Porch & Deck Design & Construction

As an extension of a home's living space, a porch or deck requires careful design and construction to provide decades of enjoyment and value.

"Jim has helped several of my clients and with the greatest of satisfaction. Meticulous and creative, he is terrific. Awl is my go-to for remodeling"
Judy Jennings, Realtor

"Couldn't have asked for a better experience with Jim and his team. A+ quality. AWL did an amazing job!"

Jason Z

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Architect for my Home Renovation Project?

The need for an architect during your project largely depends on its scope. If your vision involves significant additions or structural modifications, it becomes essential to have detailed plans created by an architect. Architects provide expert guidance, helping bring your dream project to life while ensuring safety and compliance with building codes. As an experienced South Shore contractor, we have established partnerships with local architects. We'd be happy to connect you if you'd like a referral.

Does my Home Improvement Project Require a Building Permit?

Most home improvement and renovation projects require a building permit, but the specifics can vary depending on local regulations and the scale of the work involved. As a part of Awl's services, we will assist in determining if your particular project requires a permit. We're well-versed in local rules and regulations and will help with the permit application process to ensure your project complies with building codes.

How Does the Deposit and Invoicing Process Renovation Projects Work?

A deposit is required after signing the budget proposal. This deposit covers the town permit fee and the cost of any critical-path materials that need to be ordered in advance to ensure a smooth kick-off. Our transparent and organized invoicing system will provide you with regular updates as your project progresses. We invoice for materials as they are purchased and for work completed. This approach ensures you know your financial commitment throughout the project.

Does Awl use Construction Management Software?

At Awl, we use BuilderTrend to streamline various project phases. From drafting budget proposals and managing material selections to storing crucial project files such as blueprints, plot plan survey results, and inspiration photos, BuilderTrend keeps all of your project-related information in one accessible place.

Furthermore, BuilderTrend enables us to provide you with an up-to-date project schedule, ensuring a transparent, organized, and efficient construction process. This commitment to integrating advanced technology into our services reflects our dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience throughout your home renovation or building project.

How Will I Monitor the Progress of My Home Renovation or Building Project?

Keeping track of your project's timeline is straightforward with our state-of-the-art construction management software, BuilderTrend. As a homeowner, you can access your project's schedule through your dedicated BuilderTrend account.

Our team updates your project schedule weekly and as events are planned internally. This real-time schedule lets you stay updated with every stage of the renovation or construction process, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.

What's Your Communication Style?

We are an open-communication company. We request the homeowner(s) emails and cell phones. Since we are in the field and on job sites, we prefer text as a mode of communication initially followed by a scheduled phone call.

We have an email shared and viewed daily by the Assistant Project Manager and Jim.

Every Friday, we send a "Friday Follow-Up" to all our clients that summarizes the work done on their project that week and what they can expect for the following week. We will also inform you of any decisions that need to be made and give scheduling updates for material deliveries, subcontractor scheduling, etc.

We also have group texts among Jim, the homeowners, and the Assistant Project Manager to share quick info as needed.

How Long will my Project Take?

Every home renovation project is different. We will give you an approximate timeline once we assess the scope of your project. We commit not to "leave" your project after starting it.

How Often are you On-Site?

We are checking in and working on-site almost daily. There will be short gaps when we are not on-site due to weather, waiting for a town-scheduled inspection, or coordinating a subcontractor's schedule. However, you can be assured that these gaps are temporary, and we will not "leave" your project once we have started it.

Where do we go to Choose our Selections?

We have local, preferred vendors for tile, appliances, flooring, decking, plumbing, siding, interior & exterior doors, and interior millwork. We have strong relationships with these vendors, and they offer exceptional customer service. When we order materials through our vendors, we know the product will be high quality, and if there is an issue with an order, our vendors will be able to solve any hiccups.

How are Materials Ordered?

We will keep you informed as materials are ordered. We will purchase most materials on your behalf and then invoice you, but there are opportunities for you to purchase directly.

Does Awl Utilize Subcontractors?

Yes. We have tight-knit relationships with a team of trusted, specialized subcontractors. We coordinate subcontractors' scheduling, invoicing, and quality control of their work.

Will my Renovation Project Require an Interior Designer?

Hiring an interior designer is at the client's preference. We have relationships with a few local designers with whom we can connect you, but you are also welcome to hire and introduce us to your designer.

We are also comfortable if you decide not to hire a designer. Our vendors are happy to discuss current trends with you and offer stylistic advice.

What Sets Awl Apart in the Home Remodeling Industry?

Our team sets us apart in the South Shore home remodeling industry. We are a group of committed, professional individuals who take immense pride in our work and treat your home like our own.

We also believe our weekly Friday Follow Up email is a unique feature of our client communication. It is important to us for clients to know all of the substantial and more detailed progress made on their projects for the week and set expectations for the following week.

Ellen James

"AWL Carpentry just finished our kitchen & it looks fabulous! All the carpenters were so highly skilled, on time, & knowledgeable. Jim & Emily, (his Project Manager) are always available to answer questions and keep everything running smoothly. Everything is organized, and we knew what was happening every step of the way BECAUSE they sent an email summary every Friday! WOW"

Tania Disciullo

"I hired AWL to demo and remodel my kitchen which included knocking down a load-bearing wall and installing a beam. The remodel was done very timely and the quality of the work was very professional. I highly recommend AWL for big construction projects."

Courtney de Lacy

"Jim and his team are the most organized contractors we’ve ever worked with. Extremely responsive and reliable. The finished product was exactly what we wanted: beautiful, functional, and on budget. We couldn’t be happier!"