S + H Construction
S+H Construction is a privately held residential general contractor founded in 1978 in Belmont, Massachusetts, serving affluent Greater Boston homeowners with custom home construction, high-end renovations, historic restorations, kitchen and bath remodeling, basement waterproofing, and landscaping.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1978
- HeadquartersBelmont, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What S + H Construction does
S+H Construction is a privately held residential general contractor founded in 1978 and headquartered at 45 Brighton St., Belmont, Massachusetts. The firm serves affluent homeowners across Greater Boston — including Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline — delivering custom home construction, full-scale renovations and additions, historic restorations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basement waterproofing and finishing, and landscaping and hardscaping. A dedicated Small Works + Home Management division extends the firm's craftsmanship to smaller-scope residential projects. Sarah Lawson acquired the firm in 2016 after joining as an employee in 2006, and the business operates with a 30+ person team under President and Field Director Edward Sullivan.
The company's core technology stack is built around residential construction craft rather than software: project delivery relies on a Cost-Plus open-book billing model where clients receive detailed line-item estimates, biweekly invoices, and full visibility into subcontractor and material pricing. A proprietary interior crystalline basement waterproofing method is applied inside foundation walls without exterior excavation and has produced zero callbacks over more than ten years. Lead generation runs through direct-to-consumer channels — website consultation requests, an award-winning Builder's Notebook podcast, social media, press coverage, and a deeply embedded referral network with leading Boston-area architecture and design firms such as Ruhl Walker Architects, Maryann Thompson Architects, and Charles Myer and Partners.
S+H generates revenue through one-time, project-based engagements priced via its Cost-Plus transaction model, with billing issued biweekly as costs are incurred. Customer acquisition is relationship-driven rather than volume-driven, emphasizing trust-building through initial site visits, transparent accounting, dedicated project managers and job supervisors per engagement, and a one-year warranty on labor and materials. The firm has accumulated sustained third-party validation — including Best of Boston Home 2025 (Boston Home Magazine), Best of Luxury Design 2024 and 2025 (Modern Luxury Interiors), and multiple BRAGB PRISM Gold and Silver awards between 2014 and 2020 — which functions as the primary mechanism for reinforcing its premium positioning in the regional market.
S + H Construction firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- S + H Construction
- Legal name
- S+H Construction Inc.
- Website
- https://shconstruction.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1978
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- S+H Construction is a privately held residential general contractor founded in 1978 in Belmont, Massachusetts, serving affluent Greater Boston homeowners with custom home construction, high-end renovations, historic restorations, kitchen and bath remodeling, basement waterproofing, and landscaping.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
S + H Construction industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Residential Construction Services
- NAICS
- New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders) (236115), Residential Remodelers (236118)
- SIC
- General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Residential Design-Build & Renovation-Integrated Builders (IMAFABAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Custom Home Building (IMAFABAC)
Keywords
Where S + H Construction is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Belmont
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
S + H Construction business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Custom Home Construction: Full-service custom home building from site preparation through foundation work, framing, utilities installation, and finishes. Revenue generated through Cost-Plus model where clients pay actual costs plus a contractually agreed-upon fee.
- Home Renovation & Addition Services: Full-scale renovations, multi-room remodels, historic restorations, and home additions. Open-book Cost-Plus billing provides transparency with full access to subcontractor and material pricing.
- Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling: Specialized renovation services including cabinet installation, countertop work, plumbing, electrical, tile, and finishing. Project-based pricing.
- Basement Waterproofing & Renovation: Interior waterproofing system and basement finishing services. Combined with renovation services for transforming underutilized spaces.
- Landscaping & Hardscaping: Sitework, patios, stone walls, driveways, drainage, and full landscape installation as standalone or integrated services.
- Small Works & Home Management Division: Dedicated division for smaller-scale projects including window replacement, siding repairs, room renovations, and mechanical upgrades. Provides same quality craftsmanship on smaller scopes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cost-Plus open-book pricing model |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
S + H Construction product offering
Product offeringCore offering
S+H Construction is a Boston-based residential general contractor that builds custom homes, performs high-end renovations and additions, historic restorations, kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement waterproofing and finishing, and landscaping/hardscaping for homeowners in Greater Boston. The company operates a dedicated Small Works + Home Management division for smaller-scale projects and uses a Cost-Plus open-book billing model for transparent project pricing.
