--- title: "Leader Builders — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/leader-builders-pfvwus-pf~436680402 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~436680402.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Leader Builders" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/99036d2a015caab7_7662-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Weston, Massachusetts 02493, United States" phone: 0045678910 website: http://www.leaderbuilders.com rating: 5 review_count: 25 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 214 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # Leader Builders Original Houzz profile: [Leader Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/leader-builders-pfvwus-pf~436680402) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Weston, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Framingham, Framingham Center, Waltham, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Billerica, Jamaica Plain, Natick, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, Wellesley, Belmont, Burlington, Dedham, Acton, Sudbury, Ashland, Concord, Westwood, Bedford, Wayland, Weston, Dover, Allston, Auburndale, Brighton, Newton Center, Newtonville, North Waltham, West Newton - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (25 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Bathroom Remodeling - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Deck Building - Basement Remodeling - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Flooring Installation - Project Management - Garage Building - Sunroom Design & Construction - Attic Conversion - Demolition - Laminate Flooring Installation - Landscape Plans - Garage Storage ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Newton - Somerville - Framingham - Framingham Center - Waltham - Brookline - Medford - Arlington - Billerica - Jamaica Plain - Natick - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - Wellesley - Belmont - Burlington - Dedham - Acton - Sudbury - Ashland - Concord - Westwood - Bedford - Wayland - Weston - Dover - Allston - Auburndale - Brighton - Newton Center - Newtonville - North Waltham - West Newton ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 1 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Leader Builders | | Address | Weston, Massachusetts 02493, United States | | Phone | 0045678910 | | Website | http://www.leaderbuilders.com | | Followers on Houzz | 214 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Leader Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/leader-builders-pfvwus-pf~436680402) - **Website:** http://www.leaderbuilders.com - **Phone:** 0045678910 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 25 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — David Hanna, Nov. 2018** > A great experience overall, even through some rough patches > > Looking back at our attic conversion project - converting a completely empty attic space into actual living space with two bedrooms and a bathroom - it was definitely a wild ride with a bunch of new experiences. Who even understands what a construction loan is unless there's something in your life that requires it? And getting an architect and a contractor lined up? We were definitely noobs. > > Our experience with leader builders begins with the bidding phase - which was interesting to say the least. We received estimates which were all over the map, but just like Goldilocks and the three bears, Leaders estimate was just right. Not insanely over the top where you seriously re-consider the feasibility of the project, but not so low that you question the integrity of the contractor or the people that they'll get to do the work. It was pretty evident that they were realistic about the project we were about to undertake, they were very prompt and enthusiastic about getting the estimate in our hands, and it was brutally clear that they were experienced in invoicing with construction loans. It was that first impression which led us to choose them as our contractor. > > Things started off very well; they had us meet the project manager and fill out a "selection sheet" right from the beginning so we wouldn't be asked to choose things like what bathroom faucet we wanted while the construction was being executed - all that would be taken care of up front. The selection sheet was a brilliant idea. It needs some tweaking, yes, because we weren't really clear on which items we'd be on the hook for and which they'd take care of. Additionally, it didn't make clear WHEN we'd actually need to start buying things. However, after voicing these concerns, Leader recognized the weaknesses of the sheet and made adjustments. Again, a brilliant idea that can be made even better with minor adjustments. > > When the construction started, they devised another brilliant plan by creating a staircase that led from our backyard all the way up to the existing rear attic dormer. I was blown away; it is quite a sight to see a gigantic staircase leading all the way upstairs. I never got tired of staring at its brilliance. Anyway, the start of construction was somewhat rocky for us; I don't think we were fully prepared as a family for the amount of displacement it would cause, and I do think that Leader could have prepped us slightly better for it (we decided to live in the house during the entire construction). My suggestion to them would be: be blunt right from the first meeting. Tell us what phases will suck for us so as to lessen