Full-Service Residential General Contractor

Residential Construction Services in West Newbury and the North Shore

Every Option. Every Cost. No Surprises.

Kitchen remodels, home renovations, ADUs, additions, new construction, siding, and decks. One contractor, one point of contact, start to finish.

Dave answers the phone himself. Free consultation and property walkthrough.

15+ Years Experience
Licensed & Insured
Owner-Operated
5-Star Rated
15+ Years Experience
North Shore, MA
The Short Version

Residential Construction Services by Clarke Building Company

Clarke Building Company is an owner-run residential general contractor based in West Newbury, Massachusetts, serving the North Shore and Southern New Hampshire. Owner Dave Clarke runs every job himself and stays your single point of contact from the first walkthrough through the final punch list. Clarke handles kitchen remodeling, home renovations, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), home additions, new home construction, siding, and deck building, with honest written estimates and clear communication at every stage. Every project is licensed and insured in Massachusetts.

  • Who runs it: Dave Clarke, owner, on every job start to finish
  • Service area: West Newbury, North Shore MA, and Southern NH
  • Services: Kitchens, renovations, ADUs, additions, new builds, siding, decks
  • How we quote: Honest, written estimates before work starts
  • Typical ranges: ADUs $250,000 to $650,000, additions $150,000 to $600,000, renovations and basements $35,000 to $100,000
  • Credentials: Massachusetts licensed and insured
  • Best first step: A free consultation and property walkthrough

Clarke Building Company provides full-service residential general contracting across West Newbury and the North Shore. From complete kitchen overhauls to new home construction, every project is handled with the same direct approach: clear communication, honest pricing, and work that holds up.

Dave Clarke runs the company personally. He's on the job - not managing from a distance - which means homeowners get a contractor who knows every phase of their project, from the first walkthrough through the final punch list. That kind of hands-on ownership is what separates Clarke Building from the crews that show up, subcontract everything out, and disappear.

Whether you're renovating an older home in West Newbury, adding space for a growing family, or building new on the North Shore, Clarke Building brings the experience and the accountability to get it done right. Meet Dave Clarke to learn more about the company.

Why Do North Shore Homeowners Choose Clarke?

Hiring a contractor comes down to trust. Here is what you get when Dave Clarke runs your project.

The Owner Is on Your Job

Dave Clarke runs every project himself and treats your home the way he would treat his own. You are never handed off to a crew that subcontracts the whole thing out and moves on. The person who quotes your job is the person who sees it through.

Honest Pricing and Clear Communication

You get a detailed written estimate up front and straight answers along the way, so construction never becomes a black box. When something changes, you hear about it early with options, not after the fact on the final bill.

Quality That Holds Up

Clarke Building uses solid materials and skilled local tradespeople, and does the small things right even when no one asked. The goal is work that still looks and performs the way it should years after the crew leaves.

What We Build

Kitchen Remodeling in West Newbury and the North Shore

A kitchen remodel is one of the highest-impact investments a homeowner can make - and one of the most complex to execute well. Clarke Building Company handles the full scope: layout reconfiguration, custom cabinetry coordination, countertop installation, tile work, lighting, and all rough-in trades. The result is a kitchen that functions the way you actually live, built to last.

Explore Kitchen Remodeling

Home Renovations and Remodeling

Not every project starts from scratch, and not every home needs a full gut renovation. Clarke Building handles targeted renovations - updating living spaces, finishing basements, opening floor plans, upgrading systems, and refreshing interiors - with the same level of craft applied to larger builds. If it's in your home and it needs to be better, this is where that work gets done.

Explore Home Renovations

ADU Construction - Accessory Dwelling Units on the North Shore

Accessory Dwelling Units are one of the most practical ways North Shore homeowners are adding value and flexibility to their properties. Clarke Building Company manages ADU projects from permitting through completion - whether that means converting an existing garage, finishing an above-garage space, or constructing a detached unit on an existing lot. These projects require experience navigating local zoning, and Clarke Building has that experience.

Explore ADU Construction

House Additions - Expanding Your North Shore Home

When you need more space but moving isn't the answer, a house addition is often the most cost-effective path forward. Clarke Building Company designs and builds additions that match the existing structure - whether that's a first-floor family room, a primary suite above the garage, or a full second-story addition. Every addition is built to match the original home in both form and function.

Explore House Additions

New Home Construction on the North Shore

Building a home from the ground up requires a general contractor who can manage every phase of the process - site work, foundation, framing, mechanicals, insulation, finish carpentry, and everything in between. Clarke Building Company takes on new residential construction projects across the North Shore, bringing the same owner-operated attention to detail that defines every project, from slab to certificate of occupancy.

Explore New Home Construction

Deck Construction in West Newbury and the North Shore

A well-built deck extends your living space and adds lasting value to your home. Clarke Building Company builds decks to code with proper ledger attachment, structural footings, and materials chosen to perform in New England weather - whether that's pressure-treated lumber, hardwood, or composite. This is not framing-and-walking-away work; it's built to be used, year after year.

Explore Deck Construction

Siding and Cedar Shake on the North Shore

Salt air and freeze-thaw cycles punish an exterior out here. Clarke installs James Hardie fiber cement and Western red cedar shake with its own exterior crew rather than a rotating sub. Both materials earned their place because they hold up in this climate. Flashing, trim details, and water management behind the wall get the same attention as the course lines you can see from the street.

Explore Siding and Cedar Shake

What Drives the Cost of a Project Like Yours?

Cost uncertainty is the reason most homeowners stall. Anyone who quotes your job from a phone call is guessing, and that guess tends to grow once work starts. Below are the ranges Dave works in, followed by what actually moves the number on each type of project.

ProjectTypical range
ADU using an existing structure, utilities already in the area$250,000 to $350,000
Attached ADU$350,000 to $550,000
Detached ADU$425,000 to $650,000
Complete new septic system, depending on size$30,000 to $60,000
Smaller tank plus an expanded leaching field$20,000 to $40,000
Refacing a deck with composite decking and railings$35,000 to $45,000
Home additions, depending heavily on size$150,000 to $600,000
Renovations and basement finishing$35,000 to $100,000

These are planning numbers from work Clarke has actually built on the North Shore. They are not a quote. Septic sits on top of the ADU figure on a lot with no sewer, so a detached unit that needs a complete new system generally lands somewhere near $455,000 to $710,000 all in. Kitchen remodels, siding and new home construction get priced off the room, the house and the lot, so those numbers come out of the walkthrough rather than a chart.

Kitchen remodeling

Layout changes Cabinetry Behind the walls

Keeping the existing footprint costs less than moving plumbing and gas. Cabinetry is usually the largest single line. Older homes around here have a habit of hiding outdated wiring, and that shows up once demo starts rather than during the walkthrough.

Read the kitchen budget guide

ADU construction

Site work Septic Utility connections

Square footage matters less than what the lot demands. Septic is the wild card. Outside sewered areas it can move the total more than any finish decision you make. Converting existing space is a different conversation than putting up a detached unit.

Read the Massachusetts ADU guide

Deck construction

Material Size Height off the ground

Pressure-treated, hardwood, and composite sit at very different price points and last very different amounts of time. Footings, railings, and stairs add up. A deck eight feet off the ground needs more structure than one at grade.

Read the deck build guide

Additions, renovations, new builds and siding

Scope Structure Existing condition

A second-story addition and a first-floor family room are not the same job, even at the same square footage. Foundation work, roof tie-ins, and whether the existing structure can carry the load all factor in before finishes enter the picture.

Ask Dave for an estimate

Every Clarke estimate is written and itemized before work starts, so the figure you plan around is the figure you pay. If something unexpected turns up behind a wall, you hear about it with options while there is still time to decide.

How Does Clarke Run Your Project, Start to Finish?

The biggest fear homeowners have is a contractor who goes quiet or lets costs creep. Clarke runs a simple, predictable process so you always know where your project stands.

1

Consultation

Dave walks your property, listens to what you want, and talks through the realistic scope, budget, and timeline. You get straight answers before you commit to anything.

2

Design, Estimate & Permits

We put together a detailed written estimate and handle the plans and local permits, so the price and the plan are clear before the first day of work.

3

Construction & Regular Updates

Dave oversees the build and the trades on site and stays in regular, direct communication. When a decision comes up, you hear about it early with options, not after the fact.

4

Final Walkthrough

We handle the final inspections and walk the finished project with you, working through any last details until the work meets your expectations.

