John T Ambrose Home Improvement & Repair is dedicated to providing clients throughout the North Shore with superior home repair and improvement services. You can trust us to treat your property with the utmost care and with 30+ years experience there is nothing we haven’t seen. Your home is where you should feel the most comfortable. Improving the quality of your home should be stress-free. If your outdated kitchen or broken-down plumbing fixtures make you dread spending time at home, turn to John T Ambrose. We provide home improvement services to the North Shore, surrounding areas such as Ipswich, Danvers, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton, Wenham, Gloucester, Essex, Andover. We can handle small home repairs to large scale additions so you can relax and know your next project is in good hands. With years of experience, we know how to improve your home by updating key areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and master bedrooms. We use trusted brands to renovate your home and ensure your next project last’s a lifetime.
"We would absolutely recommend John Ambrose. Him and his team recently did a complete kitchen and mudroom remodel for us and we couldn't be happier. He had full transparency with the time the projects would take to complete, what materials would cost, and great communication with us the entire time. John exceeded our expectations in every way possible. We enjoyed working with him so much that my husband and I keep thinking of new projects we can have him do for us to help us complete our dream home!"
Amanda B on February 2023
John T Ambrose Home Improvement & Repair is dedicated to providing clients throughout the North Shore with superior home repair and improvement services. You can trust us to treat your property with the utmost care and with 30+ years experience there is nothing we haven’t seen. Your home is where you should feel the most comfortable. Improving the quality of your home should be stress-free. If your outdated kitchen or broken-down plumbing fixtures make you dread spending time at home, turn to John T Ambrose. We provide home improvement services to the North Shore, surrounding areas such as Ipswich, Danvers, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton, Wenham, Gloucester, Essex, Andover. We can handle small home repairs to large scale additions so you can relax and know your next project is in good hands. With years of experience, we know how to improve your home by updating key areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and master bedrooms. We use trusted brands to renovate your home and ensure your next project last’s a lifetime.
"We would absolutely recommend John Ambrose. Him and his team recently did a complete kitchen and mudroom remodel for us and we couldn't be happier. He had full transparency with the time the projects would take to complete, what materials would cost, and great communication with us the entire time. John exceeded our expectations in every way possible. We enjoyed working with him so much that my husband and I keep thinking of new projects we can have him do for us to help us complete our dream home!"
Amanda B on February 2023
VCO Landscaping is a full service landscaping company. We can help you design the landscape of your dreams. Whether you need a new walkway, garden or patio we have the skills to get the job done. We also provide regular maintenance for our contracted customers and are happy to take on new clients. CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION (781) 808-1591
"Absolutely 💯% professional! The job was done on time, despite torrential rain storms. I highly recommend this company and it's work crew. The work crew was young, strong, and knowledgeable. They know what they are doing and they do it exceptionally well."
marie n on August 2024
VCO Landscaping is a full service landscaping company. We can help you design the landscape of your dreams. Whether you need a new walkway, garden or patio we have the skills to get the job done. We also provide regular maintenance for our contracted customers and are happy to take on new clients. CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION (781) 808-1591
"Absolutely 💯% professional! The job was done on time, despite torrential rain storms. I highly recommend this company and it's work crew. The work crew was young, strong, and knowledgeable. They know what they are doing and they do it exceptionally well."
marie n on August 2024
Jeff Veglia Remodeling was established in 1987 offering full scale remodeling and tile services. This business was built on honesty, integrity, and quality to all clients. Our reputation is based on superior quality at a competitive price and most importantly we listen to our customers. We serve Massachusetts. Please email or call rather than Message Center on Angie's List.
"Jeff and his team did a fantastic job on our bathroom renovation. The work was of very high quality, and Jeff was very responsive from the initial scoping to the final walk throughs and everything in between. Would certainly recommend Jeff, especially for renovations in older, historical homes that require precision and care. Thank you Jeff!"
William B on March 2025
Jeff Veglia Remodeling was established in 1987 offering full scale remodeling and tile services. This business was built on honesty, integrity, and quality to all clients. Our reputation is based on superior quality at a competitive price and most importantly we listen to our customers. We serve Massachusetts. Please email or call rather than Message Center on Angie's List.
"Jeff and his team did a fantastic job on our bathroom renovation. The work was of very high quality, and Jeff was very responsive from the initial scoping to the final walk throughs and everything in between. Would certainly recommend Jeff, especially for renovations in older, historical homes that require precision and care. Thank you Jeff!"