the blow when we're told that there really may be no where for us to hide from the chaos on certain days. After this beginning phase where displacement was common - after the attic floor structural construction was finished - things got much easier. > > Throughout construction, we had many questions, concerns, and comments about how things were being done according to the plans. One thing that Leader did very well, Kaitlyn to be specific, was listen to what we had to say. There was never any judgement upon us, never any "what do these guys know about construction?" moments. Kaitlyn was always willing to listen to our questions and have dynamic conversations about the details within the plans themselves, and she made herself available when needed. Additionally, if these conversations required involvement from our architect or input from the workers themselves, she would engage them as well. There were quite a few instances where this occurred - how rafters should be braced to floor beams, how the back dormer should be reinforced, how the window lentils should be installed, along with many more. But these problems always got solved with the dynamic conversations I spoke about - multiple people coming together to solve a problem; it was fantastic, and Kaitlyn had a lot to do with that. > > Of course, as in every project, not everything was smooth sailing. We understood that there would inevitably be situations where certain issues would arise that could not have been foreseen, and thus we would incur additional cost due to additional effort required. However, there were a few instances where we felt the "additional work" should have been thought of during the estimation phase. As an example, all of the joists in the attic floor needed to be sistered with LVLs, so that means that some electrical conduit on the first floor inevitably needed to move because we have ceiling fixtures on the first floor. When this part of construction came around, we needed to sign a "Change Order" for the electrician to do that "additional work". Because sistering of the joists was always in the plans, and it was clear how the electrical was run on the first floor, this should have been caught in the estimation phase. At the end of the project, there were 13 total change orders we needed to sign, amounting to about $13k in additional cost. Out of those, we felt 4 in the unforeseen additional cost category could have been caught during estimation. Also, some of the tradesmen that worked on the project were a bit "rougher" to deal with - skipping construction steps and being somewhat careless. However, as I mentioned before, Kaitlyn did an amazing job listening to these concerns and made sure to promptly rectify those situations with them. That said, a majority of the tradesmen Leader chooses for projects, however, are top notch (Especially the carpenters. A big shout out to Janusz, who is the best carpenter I've ever seen in my life.) > > In conclusion, Leader Builders was a great contractor choice. They clearly know what they're doing. Even though there are things they could improve on - communication surrounding the selection sheet and living displacement during construction, some estimation phase misses, and minor issues with some of the tradesmen - the things they do well definitely outshine these relatively minor issues. Their ability to listen to concerns and have meaningful and dynamic conversations with customers and other experts to resolve a problem, expertise with construction loan disbursements, selection of quality people to do the work, and obvious overall experience with the entire process make them a great pick for any project. We love our new attic space...now living space, and without Leader, it would have never become a reality. **★★★★★ — Lois Breslow, Aug. 2018** > Leader Builders remodeled my kitchen and opened up the walls. My kitchen is more beautiful than I expected! You guys did all the extra things that were not required. **★★★★★ — Amish Custom Kitchens, May 2018** > We have provided custom cabinetry for clients of Leader Builders and have worked with Pete and his crew for many years. Each of the projects is individualized to the client and we can provide many different types of cabinets to meet all of their expectations. We enjoy working with Leader's team of installers, because they know how to install custom cabinetry and make it look the best! Their attention to detail is unmatched and getting the job done right the first time seems to be their specialty. What a pleasure to be on the same team. **★★★★★ — Becky L, May 2018** > We hired Leader for a second story addition/ first floor update/ remodel. They listened to our ideas and stayed within what we wanted. They also stayed within our budget and the project ended about 2 weeks early. Overall, very quality work. I would highly recommend working with them. **★★★★★ — Suzanne DeBauge, Feb. 2018** > Working with Leader Builders was a great choice! I highly recommend this company. The team added a second story addition to my north center bungalow, it was a major renovation! They were professional, timely and a joy to work with. