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 If your outdated kitchen or broken-down plumbing fixtures make you dread spending time at home, turn to John T Ambrose.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 If your outdated kitchen or broken-down plumbing fixtures make you dread spending time at home, turn to John T Ambrose.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
The Narrow Lane Company is a full service landscape company dedicated to creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces you'll absolutely love! All work is done in a timely, professional manner and 100% guaranteed.
"Worst experience working with a contractor we have ever had. Lack of communication was astounding. Reached out to start the project on our tiny front lawn in June/July. Didn't start planting until mid October. Was told there were 5 jobs in front of ours. Ignored photos of exactly what we wanted. Finish product is passable at best. Would not recommend."
Julie C on October 2023
The Narrow Lane Company is a full service landscape company dedicated to creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces you'll absolutely love! All work is done in a timely, professional manner and 100% guaranteed.
"Worst experience working with a contractor we have ever had. Lack of communication was astounding. Reached out to start the project on our tiny front lawn in June/July. Didn't start planting until mid October. Was told there were 5 jobs in front of ours. Ignored photos of exactly what we wanted. Finish product is passable at best. Would not recommend."
Julie C on October 2023
"Construction Services Taylor'd To Your Needs" Taylor Made Contracting is a licensed and insured construction company that specializes in making customers satisfied. We offer a full range of construction services, from asphalt/concrete driveways and parking lots, to property management and remodeling. We service both the commercial and residential industries. The company was established in 2003 and incorporated in Massachusetts in 2005. We employ 6-8 very experienced employees. We offer free estimates and can charge per the job or on a T&M basis. TMC will manage your full project, from start to finish! Some services subcontracted are: sealcoating, tree service, irrigation, fencing, electrical, plumbing. Our subs are all pre-screened, experienced, professional, reliable, and honest. Same manner in which all TMC employees carry themselves. TMC will schedule projects once a signed proposal or deposit is received. We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash payments. Cash discounts available on most projects where materials can be purchased at a discounted price.
"It was fantastic, great communication, excellent delivery of the products, offered many solutions at different price points, but he provided A,B,C version of how you can fix the problem. The were very clean, good craftsmanship, and very happy with result. The final result was better than expected and exceeded our expectation."
Tom O on May 2020
"Construction Services Taylor'd To Your Needs" Taylor Made Contracting is a licensed and insured construction company that specializes in making customers satisfied. We offer a full range of construction services, from asphalt/concrete driveways and parking lots, to property management and remodeling. We service both the commercial and residential industries. The company was established in 2003 and incorporated in Massachusetts in 2005. We employ 6-8 very experienced employees. We offer free estimates and can charge per the job or on a T&M basis. TMC will manage your full project, from start to finish! Some services subcontracted are: sealcoating, tree service, irrigation, fencing, electrical, plumbing. Our subs are all pre-screened, experienced, professional, reliable, and honest. Same manner in which all TMC employees carry themselves. TMC will schedule projects once a signed proposal or deposit is received. We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash payments. Cash discounts available on most projects where materials can be purchased at a discounted price.
"It was fantastic, great communication, excellent delivery of the products, offered many solutions at different price points, but he provided A,B,C version of how you can fix the problem. The were very clean, good craftsmanship, and very happy with result. The final result was better than expected and exceeded our expectation."
Tom O on May 2020
Loyd's Home Improvement is ready to provide everything and anything your home needs to look and feel new again at affordable prices. With over 25 years of experience, Loyd's Home Improvement has designed and build several Handicapped decks and ramps. Call today for details! Additional DBA - Harold Loyd.
"Harold & his crew, Charlie & Mike were awesome. Came to work on time. They listened to my wants & needs and came up with a plan that worked. Communicated with us through out the process. Their attention to detail was incredible. They went above & beyond their job description. I would highly recommend them on any renovations, they are very talented skilled laborers. It was a pleasure doing business with this company."
John R on December 2024
Loyd's Home Improvement is ready to provide everything and anything your home needs to look and feel new again at affordable prices. With over 25 years of experience, Loyd's Home Improvement has designed and build several Handicapped decks and ramps. Call today for details! Additional DBA - Harold Loyd.