Product overview
S+H Construction is a full-service residential construction company offering a portfolio of six interconnected service lines. The core offering spans Custom Homes (ground-up construction from site prep through finishing) and Home Renovations & Additions (full-scale remodels, additions, and historic restorations). Specialized trade services include Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling, Basement Waterproofing & Renovations, and Landscaping & Hardscaping. A dedicated Small Works + Home Management division extends the company's craftsmanship to smaller-scale projects. Together, these services enable the company to deliver complete residential solutions—from initial concept through final walkthrough—serving Greater Boston homeowners across custom builds, renovations, and ongoing property maintenance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Small Works + Home Management Division: A dedicated division focused on delivering high-quality construction services on smaller scale projects including window and door replacement, siding repairs, room renovations, and mechanical upgrades.
Products and services
- Custom Homes Full-service custom home construction from site preparation through foundation, framing, utilities, and finishing. Serves Greater Boston homeowners seeking a premier custom home builder.
- Home Renovations & Additions Full-scale renovations, multi-room remodels, home additions, and historic restorations for Greater Boston homeowners, including full gut renovations, multi-space remodels, interior/exterior renovations, and historic preservation.
- Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Kitchen and bathroom renovation services including cabinet and countertop installation, flooring, plumbing and electrical updates, fixture installation, custom tile work, and complete bathroom transformations.
- Basement Waterproofing & Renovations Interior basement waterproofing system using crystalline treatment for foundation wall reinforcement and moisture prevention, plus full basement finishing services for creating functional living spaces.
- Landscaping & Hardscaping Exterior landscaping and hardscaping services including plantings, patios, stone walls, driveways, drainage systems, and full site preparation; collaborates with landscape architects for cohesive outdoor environments.
- Small Works + Home Management Division dedicated to smaller-scale construction projects including window and door replacement, siding repairs, room renovations, flooring installations, custom built-ins, and mechanical upgrades.
Quantifiable outcome
- Zero callbacks in over ten years for basement waterproofing system
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use S + H Construction
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
S + H Construction technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
S + H Construction partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Bruce IrvingcoreCo-host of the Builder's Notebook podcast alongside Sarah Lawson. Bruce Irving is a renovation and real estate expert who collaborates on producing content about home design, construction, and renovation topics.
- Zero Energy DesigncoreArchitecture firm that designed the Somerville Green Home project. Specializes in high-performance, zero energy, and Passive House aligned design. S+H collaborated with them on the net-zero custom home project.
- Charles Myer and PartnerscoreArchitecture firm that designed the Cambridge Restoration project. S+H worked closely with them on the comprehensive renovation of this historic Brattle Street property.
- Ruhl Walker ArchitectscoreArchitecture firm that designed the Modernizing a Modernist project (Paul Rudolph residence). S+H served as contractor on this significant modernist landmark renovation.
- Incite ArchitecturecoreArchitecture firm that designed the Victorian Kitchen & Porch project. S+H collaborated on this major Victorian renovation near Harvard Divinity School.
- Walter Mayne of S+H / Debra Szidon of Cocoon HomescoreJoint architectural and interior design team for the Beacon Hill Restoration project. S+H Project Manager Walter Mayne collaborated with Debra Szidon of Cocoon Homes on this condo restoration.
- Rachel Reid Interiors / Reid DesigncoreInterior design firm that designed the Urban Sophistication project (Ritz Carlton Towers unit conversion in Boston). S+H served as general contractor for this luxurious city renovation.
- Ingrid Núñez of DesigncoreArchitect who designed the Contemporary Kitchen project in Lincoln, MA. S+H collaborated on this complete kitchen redesign including innovative soundproofing solutions and radiant-heated floors.
- Gregory Lombardi DesigncoreLandscape designer who designed the sitework for the Cambridge Restoration project, including pool, outdoor kitchen, and surrounding landscapes.
- Maryann Thompson ArchitectscoreArchitecture firm that designed the Nahant Terraced Gardens project - a modern home with geothermal heating and cooling, board-formed concrete walls, and striking cantilevered elements.
- Eric Roseff DesignscoreInterior designer who collaborated on the High Rise Penthouse Renovation project in Boston's theater district.