William B on March 2025
With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Ayden was very kind and insightful. I was happy to meet an incredible worker like that from Long Home."
Alayna L on April 2025
With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Ayden was very kind and insightful. I was happy to meet an incredible worker like that from Long Home."
Alayna L on April 2025
Prodigy Contractors specializes in all types of services, including bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Exterior & Interior Painting, wall prep & repairs, Ceiling Painting, Cleaning, bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Clean-outs, concrete, Yard cleaning, Patios and many other things! Please call or click for your quote today!
"they did a very good job"
Abelardo M on January 2024
Prodigy Contractors specializes in all types of services, including bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Exterior & Interior Painting, wall prep & repairs, Ceiling Painting, Cleaning, bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Clean-outs, concrete, Yard cleaning, Patios and many other things! Please call or click for your quote today!
"they did a very good job"
Abelardo M on January 2024
Homeowners and business owners rely on MACH for High Quality Masonry, Hardscaping and Landscaping Services, all aspects of creating a beautiful outdoor: patios, pavers, retaining walls, walkways, as well as lawn maintenance all year around.
"Mario and his crew did an incredible job on our very large project, encompassing a back patio, stairs down to stone walkway on side with retaining wall, and a total redo of front stairs, walkway and front porch. Mario and his crew are very skilled, professional, hard working, and timely. They always solicited input, were open to making adjustments to plan along the way, and when solicited for design advise offered up a wealth of knowledge! He also moved two 23 year old trees. Recommend highly!!"
Melinda H on October 2023
Homeowners and business owners rely on MACH for High Quality Masonry, Hardscaping and Landscaping Services, all aspects of creating a beautiful outdoor: patios, pavers, retaining walls, walkways, as well as lawn maintenance all year around.
"Mario and his crew did an incredible job on our very large project, encompassing a back patio, stairs down to stone walkway on side with retaining wall, and a total redo of front stairs, walkway and front porch. Mario and his crew are very skilled, professional, hard working, and timely. They always solicited input, were open to making adjustments to plan along the way, and when solicited for design advise offered up a wealth of knowledge! He also moved two 23 year old trees. Recommend highly!!"
Melinda H on October 2023
Family owned and operated construction company. Specialized in basement refinish and all types of construction services.
"10/10 recommend! Communication was excellent and their creative take on maximizing the space made the biggest difference! Looking forward to working with them again in the near future."
Tina U on October 2024
Family owned and operated construction company. Specialized in basement refinish and all types of construction services.
"10/10 recommend! Communication was excellent and their creative take on maximizing the space made the biggest difference! Looking forward to working with them again in the near future."
Tina U on October 2024
At Leccese contract & design, we are more than just a general contractor; we are your partners in creating exceptional spaces. With a commitment to excellence ingrained in our DNA, we have been exceeding expectations since our inception. Our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to perform for our customers at the highest level of quality. This mission has been the cornerstone of our success, driving us to continuously raise the bar in the construction and design industry. We are not just builders; we are craftsman, artisans, and visionaries who turn dreams into reality.
"Leccese Contract & Design did a complete renovation to our home, we also added a 2 car garage with a room above. We were impressed with how knowledgeable, the owner, Drew, was with every detail. He had an answer and a resolution to every question and concern we had. Drew’s understanding, patience and knowledge was so helpful and appreciated when making major decisions. All of his contractors and employees, laborers, electricians, plumbers, etc. were very friendly, professional, and highly skilled at their job. We couldn’t be happier with the entire process and the end result. We wholeheartedly recommend this company."
eileen f on February 2024
At Leccese contract & design, we are more than just a general contractor; we are your partners in creating exceptional spaces. With a commitment to excellence ingrained in our DNA, we have been exceeding expectations since our inception. Our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to perform for our customers at the highest level of quality. This mission has been the cornerstone of our success, driving us to continuously raise the bar in the construction and design industry. We are not just builders; we are craftsman, artisans, and visionaries who turn dreams into reality.
