★ — Anne Wakeman, Feb. 2022** > We recently completed a major renovation project with Howell Custom Building Group and couldn't be happier. We tried to kick off the project 3 years ago but due to family situations and then Covid struck we had to keep rearranging things. Howell could not have been more patient and flexible with us. Once we finally got to kick things off we were surrounded by such amazing and talented people. Steve our architect is so good at what he does and so easy work with. When we then moved into the actual construction period the team at Howell made sure we were set up comfortably as we would be living in the house while our family room, kitchen, laundry and mud room were torn apart. Every day we felt comfortable and and were able to maintain our privacy. Brad our lead carpenter was so easy to be around and was meticulous at keeping the job site clean. Everyone that came to work on the house were professional and kind and knew exactly what they were there to do. While timelines always get moved around due to materials or changes to the original plans (always due to us making tweaks!) communication was always handled in a very timely manner. We now have the home we dreamed of and feel so grateful that we decided to work with Howell. **★★★★★ — HU-342448369, Nov. 2021** > HCBG did an exceptional job renovating our home. Stellar customer service! Superb craftsmanship! The entire HCBG team was professional, courteous and treated our home like it was their own. The project manager, lead carpenter, and all of the subcontractors were knowledgeable and took pride in their work. We have already recommended HCBG to several of our friends! We absolutely love our newly renovated home. **★★★★★ — HU-390485, Dec. 2020** > We have done many projects at two houses over more than a decade with Howell Custom Building Group and cannot recommend them highly enough. Projects include a new front entrance, a complete kitchen gut remodel, the gut and remodel of a cramped attic into an amazing home office and gym plus several smaller projects. The process is always clear and concise, the work impeccable and the people - both HGB employees and subcontractors - top notch! **★★★★★ — arnoldry, Oct. 2020** > We worked with Howell Custom Building Group in the extensive renovation and update of our Royal Barry Wills inspired home over a 2.5 year period. The team at Howell was highly recommended, yet still exceeded our expectations in all phases of redesign and renovation. Starting with thoughtfut consultation throughout the design process leading into the detailed work by the contractors, the team at Howell was consistently professional, highly skilled and visionary in the re-immagination of our home. Our design team of Ben, Rick (Benjamin Nutter Architects) and Steve P, and Steve H worked closely with us to design a home that our family could enjoy for years to come. The project team, led by Bill and Blaire, was always enjoyable and easy to work with throughout the process. The highly skilled expertise of Emile, George, Brian, Tim and Steve D, brought the design to reality with quality craftmanship that thoroughly impresses everyone that has seen our home. We are so thankful to have worked with such a great team, full of amazing people that truly care. Thank you Steve, Susan and all of the team at Howell Custom Building Group for helping make our dream home a reality. **★★★★★ — Bob Gore, May 2020** > For virtually all of 2019 we worked with the Howell group on an extensive renovation to our 1830 farmhouse. We knocked down an entire wing of the house and rebuilt it. We also took the opportunity to modernize the heating and AC systems and a number of other related projects. We lived in the house while all this was going on! > > This was a big project complicated by the age of the house and other factors. We are pleased to report that the project was done precisely on schedule and under budget! > > For a project of this scope you quickly realize that you are living with the contractor and his various teams. The Howell team could not have been better in terms of just being pleasant to be around , Doing work of the highest quality in a very efficient manner. Of course, issues come up that were unanticipated and the Howell team does a great job of keeping everything on track and communicating in a clear and proactive manner. > > We could not be happier with the results. Our home is much more attractive and comfortable.. we can use rooms now that were freezing before. > > We highly recommend the Howell team. They have a tremendous depth of resources and they deliver on all their promises. We received many wonderful complements about our house and the project. **★★★★★ — Marla Glanzer Curtis,AIA, April 2020** > As an architect I have worked with many building contractors and Howell Custom Building Group > is among the best. I hired them to do the work on my own personal residence. They built a new deck and had several major structural issues that they addressed. They were detail oriented, kept me updated on their progress and presented alternative materials or methods which was really helpful. I appreciated the whole format that they used;weekly meetings, scheduled invoices. Everyone that worked on the project was professional and extraordinarily helpful. ## Selected projects - [Adirondack Style Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-style-custom-home-pj-vj~6983223) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 