- Slocum Hall Design GroupcoreArchitecture firm that re-imagined the layout for the 19th Century Modernization project in Brookline, converting the property back to a single-family residence.
- Hickox Williams ArchitectscoreArchitecture firm that designed the Back Bay Office Renovation for High Meadows Foundation. S+H handled the complete renovation including radiant heat installation.
- Eleven Interiors - Michael FerzococoreInterior design firm that designed the South End Pied-a-Terre project, creating a modern Parisian apartment aesthetic.
- Taylor Interior DesigncoreInterior design firm that designed the Millennium Tower project, transforming the standard residential unit into a fresh, contemporary home.
- Bells & WhistlescoreInterior design firm that designed the Colonial Rebuild project in Belmont, MA - a new home built after a fire destroyed the original 1925 colonial.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
S + H Construction competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Seaver Construction: Greater Boston custom home builder and remodeler serving affluent residential clients with design-build and historic renovation work; directly overlapping S+H's premium segment, geography, and service mix.
- C.H. Newton Builders: Greater Boston custom home builder and remodeler executing architect-designed residential projects for high-end clients; comparable positioning, architect-driven pipeline, and premium price points.
- Habitar Design & Build: North-of-Boston design-build firm specializing in high-end residential renovations, additions, and custom homes - comparable project values, customer profile, and architect collaboration model to S+H Construction.
- Brightview Design + Build: New England residential design-build firm delivering custom homes and renovations, including energy-efficient and net-zero work - similar design-build integration and premium homeowner focus to S+H.
- Wiese Design + Construction: Boston-area residential design-build firm offering custom homes and renovations for high-end clients with transparent project management - overlaps S+H's service portfolio and Greater Boston geography.
- Renovision Design + Build: New England design-build firm specializing in additions, renovations, and custom homes - serves a similar affluent residential segment with design-build integration comparable to S+H Construction.
Broad incumbents
- William A. Berry & Son: Large established New England construction manager with historic preservation and high-end institutional capabilities; broader than S+H but overlaps on landmark residential and historic restoration projects in Greater Boston.
- Connolly Brothers: Greater Boston general contractor with deep residential and commercial capabilities serving high-end institutional and private clients; broader portfolio than S+H but overlaps on premium private residential and historic work.
Regional players
- Hammer & Hand: Pacific Northwest and select markets premium builder focused on high-performance, Passive House and net-zero residential construction - analogous premium positioning and technical capability around energy-efficient custom homes (not a direct Boston competitor).
- Boston Building Resources: Greater Boston residential contractor focused on sustainable renovations and high-performance home improvements; regional overlap on energy-efficient residential work, including Passive House-aligned projects similar to S+H's Somerville Green Home.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
S + H Construction social profiles
Digital presenceS + H Construction financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
S + H Construction leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
S + H Construction funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
S + H Construction M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about S + H Construction
What does S + H Construction do?
S+H Construction is a Boston-based residential general contractor that builds custom homes, performs high-end renovations and additions, historic restorations, kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement waterproofing and finishing, and landscaping/hardscaping for homeowners in Greater Boston. The company operates a dedicated Small Works + Home Management division for smaller-scale projects and uses a Cost-Plus open-book billing model for transparent project pricing.
Is S + H Construction a public or private company?
S + H Construction is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was S + H Construction founded?
S + H Construction was founded in 1978. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is S + H Construction based?
S + H Construction is headquartered in Belmont, United States, in the North America region.
How does S + H Construction make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Custom Home Construction is the primary driver. The others are home Renovation & Addition Services, kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling, basement Waterproofing & Renovation, landscaping & Hardscaping and small Works & Home Management Division.
Who are S + H Construction's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Seaver Construction, C.H. Newton Builders, Habitar Design & Build, Brightview Design + Build, Wiese Design + Construction and Renovision Design + Build. Broad incumbents are William A. Berry & Son and Connolly Brothers. Regional players are Hammer & Hand and Boston Building Resources.
Does S + H Construction have an API?
No public API is recorded for S + H Construction.
What industry is S + H Construction in?
S + H Construction's product category is Residential Construction Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFABAE, Residential Design-Build & Renovation-Integrated Builders, with a secondary code of IMAFABAC, Custom Home Building. Its NAICS code is 236115 and its SIC code is 1520.