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, they opened up the front of the house, added stairs, all new windows, a completely new second story and a brand new front porch. We constantly have neighbors asking us who did the work and complimenting how beautiful our home is now. > I am so happy with our choice to work with leader builders and commend their work ethic. Renovating a 100 year old home has many facets to consider and the team at leader builders was great! **★★★★★ — Donn Schimp, Dec. 2017** > Leader Builders Corp. just completed the new addition and gut-renovation of our existing home, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the results, the process and the people. The project was completed on time and on budget, and Leader truly cares for their clients. They have a truly deep set of skills and craftsmen to draw from, and their attention to detail, professionalism and support are remarkable. The project was slated to take 8-10 months, and we moved back into our new home in 9. Well done Leader and thank you!! **★★★★★ — Mia Koch, Nov. 2017** > Hi Pete, > You all are the first guys who come to mind regarding kitchen gut-remodels. We will definitely keep referring Leader. We always get lots of compliments on our kitchen that you did for us :) > > Best, > Mia **★★★★★ — khazer35, Nov. 2017** > Leader helped us through a gut renovation and expansion of a 100 year old house in oak park. > > Pete and Caitlyn were very focused and attentive throughout. They problem solved with us on the fly and showed great patience and care when dealing with stressed out clients. They finished the project in March of 2017 and they remain attentive to any questions or quirks we have. > > Looking forward to the next phase. **★★★★★ — Mark White, Aug. 2017** > Excellent work. Reasonable price. > Leader Builders added a large kitchen addition plus mudroom and converted an existing garage to a den. The work was completed on schedule and within budget. The project manager and the owner worked very hard to solve the inevitable unknowns/changes to the project. The changes in scope resulted in reasonable budget increases. The final work product was great. Leader Builders would be the first company I call for any other major work we need on our house. **★★★★★ — Halvorsen Design, Aug. 2017** > I’ve worked on numerous projects with Leader Builders since 2009, and they have always come through with stellar results. As an architect/ designer it’s a challenge to find a builder committed to the overall “vision” for the project. I’ve never been let down by Leader. Their attention to detail, commitment to quality and ability to work within various architectural styles is never a question. It’s such an asset to my practice to be able to recommend a builder to a new client that both they and I can trust in every way. Within that spirit I recommend Leader Builders to you without hesitation. **★★★★★ — Ronald Lisowski, June 2017** > From Nov 2006 through Jan 2017 we have had Leaders Builders perform both large and small scale construction projects on our home. These range from a full restoration of our 100+ year old building (2007 to 2008), replacement of front and back iron fences and railings (2013 & 2016), total replacement of an aging porch and deck using TREX materials (2016), to kitchen back splash tile work (2013), bathroom vanity work (2013) and an electrical outlet addition and meter consolidation (2015). Work is always complete and high quality. We can count on them to focus on our project without distractions or delays. Costs are very reasonable. There is almost nothing too big or too small for them. We turn to Leader Builders as our first choice for home construction, renovation and repair work. **★★★★★ — Madlyn Howard, March 2017** > I have worked with Leader Builders since the early 90-ties. They have done multiple projects for me and my family over the years. Whenever I have a project I turn to Leader Builders. > I know that they use quality materials and their field staff, both the workers and project managers, have always been fantastic all these years. Working with Leader brings me a peace of mind. I know that I can trust the quality of their work, that they will take the extra time to clean the job sites and not cut corners. > Not long ago they built a home for my daughter and son-in-law, who relocated from Colorado and are now our next door neighbors. The home was designed and built beautifully. They always find ways to exceed our expectations. ## Selected projects - [Logan Square](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/logan-square-pj-vj~6092804) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Renovation of a 110-year old brick 3-flat in Logan Square, incorporating the basement and 1st floor into one unit. The homeowners want to continue to enjoy their home throughout retirement, so the architect incorporated universal design principals, including making the 1st floor their primary living space and specifying double doors throughout. The home was also designed with entertainment in mind, with multiple spaces that encourage conversation including a unique circular peninsula in the kitc… - [First Floor Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/first-floor-remodel-pj-vj~5749089) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This remodel improves the flow of the first floor and gives this house a dose of mid-century modern style. Originally, the house had a cramped pass-through kitchen and a drafty rear addition that was used as a family room. Leader Builders moved the kitchen to the rear addition, gutting it, adding insulation, and reconfiguring the windows and doors. The new kitchen features Benjamin Moore Hale Navy shaker cabinets by Amish Custom Kitchens, an island with a mitered edge countertop, and a breakfast… - [Dormer Addition & Attic Conversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dormer-addition-and-attic-conversion-pj-vj~3535598) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - Description: Leader Builders converted this unfinished Chicago Cape Cod attic into a master retreat. The master bedroom and sitting area are located under the existing dormers, with original exposed brick walls adding great character. We built two more dormers for added light and height, one for a bathroom and the other for a new staircase which now opens to the first floor. There was also room for an office/guest room. It was important that the new dormers match the original ones, so brick was the material… - [Three-Story De-conversion & Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/three-story-de-conversion-and-renovation-pj-vj~3661719) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: Leader Builders fully renovated this historic house in Lincoln Park, de-converting the three floors into a single-family home. The new, one-of-a-kind open staircase makes a stunning focal point, complemented by a modern gold chandelier. The main floor now has an open floor plan, a professional kitchen, and herringbone floors. The ground floor includes a lounge, wet bar, and a guest suite, while three more bedrooms and two baths are located on the top floor. - [Addition & Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/addition-and-renovation-pj-vj~2841843) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Leader Builders' addition provided a light-filled new space for an open plan kitchen and dining room. The kitchen features two-tone black and white cabinets and island seating beneath large pendant lights. The rest of the house was renovated, which not only preserved the home's historic features (including a tray ceiling and original ceiling lights); it enhanced them. We replicated the original pointed arch doorways - now the stunning shape repeats throughout the first floor. A neat feature of t… - [Two Story Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-story-addition-pj-vj~2603924) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - Description: Leader Builders was hired to design and build a two story rear addition for this Oak Park Victorian. The house already had some great features, including a large foyer with a brick fireplace and a two-way staircase connecting the front and back of the house, which benefitted from some careful remodeling. On the first floor, we relocated the living room, dining room, and kitchen, turning these three rooms into a well-organized open-concept great room. Details including a coffered box-beam ceiling… - [Second Floor Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-floor-renovation-pj-vj~5421334) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Leader Builders gutted and remodeled the second story of this Logan Square house. Formerly an apartment with a kitchen, it now houses a family room, nursery, master bedroom with a spacious walk-in closet, home office/music studio, and bathroom with a unique tile floor. The owners opted to complete the project in phases, with a future phase being the division of the walk-in closet into a master bathroom. The existing maple floor, which is a rare find in Chicago, was carefully kept and matched. Th… - [Second Floor Addition & Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-floor-addition-and-renovation-pj-vj~4198635) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Leader Builders designed and built this second story addition, which includes a master suite, two additional bedrooms, and an additional bathroom. For added convenience, there is also a laundry room and separate mechanical room for the second floor. The home also boasts a new front porch and an open entryway with a new staircase. - [Kitchen Addition & Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-addition-and-renovation-pj-vj~2575901) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: This Evanston house is a wonderful example of how to marry old and new elements for a cohesive look. The main attraction is a huge new kitchen—warm and welcoming with white cabinets and oak floors—which Leader Builders added to the rear of the house. The homeowners integrated their impressive collection of colonial-era Americana into the kitchen as well as throughout the rest of the house. In the dining room, we enhanced the traditional style by adding crown molding. We also remodeled a den at t… - [Historic Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-renovation-pj-vj~5819848) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: New homeowners lucked out with a historic Chicago home with many original features including original woodwork, glass bi-fold doors, a built-in dining room cabinet, and push button light switches. However, the home was in desperate need of TLC. In addition to restoring many original features of the home, other period-appropriate details including panel molding and built-ins were added, the (non-period-appropriate) kitchen and bathrooms were fully remodeled, slight modifications were made to the… - [Bungalow Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bungalow-addition-pj-vj~3150509) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: The owners of this traditional Chicago bungalow wanted to preserve its character as they updated it. Leader Builders designed and built a second-floor addition with dormers including a master suite, two additional bedrooms, a 3/4 bath, and