"Leccese Contract & Design did a complete renovation to our home, we also added a 2 car garage with a room above. We were impressed with how knowledgeable, the owner, Drew, was with every detail. He had an answer and a resolution to every question and concern we had. Drew’s understanding, patience and knowledge was so helpful and appreciated when making major decisions. All of his contractors and employees, laborers, electricians, plumbers, etc. were very friendly, professional, and highly skilled at their job. We couldn’t be happier with the entire process and the end result. We wholeheartedly recommend this company."
eileen f on February 2024
Total Basement Finishing, A Blackdog Affiliate serves the Greater Lowell area of Massachusetts and New Hampshire with basement finishing and basement remodeling. Finishing your previously unused basement gives you additional space in your home and so much more. It offers you a rare opportunity to exploit your creative side through the design process. And ultimately, you will transform a dark, uninviting space into a room that adds value and comfort to your home, making it an integral part of your family’s daily life.
Total Basement Finishing, A Blackdog Affiliate serves the Greater Lowell area of Massachusetts and New Hampshire with basement finishing and basement remodeling. Finishing your previously unused basement gives you additional space in your home and so much more. It offers you a rare opportunity to exploit your creative side through the design process. And ultimately, you will transform a dark, uninviting space into a room that adds value and comfort to your home, making it an integral part of your family’s daily life.
Remodel or Renew Home Improvement Inc. is a family owned team of contracting professionals helping homeowners throughout Massachusetts. Brothers Mike and Tom teamed to form RORHI in 2017 combining their years of experience as general contractors. We provide services in all aspects of home improvement but tend to specialize in decks, siding, paver, patio, and basement remodeling and installation. RORHI has been awarded the #1 Trex deck installers for the last 4 yrs.
"I was with the contractor that made me think that because my good credit I was getting a good financing interest around 7% and he did not tell me that my granite steps had to be removed, he told me after the loan went through at a rate of almost 14% at this moment I would like to cancel the project, I am under a lot of stress and having back issues I am afraid that because I take time off from work I am not going to be able to pay for this high interest loan."
Mary H on February 2025
Remodel or Renew Home Improvement Inc. is a family owned team of contracting professionals helping homeowners throughout Massachusetts. Brothers Mike and Tom teamed to form RORHI in 2017 combining their years of experience as general contractors. We provide services in all aspects of home improvement but tend to specialize in decks, siding, paver, patio, and basement remodeling and installation. RORHI has been awarded the #1 Trex deck installers for the last 4 yrs.
"I was with the contractor that made me think that because my good credit I was getting a good financing interest around 7% and he did not tell me that my granite steps had to be removed, he told me after the loan went through at a rate of almost 14% at this moment I would like to cancel the project, I am under a lot of stress and having back issues I am afraid that because I take time off from work I am not going to be able to pay for this high interest loan."
Mary H on February 2025
Regular care helps keep the wood looking good and prevents it from absorbing stains from food. Lacquered or epoxy bar top sealed countertops only require regular cleaning. For stained counters, you’ll want to stain again every three to five years.
Oil unfinished butcher block (and any wood) regularly at least once a month for the first year and then at least twice yearly after that. You can use these oils:
Food-grade mineral oil
Pure tung oil
Raw linseed oil
Walnut or almond oil
Coconut oil
Butcher block countertops do require regular upkeep to maintain their beauty and longevity, but with consistent care, they can last for decades. You'll need to clean them regularly with soap and water and apply a food-grade oil or polyurethane sealant once a month to protect against stains and damage. Occasional sanding and refinishing will help preserve a smooth, attractive surface throughout their lifespan, around 20 years.
You can buy butcher block countertops from large home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards. You can also find it at kitchen remodeling stores. You can find many online options from large sites and custom work from artisans. However, you’ll likely get the best price through your installer.
Yes, butcher block countertops can be kept sanitary with proper care. Regular cleaning with soap and water—or a mixture of vinegar and salt—helps eliminate bacteria. Applying a food-grade oil regularly preserves the surface, and sealing it with a bar top epoxy provides extra protection. With these practices, your butcher block countertop remains safe and hygienic for food preparation.
With proper maintenance, butcher block countertops can last around 20 years. This lifespan is similar to that of materials like granite and longer than the lifespan of laminate countertops. To keep them in good condition, you'll need to reseal them regularly—ideally once a month—and clean them routinely to prevent surface damage. If you notice deep scratches, stains, or dings, you can resurface them to restore their appearance.
Butcher block countertops cost less than quartz. The average butcher block countertop costs $3,750, while quartz countertops cost $4,500. This cost advantage is coupled with the natural warmth and unique appearance of wood, making butcher block a compelling choice for kitchen design when proper maintenance is applied to preserve its quality.