16 - Description: The homeowners goals for this expansive custom home was to create an informal year-round residence for their active family, who love the outdoors and family time. They wanted a space where they could regularly host gatherings with friends and family, offering a variety of indoor/outdoor recreational activities and gathering spaces. The result is a dramatic, yet comfortable home, that exudes a feeling of warmth and relaxation as you step through the front door. The open floor plan offers flexible… - [Custom Home - Southern Maine Adirondack Style Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-southern-maine-adirondack-style-lake-house-pj-vj~43412) - Location: Bethel, ME - Photos: 16 - Description: 2009 GOLD PRISM Award for Best Custom Home over 6,000 square feet - [Custom Home - North Shore, MA Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-north-shore-ma-contemporary-pj-vj~145186) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 16 - [Northshore MA Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northshore-ma-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~6573730) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 41 - Description: The goal was to refresh this 20 year old, 10,000 square foot, lakeside "Builders Special" house with up-to-date and better quality materials and finishes. The homeowners loved the expansive space, indoor pool, and tennis court. The exterior and interior of the entire home was renovated. Roofing, Siding, Doors were replaced. Outdated palladian windows were replaced with cottage style windows, more appropriate to the house. The roof was reconfigured to eliminate ice dam and water runoff issues. In… - [Custom Home - Arts & Crafts style timber frame](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-arts-and-crafts-style-timber-frame-pj-vj~902207) - Location: Lincoln, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: This 3500 square foot, 4 bedroom, timber-frame house was designed by Timberpeg and inspired by California Arts & Crafts architects Greene & Greene. The house is fashioned of Douglas fir posts and beams, spruce ceilings, and red-oak flooring. Under the cathedral ceiling, the great room encompasses the living room, dining room, and kitchen. An attached garage and several outbuildings cluster around the 1.5 storey house, which is sheathed in stained cedar shingles. A magnolia tree near the front do… - [Cape Ann Oceanfront Exterior Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-ann-oceanfront-exterior-renovation-pj-vj~341006) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 16 - Description: This 1955 Cape on Dollivers Neck features sweeping views of Gloucester Harbor. The homeowners wanted to renovate their outdoor living space to create a greater variety of functions and ways to enjoy the outdoors. The original home had a monotonous rectangular deck that offered no shaded areas. This was replaced with multi-level outdoor spaces centered on an expanded deck and three season porch, organically shaped to reflect the various living spaces. The new outdoor living space has completely c… - [Custom Home - North Shore MA Craftsman Cape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-north-shore-ma-craftsman-cape-pj-vj~145048) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: This expansive custom designed cape exudes an understated elegance and features arts & crafts style elements. - [Custom Home - North Shore, MA Traditional Post & Beam Saltbox](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-north-shore-ma-traditional-post-and-beam-saltbox-pj-vj~145138) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 10 - [Cape Cod Style Farmhouse Renovation, Kittery Maine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-cod-style-farmhouse-renovation-kittery-maine-pj-vj~891160) - Location: Kittery, ME - Photos: 21 - Description: Winner of the Gold Award for Best Remodel/Renovation from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston. The homeowner's bought this antique farmhouse on the coast of Maine with the intention of renovating it to provide a peaceful summer retreat for their family. They wanted to maintain some of the charming antique features, while also adding space, modern amenities, and views of the marshland and ocean beyond. The home was expanded with a two story addition featuring complementary r… - [Historic Home Interior Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-home-interior-renovation-pj-vj~1799048) - Location: Andover, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: Built in 1860, this historic home is located next to historic Phillips Academy in Andover MA and in the past it served as a home to the academy’s administrators. When the current homeowners purchased the house, their goal was to restore its original formality and enhance the finish work throughout the first floor. The project included remodeling the front entry, living room, dining room, kitchen remodel and a master bathroom renovation on the second floor. The end result is an exquisite blending… - [Cape Ann Beachfront Cottage Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-ann-beachfront-cottage-renovation-pj-vj~145060) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: 2011 GOLD PRISM Award for Best Remodeling/Restoration under $250,000 The goal of the remodel was to enhance water views while creating more living space and aesthetic appeal --all