"Harold & his crew, Charlie & Mike were awesome. Came to work on time. They listened to my wants & needs and came up with a plan that worked. Communicated with us through out the process. Their attention to detail was incredible. They went above & beyond their job description. I would highly recommend them on any renovations, they are very talented skilled laborers. It was a pleasure doing business with this company."
John R on December 2024
DiOrio Builders and Designers Inc. is a fully licensed and insured company committed to providing homeowners with the highest level of craftsmanship. Built on old fashioned values we are experienced specialists that will complete your project to exact specifications in a timely manner. Quality work is our priority while paying special attention to detail. No job is too big or too small.
"The crew was great allied craftsman with the brick work they did. They were prompt, professional, and immaculate in clean up after."
Charles T on April 2025
DiOrio Builders and Designers Inc. is a fully licensed and insured company committed to providing homeowners with the highest level of craftsmanship. Built on old fashioned values we are experienced specialists that will complete your project to exact specifications in a timely manner. Quality work is our priority while paying special attention to detail. No job is too big or too small.
"The crew was great allied craftsman with the brick work they did. They were prompt, professional, and immaculate in clean up after."
Charles T on April 2025
Maize Restoration & Remodeling is an organization providing various services from remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, to building decks and replacing windows/doors. The organization consist of skilled and ambitious craftsmen dedicated to providing unparalleled customer service and quality workmanship. The organization commits to maintaining professionalism and integrity in every facet of our work to ensure exceptional results and an exceptional experience.
"It went very good and I would definitely use Maize Restoration & Remodeling again for any more work needed on my house."
Mo B on July 2024
Maize Restoration & Remodeling is an organization providing various services from remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, to building decks and replacing windows/doors. The organization consist of skilled and ambitious craftsmen dedicated to providing unparalleled customer service and quality workmanship. The organization commits to maintaining professionalism and integrity in every facet of our work to ensure exceptional results and an exceptional experience.
"It went very good and I would definitely use Maize Restoration & Remodeling again for any more work needed on my house."
Mo B on July 2024
Elevate your living spaces with Golden Hammer Remodeling, your trusted partner in bathroom and kitchen transformations in the Greater Boston Area. With 15 years of expertise, we specialize in impeccable tile work. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, we've earned the coveted Super Service Award on Angi. Ready to bring your vision to life? Call (617)991-4914 TODAY to schedule a FREE Project Estimate. https://www.goldenhammerremodeling.com/
"Sebastian and his team remodeled our kitchen, and were extremely professional, finished the project ahead of schedule, and couldn’t be happier. Very enjoyable to work with, and easy to communicate for scheduling. Would highly recommend to anyone!"
Anthony R on April 2025
Elevate your living spaces with Golden Hammer Remodeling, your trusted partner in bathroom and kitchen transformations in the Greater Boston Area. With 15 years of expertise, we specialize in impeccable tile work. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, we've earned the coveted Super Service Award on Angi. Ready to bring your vision to life? Call (617)991-4914 TODAY to schedule a FREE Project Estimate. https://www.goldenhammerremodeling.com/
"Sebastian and his team remodeled our kitchen, and were extremely professional, finished the project ahead of schedule, and couldn’t be happier. Very enjoyable to work with, and easy to communicate for scheduling. Would highly recommend to anyone!"
Anthony R on April 2025
Our vision at Boston Architects & Builders is to bring a synergistic and sustainable approach to every design-build project, where beauty, peace and harmony integrate into a unique environment that fulfills the aesthetic tastes and functional needs of our most discerning clients, while improving the quality of life for our team members, our vendors, and the communities we serve.
Our vision at Boston Architects & Builders is to bring a synergistic and sustainable approach to every design-build project, where beauty, peace and harmony integrate into a unique environment that fulfills the aesthetic tastes and functional needs of our most discerning clients, while improving the quality of life for our team members, our vendors, and the communities we serve.
True to our name, we'll be there when we say we'll be. We know your time is valuable, so we don't leave you waiting. Our rates tend to be less than many of our competitors, with no hidden charges. We are not a large faceless construction company. When you call us or get an estimate for project, you'll talk to the owner and founder - Alan Weisner. Alan has been improving homes since 1996. He brings an old time craftsmanship and level of service to large and small jobs alike.
"The quality of my recent project was not good as the past. So it will depend who are the actual workers and they were not highly skilled."