Serving the North Shore & Southern New Hampshire

Clarke Building Company works with homeowners throughout Essex County, the North Shore, and Southern New Hampshire. Our primary service area includes:

Not sure if we serve your town? Contact us - we'll let you know right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you serve?
Clarke Building Company serves homeowners across the North Shore of Massachusetts, including West Newbury, Newburyport, Hamilton, Topsfield, Ipswich, and Amesbury, plus surrounding Essex County towns and Southern New Hampshire. If you are not sure whether your town is covered, contact us and we will let you know right away.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Clarke Building Company is licensed and insured in Massachusetts, carrying liability and workers' compensation coverage. That protects both your property and the people working on it throughout the project.
How do you handle project pricing and estimates?
We provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down the scope so you can see what you are paying for. Dave walks you through it in plain language, and if the scope changes during the project, we talk it through with you before any extra work is done. The goal is no surprises on the final bill.
Do you handle permits?
Yes. For projects that require them, we prepare and file the building, electrical, and plumbing permits with your local town and coordinate the required inspections. You do not have to navigate the permit process on your own.
Which service should I start with?
Start with whichever project is driving your search, whether that is a kitchen remodel, an addition, an ADU, or a new build. Many projects overlap, and Dave will help you sequence the work during your consultation so the pieces fit together and your budget goes further.
Verified Customer Reviews

What Homeowners Are Saying

5.0 Rating from Homeowners Across the North Shore

"We hired Clarke Building Company to finish our basement. When Dave first came out, we appreciated how he took the time to really walk us through what he was thinking. He always prioritized our input but was great about sharing his ideas and suggestions. The quote we received was very reasonable..."

"We hired Clarke Building Company to finish our basement. When Dave first came out, we appreciated how he took the time to really walk us through what he was thinking. He always prioritized our input but was great about sharing his ideas and suggestions as well. The quote we received was very reasonable.

Before we even began the project we asked for a fairly decent change of scope and Dave was quick to accommodate that. That same flexible approach continued throughout the project, as issues came up or new ideas came to mind. This even included the very last day when we asked if it'd be possible to add a bar counter to one area. By the next day it was already done.

Communication with Dave and his team was excellent. He was always quick to respond and took as much time as we needed. He was proactive in giving us a heads up to make sure we were in the loop. Dave was happy to do whatever we asked but always gave us alternative suggestions that he thought might work well or save us money. We also had a similarly positive experience with the subcontractors we needed for electrical, plastering, etc. Everyone we worked with was friendly and accommodating.

The timeline we were given at the beginning of the project was near exact, which was very impressive. When the project hit challenges (like some huge snowstorms preventing delivery), Dave did whatever it took to get the project back on track.

By far though the best part of working with Clarke Building was how clearly evident it is that they really care about the quality of their work. Not just to make sure their customers are happy, but because good quality work is just something that is important on its own. Without us asking, Dave made sure all of the trim and doors matched our main floors, something I didn't even think of. He had the painters poly our basement stairs because he knew people would be coming in from outside and using them more. He gave extra thought to a tricky AC duct that we were stumped on until he came up with a great solution.

This approach to quality really stood out and showed in the finished product. As my wife and I walked through the finished basement, we couldn't find one single issue with the work, even a minor one. I would without hesitation highly recommend Dave and Clarke Building Company to anyone on their next home project."

Jon H.

Basement Finish

Verified

"We had a great experience with Clarke Building Company. Dave replaced several doors and a window, as well as installed soffit vents and baffles in the attic of our home in Ipswich. What stood out was what a great communicator Dave was throughout the project. He noticed a separate issue in our attic and was proactive in taking pictures, researching options, and following up with us. From initial visit and estimate to final work, we always got timely, clear communication. He always took the time to explain everything to us, even after a long work day. We look forward to working with him again in the future."

Robert H.

Doors, Window & Attic Work

Verified

"Dave and his team did an outstanding job on our addition. The quality of work was excellent, and you can tell they take real pride in what they do. Dave was also great about working around our schedule, which made the entire process smooth and stress free. Everything was completed on time and came out exactly how we envisioned. I would highly recommend his company to anyone looking for high-quality, reliable construction work."

Chris L.

Home Addition

Verified

Talk to Dave About Your Project

Clarke Building Company works with North Shore homeowners who know what they want and want a contractor they can count on. Call and you get Dave, not a call center or a salesperson who hands you off. Projects still in the planning stage are welcome. Half the value of that first conversation is finding out what the work would really involve. See our recent work or check the FAQ.