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Bookcases that are really hidden doors, built to conceal utilities in a finished basement: that April 2026 review sums up what Basement Theory now focuses on. The Ashland design-build company, led by builder Chris Orme and earlier reviewed under the name CJO Builders, finishes basements and builds ADUs, in-law suites and home offices across MetroWest. A Massachusetts construction supervisor licence, CS-115564, held by Christopher J. Orme, is active on the state registry. Google shows 4.8 stars from 17 ratings and Thumbtack 4.5 from 13. The April 2026 customer said Chris finished about 1,000 square feet with a bathroom, office and game room and worked around a lot of utilities. A December 2024 Natick customer said the team customized their basement layout with their own ideas. Bathrooms and trim work fill out the rest: a master bath gut and remodel in April 2024, a bathroom refurbished in a week in May 2025, and, in 2020, a foyer with extensive trim, moulding, floors and stair balusters. In February 2025 a customer with fire damage to a workshop said Chris coordinated costs with the insurer and replaced fascia, siding, shingles, a window and drywall. The one bad experience is an October 2023 Google review of a bathroom remodel: the customer called it a disaster, citing multiple delays caused by subcontractors, especially a plumber who did not file the correct paperwork or apply for a variance, and said they had to follow up constantly.
Chris did a great job on our basement! Would definitely work with him again!
Chris and his team are fantastic. He finished about 1k sq ft, bathroom, office and game room. He helped me with the design of as I had a lot of utilities we had to work around. He got creative to hide some of them (see bookcases attached that are hidden doors) and we worked together throughout the process adjusting as necessary. The teams he works with (electric, plumber, etc) are also 5 stars. All very thorough, responsive, neat and did great work. He stuck to the budget we agreed to and was very upfront on timing as I needed several inspections and it was over the holidays. I highly recommend Chris and his team.
Thanks to CJO Builders for the work done during our bathroom renovation. Chris was organized, responsive, professional and completed our project with minimal disruption at our home. We are so pleased with the results!
I don't think I can even begin to even do justice with this review. The work performed was second to none. I was astounded by the attention to detail during the week that they were at my home refurbishing my bathroom. I went into it thinking it was a basic lipstick on a pig job, but I've been left with an absolutely marvelous bathroom. I had previously been let down by numerous contractors or priced out when getting quotes. The entire week I was kept completely up to date on the timelines for each stage. Each sub contractor was also very transparent with regard to any issues they faced or just giving a summary of the work they performed each day.
I had some (external) superficial fire damage to my workshop that required some facia, siding and shingle replacement/repair. Also needed to replace a window and replace drywall where the fire department had opened up to check for any fire in the wall. Chris coordinated with the insurance company on the cost and then got to work. The work was completed professionally in a timely fashion without any issues or hitches. I would use Chris and CJO again if the need arises.
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1 change recorded — last scanned Sep 19, 2026.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Basement Theory. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
A typical single-level deck is 12×16 — about 200 sq ft.
Estimated range
$7,750 – $14,500
Typical carpentry project around $11,100
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Deck and porch rebuilds5.0
Art and mirror hanging4.8
Deck & stair rebuilds4.6
Siding restoration4.3
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