We work throughout Essex County, the North Shore, and Southern New Hampshire - including West Newbury, Newburyport, Ipswich, Hamilton, Topsfield, Amesbury, Merrimac, Haverhill, Georgetown, Rowley, Groveland, and surrounding communities. Not sure if we serve your area? Contact us and we'll let you know right away.

Reach out through our contact page or call (978) 693-5706. Dave will walk your property, discuss your vision and budget, answer all your questions, and provide a detailed written estimate - at no charge. There's no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a conversation about what it takes to make your project happen right.

We specialize in custom home construction and renovations across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, including:

• Kitchen remodeling
• Home renovations and interior reconfiguring
• House additions - room additions, sunrooms, master suites
• ADU construction - accessory dwelling units and in-law suites
• Deck construction
• New home construction from the ground up

Yes. We hold a current Massachusetts HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) license and carry comprehensive General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance. We're happy to provide copies of our licenses and insurance certificates as part of any project discussion.

Kitchen remodel costs vary widely based on your scope - whether you're refreshing cabinets and counters or doing a full gut renovation with new layout, appliances, and finishes. There's a broad range depending on material choices, structural changes, and the level of customization. Dave will walk you through options at every price point during the consultation so you understand where your money goes and can make decisions that fit your budget.

Timeline depends entirely on the scope of your remodel. A cosmetic refresh moves faster than a full gut renovation with custom cabinetry, structural changes, or permit work. Dave provides a detailed, realistic timeline during the planning phase so you know what to expect before demo begins.

We understand you need to eat during a remodel. We can set up a temporary work area, protect your home from dust, and coordinate our schedule to minimize disruption. Every project is different, but we discuss phasing and living arrangements during the planning phase. Our goal is to get the work done efficiently while respecting your daily life.

A renovation upgrades or reconfigures your existing living space - think kitchen remodel, bathroom refresh, or reconfiguring a floor plan. An addition expands your footprint - a new room, sunroom, master suite, or bump-out. Renovations typically don't need significant structural or foundation work. Additions involve new construction with foundation, framing, and exterior finishing.

Home addition costs depend on size, foundation type, finish level, and complexity. A small structural bump-out costs significantly less than a full master suite or sunroom addition. The range is broad, and every project is unique. Dave provides itemized estimates that break down every cost so you know exactly where your investment goes - no surprises after the project starts.

Matching existing architecture is fundamental to how we work. We carefully select siding, trim, windows, roofing, and interior finishes to blend with your home's character - whether it's colonial, cape, craftsman, or contemporary. The addition should feel original, not tacked on. We pull actual samples and photos during the design phase so you see exactly what the match will look like.

Every addition is different. A structural bump-out moves faster than a full master suite or complex addition. Timeline depends on scope, weather, town inspection schedules, and whether you're making changes during construction. Dave provides a detailed project timeline during planning so you have realistic expectations from the start.

Yes. Massachusetts' Affordable Homes Act (2024) allows homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property under certain conditions. Single-family homes can now add an ADU up to 900 square feet by-right - meaning no special permit or variance is required. ADUs larger than 900 square feet or in multi-unit buildings may require local approval. Local zoning still applies, and you'll need building permits. Dave stays current on all Massachusetts housing law changes and can explain your options.

ADU costs vary significantly based on size, foundation type, utility connections, and finish level. A small, efficient studio costs less than a full-sized unit with complete utilities and high-end finishes. We provide detailed estimates that show where money goes - site prep, foundation, framing, mechanical, finishes, and connections to existing utilities - so you can make informed decisions about scope and budget.

Many homeowners use ADU rental income to offset mortgage, construction loan payments, or home costs. Rental rates depend on your location, size, and finish level. Dave can discuss realistic income scenarios during consultation, but we don't provide financial or investment advice. The decision to build an ADU is personal - some homeowners build them for family members, others for rental income. Both are valid.

Most decks in Massachusetts require a building permit, especially if they're elevated or larger than a certain size (varies by town). We always pull the required permits upfront. A deck built without permits can create problems when you sell your home, and it won't be inspected to code. We handle all permitting so you're protected.

