# BRAMSHEL

**Trade:** General Contractor / Remodeling · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.4/5** (medium confidence) — from 12 reviews across 3 sources.
100% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 0 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Bramshel is a small Wellesley Hills design-build firm run by Bramwell Young, hired for kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions, mudrooms, decks and custom woodwork around the MetroWest area. The company holds an active Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor registration under The Bramshel Corporation, and its Houzz profile shows 27 portfolio projects with typical jobs quoted between $40,000 and $500,000.

The people who hired them describe a designer and builder in one: in reviews from 2017 to 2020, homeowners credit the firm with a kitchen renovation guided from ideabooks to finished room, a kitchen and garden extension a 73-year-old client called the house of her dreams, a stabilized and rebuilt porch that needed real ingenuity, and a 12-month whole-house reconfiguration. Craftsmanship and attention to detail come up in nearly every account, and several clients came back for more work — one family had multiple remodels and custom interior and exterior woodwork done, another called their mudroom and beer shed a dream build.

Two things are worth asking about before booking. The written reviews, while uniformly five-star and unusually detailed, are dated — the newest is from May 2020 — so ask about recent projects and current crew. And one 2017 client was blunt about positioning: a five-star Wellesley-style designer-builder for those willing to pay top dollar, which matches the quoted job range.

For a homeowner planning a designed remodel — a kitchen, a bath, an addition with real design intent — this is the profile of a hands-on, one-to-two-person firm that clients trusted with big budgets and repeat work. Confirm current availability and recent references, and note that the state registration checks out under the corporate name.

**Strengths:**
- Design and build under one roof — homeowners describe kitchens developed from their own ideabooks, a kitchen-and-garden extension, and a porch rebuild that took real engineering creativity, all guided by the same two hands
- Craftsmanship named in nearly every review — attention to detail, beautiful finish work and custom woodwork come up across accounts from 2017 to 2020
- Clients come back — one family hired the firm for several projects including a full bathroom remodel and custom woodwork; another planned their next project before the first was done
- Trusted with big, long jobs — a 2017 client stayed with the firm through a 12-month whole-house reconfiguration and still rated it five stars

**Concerns:**
- The written record is dated — all twelve reviews were posted between 2017 and May 2020, so ask about recent work and current capacity
- Premium positioning — a 2017 reviewer called it a top-dollar choice, and the listed typical job runs $40,000 to $500,000
- Houzz shows licence number 069694, but the state registry verifies #123585 under The Bramshel Corporation — worth a glance so the paperwork matches

**Where sources disagree:**
- Houzz's listed licence number (069694) differs from the registry-verified active registration #123585 held by The Bramshel Corporation; the registry answer is the authoritative one

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Holds an active Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor registration (#123585), registry-verified under The Bramshel Corporation. _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/the-bramshel-corporation) — “Licence listed on BuildZoom: License #123585 - Active - Massachusetts - Home Improvement Contractor”
  - [State License Registry](https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search) — “MA hic license 123585 registry-verified active — registry holder of record: The Bramshel Corporation”
- Wellesley-area design-build firm led by owner Bramwell Young, with a BuildZoom score of 92 and a 2019 permit for a $25,000 deck, porch and stairs replacement in Northborough. _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/the-bramshel-corporation) — “A Wellesley, MA general contractor's BuildZoom profile (BZ Score 92, active MA Home Improvement Contractor license #123585, owner Bramwell Y…”
- Rated 5.0 stars from 14 ratings on Houzz, with 27 portfolio projects shown. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “Houzz: 5.0★ from 14 ratings”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “27 project(s) shown on Houzz”
- Clients from 2017 to 2020 describe design and construction handled together — a kitchen renovation developed from the owners' ideabooks, a kitchen and garden extension, and a difficult porch rebuild solved with a creative stabilization. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ After many years of dreaming of a new kitchen, we began speaking with kitchen designers, contractors and builders and carefully selected …”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Bram took on a difficult exterior porch renovation project that required considerable ingenuity and design creativity. He came up with an…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Working with Bram and Sheldon on a kitchen/garden extension to my house was one of the highlights of my LIFE and I was 73!!! They LISTENE…”
- Craftsmanship and attention to detail are praised in nearly every written account, including custom interior and exterior woodwork, built-in bookshelves and finish work. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Beautiful craftsmanship and great design ideas. Extremely considerate in our home, always friendly and kind. We are extremely happy with …”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ 2017: We have hired Bramshel for multiple remodel projects (full bathroom remodel) and custom exterior and interior woodworking. Not only…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Bram and Sheldon have completed several projects for us, including an outdoor deck and built-in bookshelves for our master bedroom, and t…”
- Repeat clients: one household hired the firm for several projects including a full bathroom remodel and custom woodwork; another had multiple rooms done and planned to hire again. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Bramshel created the mudroom and beer shed of our dreams!! Their attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and cohesive design ideas are…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ 2017: We have hired Bramshel for multiple remodel projects (full bathroom remodel) and custom exterior and interior woodworking. Not only…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Bram and Sheldon have completed several projects for us, including an outdoor deck and built-in bookshelves for our master bedroom, and t…”
- A 2017 client described a 12-month whole-house interior reconfiguration and characterized the firm as a small one-man general contractor producing top-quality work at top-dollar prices. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ We worked with Bramshel for 12 months -- extensive internal reconfiguration and dressing-up of house. If you need a five-star Wellesley-s…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “A Wellesley Hills, MA design-build firm's Houzz profile (5.0 stars, 14 reviews, 27 portfolio projects, license #069694, typical job cost $40…”
- The written reviews are dated: all twelve were posted between 2017 and May 2020. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Bramshel did an excellent job on our master bathroom, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident throughout the process. …”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “Houzz: 5.0★ from 14 ratings”
- Houzz lists licence number 069694 while the state registry verifies #123585 as the active registration — a directory discrepancy worth knowing about, not a registry problem. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “Licence listed on Houzz: License Number 069694”
  - [State License Registry](https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search) — “MA hic license 123585 registry-verified active — registry holder of record: The Bramshel Corporation”
- Typical job cost is listed on Houzz as $40,000 to $500,000. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “A Wellesley Hills, MA design-build firm's Houzz profile (5.0 stars, 14 reviews, 27 portfolio projects, license #069694, typical job cost $40…”
- Local news profiled the business as Bramshel Design in 2009, doing interior and exterior design work, mostly renovations. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [eu.wickedlocal.com](https://eu.wickedlocal.com/story/wellesley-townsman/2009/01/08/wellesley-s-bramwell-young-his/40690409007/) — “eu.wickedlocal.com — He does interior and exterior design work, mostly renovations, with his business, Bramshel Design.”
  - [eu.tricountyindependent.com](https://eu.tricountyindependent.com/story/news/2009/01/08/join-rat-pack-at-town/46573399007/) — “eu.tricountyindependent.com — He does interior and exterior design work, mostly renovations, with his business, Bramshel Design.”
- Specializes in General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/the-bramshel-corporation) — “A Wellesley, MA general contractor's BuildZoom profile (BZ Score 92, active MA Home Improvement Contractor license #123585, owner Bramwell Y…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ We worked with Bramshel for 12 months -- extensive internal reconfiguration and dressing-up of house. If you need a five-star Wellesley-s…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “A Wellesley Hills, MA design-build firm's Houzz profile (5.0 stars, 14 reviews, 27 portfolio projects, license #069694, typical job cost $40…”
- Specializes in Kitchen Remodel _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ After many years of dreaming of a new kitchen, we began speaking with kitchen designers, contractors and builders and carefully selected …”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ 1st class work and people. Inventive, great design skills especially with the little details. People come into our new kitchen and tell u…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Working with Bram and Sheldon on a kitchen/garden extension to my house was one of the highlights of my LIFE and I was 73!!! They LISTENE…”
- Specializes in Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Bramshel did an excellent job on our master bathroom, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident throughout the process. …”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Beautiful craftsmanship and great design ideas. Extremely considerate in our home, always friendly and kind. We are extremely happy with …”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ 2017: We have hired Bramshel for multiple remodel projects (full bathroom remodel) and custom exterior and interior woodworking. Not only…”
- Also offers Carpentry _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ 2017: We have hired Bramshel for multiple remodel projects (full bathroom remodel) and custom exterior and interior woodworking. Not only…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859) — “5★ Bram and Sheldon have completed several projects for us, including an outdoor deck and built-in bookshelves for our master bedroom, and t…”

