McNamara Contracting

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Why does it cost so much more to build a custom home than to buy a spec home?” In this article, we'll tackle the question and break down the nuances of Custom vs Spec. On the surface, the answer comes down to customization, material selections, labor efficiency, scheduling, and the sheer amount of coordination required throughout the building process. Spec homes are designed for efficiency and broad market appeal. Custom homes are

Building a custom ranch home in Massachusetts offers many advantages. Open layouts, one level living, aging-in-place convenience, and strong long-term resale appeal. But one of the most common questions homeowners ask early in the process is: “How much does it actually cost to build a custom ranch home?” The honest answer is: it depends heavily on the design, site conditions, finish selections, and construction quality. However, understanding the major cost drivers can help h

When most homeowners think about an exterior remodel, they focus on the visible finish. Siding color. Trim details. Texture. Curb appeal. And while those things absolutely matter, the long-term performance of a home depends far more on what’s happening underneath the siding. At McNamara Contracting, we believe the best exterior systems are designed as complete assemblies, not just decorative cladding attached to a wall. Because in New England, your exterior isn’t simply there

I don’t love publishing square-foot pricing. There’s nothing standard about a home addition and reducing it to a single number oversimplifies one of the most complex projects a homeowner can take on. But homeowners deserve clarity. So instead of throwing out a price without context, let’s walk through what actually drives the cost of building an addition in Massachusetts in 2026. The Cost Is Rarely Just the Addition When people think about building an addition, they imagine: