Hawthorn Builders works with Cambridge homeowners on custom homes, major renovations and additions that require thoughtful planning, close collaboration and careful integration of old and new construction. Our team brings extensive Greater Boston experience to complex residential projects, from early budgeting and design coordination through construction and completion.
Custom Homes & Renovations in Cambridge, MA
Hawthorn Builders works with Cambridge homeowners on custom homes, major renovations and additions that require thoughtful planning, close collaboration and careful integration of old and new construction.
Our team brings nearly two decades of Greater Boston building experience to each project, working alongside homeowners, architects and designers from early budgeting and planning through construction and completion. Whether updating an older home, adding new living space or building from the ground up, we focus on creating a clear process and a home that fits both the property and the people who live there.
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Boston Magazine subscribers named Hawthorn Builders to the Best of Boston Home list for the High-End Home Remodeling, West category
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5★★★★★
Hawthorn Builders has been recognized for both design and service in the annual Best of Houzz awards for the top-rated home pros in the design-build category. Houzz features a "design build firms near me" tool for users to search for experts in their area.
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Named a second time to the Best of Boston Home awards, Boston Magazine's list of winners based on their annual survey to subscribers in the Boston Area, Hawthorn Builders was the top selection in the Design/Build, West category.
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Boston Magazine subscribers named Hawthorn Builders to the Best of Boston Home list for the Custom Home Design/Build, West category.
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Accredited since May of 2018, Hawthorn Builders boasts a BBB Rating & Accreditation of A+
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Hawthorn Builders, renowned for their green energy building design and construction methods, holds a coveted certification from Phius (Passive House Institute US). Phius Certified Builders are construction professionals trained to meet the challenges of building to the rigorous Phius passive building standard. Phius certifies the most passive house projects and builders in North America who put passive at the forefront of the zero-energy movement.
Higher satisfaction
proven by Hawthorn's many awards
and the design build method rated highest by the
Design-Build Institute of America
compared to all other construction delivery types
Experience Building and Renovating in Cambridge
Cambridge projects often involve more than simply building new space. Older homes, tight sites, existing conditions and the challenge of integrating new construction with original architecture can all shape the project.
Hawthorn’s experience includes complex renovation and addition work where site constraints, existing systems and old-house-meets-new-house conditions need to be resolved as part of one coordinated plan. Bringing the builder into the process early helps the homeowner and design team evaluate those issues before they become expensive surprises during construction.
Hawthorn Builders are amazing. They expertly led us through a massive, 10-month renovation and addition project…pretty much the only thing remaining intact of our old house was the living room floor!
This was a complicated, difficult project where we were dealing with conservation land issues, septic issues, old-house-meets-new-house issues, and the myriad other issues one can expect during a large renovation / addition project. Hawthorn continually gave excellent advice, supported our decisions and worked hard to resolve each and every new challenge.
They are extremely knowledgeable, keep an excellent team of subs at their fingertips and are professional in all aspects. And on top of all that, their work is outstanding. We very proudly show off our new house. It’s truly a work of craftsmanship and passion. Thank you, Hawthorn Builders!
— Matthew & Rebecca —
★★★★★
Common Questions
See some common questions and answers below, or call us at 781-707-6564
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What types of projects does Hawthorn Builders take on in Cambridge?
In Cambridge, Hawthorn Builders takes on custom homes, luxury renovations, additions, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), all delivered through our design-build process. Much of our Cambridge work involves the city's older and historic homes — updating kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces, adding room for growing families, and modernizing systems while preserving the character of the original house. Because design and construction are handled by one team, we manage the project from the first plans through the final walkthrough.
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Can Hawthorn work with my existing architect or designer?
Yes. Hawthorn regularly collaborates with architects, interior designers and other members of a homeowner's existing design team. We prefer to become involved early so design decisions, construction feasibility and budget can be evaluated together before work begins.
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When should I involve a builder in a Cambridge renovation or addition?
Earlier than most homeowners expect — ideally during planning and design, before your plans are finalized. When a builder is at the table from the start, budget, feasibility, and design develop together, so you are making decisions with real pricing rather than redesigning after bids come in. That matters even more in Cambridge, where zoning and, for many properties, historical commission review can shape what is possible. Under our design-build model, those considerations are worked through as the design evolves, which keeps the permitting process smoother and the project on budget.
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Does Hawthorn have experience with older homes and complex existing conditions?
Yes. Renovations and additions often require thoughtful integration of new construction with an existing home. Hawthorn's work has included projects involving older structures, challenging site conditions and coordination between existing systems and new construction.
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Can Hawthorn build high-performance or energy-efficient homes in Cambridge?
Yes. Hawthorn incorporates high-performance building practices into both new construction and renovation projects when they align with the homeowner's goals. Our experience includes energy-efficient construction, building-envelope improvements and other strategies designed to improve comfort, durability and long-term performance.