## License

Status: **active** (#123585, hic) — verified against the official MA state registry on 2026-09-02, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search

## Sources

- [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bramshel-pfvwus-pf~1101317859): Listed on this source
- [Exa](https://eu.wickedlocal.com/story/wellesley-townsman/2009/01/08/wellesley-s-bramwell-young-his/40690409007/): 3 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)
- [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/the-bramshel-corporation): Listed on this source

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “Design and Fabrication Associate at The Bramshel Corporation. Based in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts” — linkedin.com (2026-03-06) — https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brigham-young-0a578925b_ross-young-design-activity-7435492073249804288-K8fD
- “He does interior and exterior design work, mostly renovations, with his business, Bramshel Design.” — eu.tricountyindependent.com (2009-01-08) — https://eu.tricountyindependent.com/story/news/2009/01/08/join-rat-pack-at-town/46573399007/
- “He does interior and exterior design work, mostly renovations, with his business, Bramshel Design.” — eu.wickedlocal.com (2009-01-08) — https://eu.wickedlocal.com/story/wellesley-townsman/2009/01/08/wellesley-s-bramwell-young-his/40690409007/

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Houzz · Rob Joseph · 2020-05-18**: Bramshel did an excellent job on our master bathroom, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident throughout the process. In addition, they were hugely helpful during the design stage. The fact that they are a local company, combined with the design/construction capability (all in one…
- **5/5 · Houzz · elizmilewski · 2019-12-31**: Beautiful craftsmanship and great design ideas. Extremely considerate in our home, always friendly and kind. We are extremely happy with our new bathroom and new mudroom!
- **5/5 · Houzz · Liz Larsen · 2019-12-27**: I hired Bram to create a new back yard space. He and his team have the highest attention to detail and are extremely creative. Bram is also very reliable and responsive! We couldn't be happier with the finished product.
- **5/5 · Houzz · benmallen · 2018-12-28**: Bramshel created the mudroom and beer shed of our dreams!! Their attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and cohesive design ideas are apparent in every nook and cranny of our project. We loved working with Bramshel and will hire them again for our next project. Our project consisted of convertin…
- **5/5 · Houzz · Molly Cote · 2018-10-06**: After many years of dreaming of a new kitchen, we began speaking with kitchen designers, contractors and builders and carefully selected Bramshel for our renovation. Our Houzz ideabooks were brimming with photos and with Bram and Sheldon's practical guidance we were able to see our visions come to l…
- **5/5 · Houzz · Tom S · 2018-01-24**: Bram took on a difficult exterior porch renovation project that required considerable ingenuity and design creativity. He came up with an amazing solution to stabilize the porch surface, and the finished product is stunning. He is an extremely collaborative design-build specialist, and completed the…
- **5/5 · Houzz · Emily Indy · 2017-11-27**: We hired Bramshel, new construction, for a front entry way, mud room and bathroom. The craftsmanship of Bramshels designs speaks for themselves. They produced the highest quality of work with an amazing attention to detail in our projects. Bramshel combines creativity with and an artist eye that res…
- **5/5 · Houzz · Eugene Savitt · 2017-11-09**: 1st class work and people. Inventive, great design skills especially with the little details. People come into our new kitchen and tell us it should be in a magazine. You really can't ask for more.
- **5/5 · Houzz · Julia Rowe · 2017-05-11**: 2017: We have hired Bramshel for multiple remodel projects (full bathroom remodel) and custom exterior and interior woodworking. Not only do they have amazing attention to detail and beautiful finishing work, but there have been many times where they suggested designs and solutions that we wouldn't …
- **5/5 · Houzz · John Lawrence · 2017-03-22**: Bram and Sheldon have completed several projects for us, including an outdoor deck and built-in bookshelves for our master bedroom, and they have done an excellent job with everything. They are courteous, prompt and skilled individuals who are a pleasure to work with. We would recommend them to anyo…

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-09-01T10:33:50.719Z.
Cite as: BRAMSHEL — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/bramshel)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/bramshel