Dawn E on October 2021
True to our name, we'll be there when we say we'll be. We know your time is valuable, so we don't leave you waiting. Our rates tend to be less than many of our competitors, with no hidden charges. We are not a large faceless construction company. When you call us or get an estimate for project, you'll talk to the owner and founder - Alan Weisner. Alan has been improving homes since 1996. He brings an old time craftsmanship and level of service to large and small jobs alike.
"The quality of my recent project was not good as the past. So it will depend who are the actual workers and they were not highly skilled."
Dawn E on October 2021
MA Design & Construction, part of the MA Group Companies is an honest, reliable, and family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in design, real estate development, and renovation. We service the greater Boston area in Massachusetts and the Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas in South Carolina. We take pride in our work and look forward to serving you in ALL your residential and commercial design, build, and remodeling needs: additions, new construction buildings, plumbing and electrical, kitchen and bathroom renovation, decks and porches, basement finishing, flooring installation, painting, wallpaper installation, mold and LEAD remediation, and much more! All your needs in one stop! Please contact us today for a free estimate!
" With baby #2 on her way, we decided to renovate our kitchen and bathrooms so it worked with our growing family. Marc and his team did a great job working with us in the short amount of time given. He was attentive to our ideas, and offered his own ideas which we found very helpful. Him and his team were professional, walked me through the process, keeping me in loop every step of the way and really did his best to fulfill our needs and more! He was tentative in answering our questions and acted quickly when we had concerns. His team showed up when promised, worked hard and completed projects in a timely and professional manner. Ma design and construction company was a pleasure to work with and I’m happy with the outcome. I highly recommend Ma Design and would definitely work with them again in the future."
Sheryl P on June 2023
MA Design & Construction, part of the MA Group Companies is an honest, reliable, and family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in design, real estate development, and renovation. We service the greater Boston area in Massachusetts and the Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas in South Carolina. We take pride in our work and look forward to serving you in ALL your residential and commercial design, build, and remodeling needs: additions, new construction buildings, plumbing and electrical, kitchen and bathroom renovation, decks and porches, basement finishing, flooring installation, painting, wallpaper installation, mold and LEAD remediation, and much more! All your needs in one stop! Please contact us today for a free estimate!
" With baby #2 on her way, we decided to renovate our kitchen and bathrooms so it worked with our growing family. Marc and his team did a great job working with us in the short amount of time given. He was attentive to our ideas, and offered his own ideas which we found very helpful. Him and his team were professional, walked me through the process, keeping me in loop every step of the way and really did his best to fulfill our needs and more! He was tentative in answering our questions and acted quickly when we had concerns. His team showed up when promised, worked hard and completed projects in a timely and professional manner. Ma design and construction company was a pleasure to work with and I’m happy with the outcome. I highly recommend Ma Design and would definitely work with them again in the future."
Sheryl P on June 2023
In most states, yes—you can build a guest house, but every city or county sets its own zoning rules and building codes. Before breaking ground, check local ordinances, confirm lot setbacks, and secure the right permits. A local contractor or design-build firm can walk you through the paperwork and site requirements so your project starts on solid legal footing.
Yes—homeowners often tap a few different financing tools. A home-equity line of credit (HELOC) lets you borrow against your equity as you need funds. If you prefer a lump sum tied directly to the project, a short-term construction loan can roll into a second mortgage once the build is complete. Cash-out refinancing is another option: you replace your current mortgage with a larger one and use the difference to cover construction costs.
When you build a guest house, you’re creating a separate structure for hosting visitors without the full amenities needed for permanent living. An accessory dwelling unit, however, includes a complete kitchen and bathroom, meeting building codes for a long-term residence. This key difference makes an ADU ideal for long-term occupancy or rental income, adding enduring value to your property.
How many rooms you need depends on how you plan to use the space. Aim for one bedroom per every one or two occupants to make sure everyone has enough privacy and comfort. Added living and dining areas give you extra functionality, especially for rental use or long-term stays.
Most homeowners pick somewhere between 600 and 1,500 square feet to fit all the essentials. Make sure your design supports one to two occupants per bedroom and includes enough common areas for comfortable daily living. A well-proportioned layout boosts both functionality and property value.
No—a guest house isn’t just a bump-out on your main home. A bump-out is a small extension within an existing room for extra seating or storage. In contrast, you build a guest house as a standalone building with its own foundation and amenities, giving you a fully separate living area that can boost your property’s versatility and value.