while staying within the original 24x36 footprint per zoning restrictions. The solution was to open the ceiling with steel cable trusses to create cathedral space and a sleeping/play loft. Front windows were replaced with glass sliders; a curved, nautical style deck with a low profile cable rail was added. - [North Shore, MA Traditional Breakfast Room & Mudroom Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-ma-traditional-breakfast-room-and-mudroom-addition-pj-vj~43379) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: This home addition and renovation gives personality and a unique feel to a traditional spec-built home. - [North Shore, MA Post & Beam Living Room Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-ma-post-and-beam-living-room-addition-pj-vj~43401) - Location: North Andover, MA - Photos: 9 - [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodeling-pj-vj~145018) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 40 - [Transitional Kitchen/Dining Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-kitchen-dining-remodel-pj-vj~6425569) - Location: Andover, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: A bustling family of five were bursting from the seams of this traditional colonial with small, separate rooms on the first floor. The goal was to create a large, open kitchen/dining space to more comfortably accommodate the family and their guests, while incorporating the homeowner’s eclectic, transitional style. Throughout the space, the combination of farm style and contemporary details, and the contrasts of light and dark create a dramatic, cozy, and playful vibe. - [Bright White Kitchen & Mudroom Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bright-white-kitchen-and-mudroom-remodel-pj-vj~6425463) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: This 1990’s expansive colonial was remodeled to improve traffic flow and functionality in the informal parts of the first floor. The goal was to create a more inviting and open space, allowing for improved organization for a busy family of four who enjoy a variety of activities and entertaining. The entryway was transformed with a gracious oversized (42” wide) 12 lite fir entry door that welcomes guests into a furnished hallway. A new, separate mudroom/laundry room replaced a home office. It is… - [Naturally Elegant First Floor Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/naturally-elegant-first-floor-remodel-pj-vj~6565892) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 4 - [North Andover Traditional Cape Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-andover-traditional-cape-renovation-pj-vj~145080) - Location: North Andover, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: This whole house renovation included adding a family room and patio to the back of the home, renovating the kitchen, and creating a master suite on the second floor by adding dormers on the front and the back of the home. - [North Shore, MA Farmhouse Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-ma-farmhouse-addition-pj-vj~145085) - Location: Boxford, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: This antique farmhouse had a dilapidated barn next to it. The barn was rebuilt and connected to the home, creating a two story addition with a family room below and master suite above. The original barn doors were reused in the new addition. - [Bathroom Remodels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-remodels-pj-vj~145098) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 35 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/howell-custom-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1325406688) ## Community Q&A **Q: What material is the countertop** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the type & name of the countertop material ? A: The countertop material is called Cosmic Black granite. **Q: Can you tell me where you purchased the cable ties or contractor** *(in Photo Questions)* I see there ae cable ties in the ceiling. I love them and would like to use something like them for a project I have. A: Thanks for your interest in this project! It was completed in 2010. Those cable ties in the ceiling were purchased from McMaster-Carr's Robinson NJ store. It's called a Type 316 stainless steel wire rope, 7x19 strand core,3/8"rope diameter, 11,000\# break strength. **Q: Floors** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of hardwood was used? Looks fab. A: This is 1/25" Maple flooring **Q: Wow! Gorgeous counters!** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you tell me what the edge profile is? A: This is an 1/8" radius edge proflie **Q: Indoor shower fixtures ok for outdoor showers?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this an indoor shower fixture? Is there any concern with using it for an outdoor shower? I have been trying to research, to no avail, whether it is advisable or fine to use an indoor shower fixture (like your photo) for an outdoor shower. We live in the Mid-Atlantic, weather wise, and are not near salt water. Thx for the help! A: The water needs to be turned off and the exposed pipes drained for the winter. **Q: Cabinet hardware** *(in Photo Questions)* can you please tell me where the cabinet hardware is from, and what name/style. Thanks. A: The cabinets and hardware were purchased from Jewett Farms & Co. Please check with them on hardware name/style. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-21.*