a sitting room. This addition is barely noticeable from the street, so it doesn't change the original look of the house. On the inside, however, the new addition feels wonderfully spacious. Although the owners wanted to preserve the layout of the first floor,… - [Attic Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/attic-renovation-pj-vj~2643542) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Leader Builders transformed a half-finished attic into a master retreat. In the half that was unfinished, we built a master bedroom with vaulted ceilings. Skylights, natural red oak floors, divided lite windows, and exposed beams add light and warmth to the room. We added ductless mini split wall units for heating and cooling and spray-foam insulation. We expanded and renovated the existing bathroom, which now features a stunning copper claw-foot tub. We also remodeled the existing home office.… - [Midcentury Modern Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-modern-renovation-pj-vj~2178141) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This Leader Builders' Park Ridge home renovation was featured on an episode of HGTV's House Hunters Renovation! Leader Builders designed and remodeled this 1950's house, bringing back its Midcentury Modern charm. - [Northbrook Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northbrook-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~4192263) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Leader Builders did a complete kitchen remodel for Northbrook homeowners with traditional tastes. The kitchen features Caesarstone Taj Royale quartz countertops, Amish shaker cabinets in cherry, and a glass tile backsplash. The original kitchen was divided into two areas, one for cooking and one for eating, so it felt cramped. Originally, the homeowners thought they would need to build an addition to fit the kitchen they desired. Instead, we proposed keeping the same footprint and unifying the t… - [Lincoln Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-park-residence-pj-vj~838173) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Urban Family Retreat on Chicago's north side: the family bought two lots with two homes on them. They have hired Leader Builders to expand one of the houses by building a second floor and rear additions, which combined more than double the size of the original home, creating a wonderful residence in the process. The family lived in the second house during the construction, and after completion they moved to the finished house. The other house was then demolished. - [Rogers Park Craftsman Renovation & Rear Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rogers-park-craftsman-renovation-and-rear-addition-pj-vj~2468220) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: The owner of this Chicago Craftsman hired Leader Builders to renovate the kitchen, add a family room/ mud room to the rear of the house, and build a new garage. We opened the wall between the kitchen and dining room and added a peninsula with seating and a prep sink. The kitchen is finished with many hand-picked Craftsman details, including wood cabinets and trim. We added radiant heat beneath the new hardwood floor. The new addition at back of the house features custom built-in floor-to-ceiling… - [Evanston Front Porch Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evanston-front-porch-addition-pj-vj~4211013) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Park Ridge Two Story Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-ridge-two-story-addition-pj-vj~2565574) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: The homeowner, an architect himself, hired Leader Builders for the design-build of this transitional two story addition. (Naturally, he had a lot of input!) On the first floor, a huge new kitchen with a dreamy white and gray color palette features top-of-the line appliances, both island and table seating, and ample storage with built-in cabinets. Around the corner, a new family room features a fireplace clad in natural materials with a wall-mounted tv above. Both rooms open onto a screened-in su… - [Lakeview Master Suite Addition & Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeview-master-suite-addition-and-renovation-pj-vj~2762596) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Leader Builders remodeled and extended the second floor of a classic Chicago greystone to create a new master suite. Double doors open into a sunny and spacious bedroom with a seating area. Just outside the bedroom is a built-in coffee bar. The new bathroom features a glass-enclosed walk-in shower with a wood-effect tile accent wall and a waterfall shower head. His and hers walk-in closets complete the luxurious addition. - [Evanston Dormer & Bath Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evanston-dormer-and-bath-addition-pj-vj~2393921) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This historic Evanston home originally had a low A-frame roof which limited the living space on the second floor. The homeowners hired Leader Builders to come up with a solution to add space while preserving the historic integrity of the house. We raised the height of an existing dormer above the stairs, giving the hallway a bright and spacious feel. The added height enabled us to add a second-floor bathroom as well. [See all 75 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/leader-builders-pfvwus-pf~436680402) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*