A deck is an open-air outdoor platform, typically elevated, built on posts and footings. A porch can be either a covered or screened structure attached to your house, often at ground level. A sunroom or screened porch encloses the space for year-round use. Deck construction is one of many outdoor spaces we build - each serves different purposes and comes with different code requirements.

Deck lifespan depends on the material you choose and how well it's maintained. Pressure-treated wood requires more regular upkeep - cleaning, staining, and inspection for rot - while composite decking lasts longer with significantly less maintenance. We discuss material options, manufacturer warranties, and realistic upkeep expectations during your consultation so you can make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.

Yes, and I always pull permits. I know it adds time upfront, but it protects you and your home's value down the road. A permitted project means the work has been inspected to code, it's on record with your town, and you won't run into problems when you sell. An unpermitted renovation might hide code violations, structural issues, or unsafe electrical/plumbing work. I always do the right thing, even when it takes longer.

Permit timelines vary by town and depend on the complexity of the project and the building department's current workload. Once a project is permitted, inspections are scheduled at key stages - foundation, framing, rough utilities, final. We coordinate with your town's building department and manage the full inspection schedule so you don't have to.

Required inspections depend on your project scope. Most renovations and additions require foundation, framing, rough mechanical (electrical/plumbing/HVAC), and final inspections. Some towns require additional inspections for energy code compliance, accessibility, or local requirements. Dave knows each town's requirements and prepares the work so inspections pass on schedule.

Absolutely. If you've already worked with an architect or designer, we'll work from those plans. We can also recommend local architects or designers if you need help developing your vision. Either way, we review designs for constructability, budget, and code compliance before work starts so there are no surprises.

We typically provide fixed-price bids based on detailed scope and specifications. This means you know the cost before work starts - no surprises. We're transparent about what's included in the estimate and what might change the price (site conditions, unforeseen damage, or changes you request). We discuss payment schedules tied to project milestones, not upfront lump sums.

Payment is typically tied to project milestones - a percentage at start, progress payments as work advances, and a final payment at completion. We don't ask for large upfront deposits. Everything is detailed in writing in your contract so you know exactly when payments are due and what's been completed at each stage.

We do thorough site inspections and write detailed estimates to avoid surprises. If we discover something during the project that changes costs - like hidden structural damage, unexpected foundation issues, or a change you request - we'll discuss it with you first. Any change to the estimate is documented in writing before work proceeds. No surprise bills.

We manage projects to stay on schedule. Weather, permit delays, or town inspection scheduling can affect timelines, and we'll keep you informed. We discuss realistic timelines upfront and build in contingency where needed. Your project's timeline is tied to mine - if we're late, you know, and we adjust accordingly.

Before you hire any contractor in Massachusetts, ask these questions and verify the answers:

• Do you hold a current Massachusetts HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) license? Ask for the number and verify it with the state.
• Do you carry General Liability insurance and Workers' Compensation coverage? Ask for certificates of insurance.
• Can you provide references from recent local projects? Call them and ask about quality, communication, and timeliness.
• Will you provide a written contract with a detailed scope of work, timeline, and cost breakdown?
• What is the payment schedule, and how is it tied to project milestones?
• Who pulls the permits, and who manages the inspection schedule?
• Do you offer a warranty on workmanship, and for how long?

A trustworthy contractor will answer all of these without hesitation. See why homeowners choose Clarke Building, or learn more about our company and Dave Clarke.

Watch out for these warning signs:

• Requesting a large upfront cash deposit before work begins
• No written contract, or a contract that lacks detail on scope, timeline, and payment
• Cannot provide a valid HIC license number or proof of insurance
• Pressure to sign immediately or claims the price is only good "today"
• An estimate far below everyone else's - usually means corners will be cut
• Reluctance to pull permits or suggestions to skip the permit process
• No references or unwillingness to share past project examples

Clarke Building operates the opposite way. Dave walks you through every detail, answers every question, and provides a written scope before any work starts. View our project portfolio.

Yes. We stand behind our workmanship. Warranty terms are discussed and included in your project contract. Workmanship warranties cover the quality of work we perform. Manufacturer warranties cover materials and products we install (cabinets, countertops, appliances, roofing materials, etc.). Dave explains both types and what they cover for your specific project. Contact us with any warranty questions.