Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Cogs Construction and Design Inc.. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Upgrades beyond the standard like-for-like swap included in the base scope.
Estimated range
$27,500 – $45,000
Typical bathroom remodel around $36,300
Cogs Construction and Design is a Melrose kitchen-and-bath outfit built around one person, John Cognata, who is named personally in nearly every review going back to 2017. The company says it has run since it incorporated in 2012, with Cognata bringing more than a decade of industry experience before that; homeowners hire the crew for full room renovations rather than single-room touch-ups. The track record runs from 2013 to 2025 across Houzz, Angi and BBB, and it holds together: 13 reviews, every one five stars. Houzz alone shows 4.9 from 39 ratings with eight project awards, and the dozen retrievable review bodies back that up with real specifics rather than boilerplate praise — a 2016 project that rebuilt half a Victorian home (kitchen, two baths, mudroom, master bedroom and laundry room), a 2020 review describing a front-porch rebuilt from the ground up, and a run of 2017-2022 reviews praising organized, responsive subcontractor coordination through gutted kitchen-and-bath jobs. The most recent review, from October 2025, is worth reading with that in mind: the client describes hiring the company to relocate a commercial fitness studio, not a home project. Its Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration (HIC #171784) is active, corroborated independently by its own site's footer and by its BBB file, which also carries an A+ rating (the company is not BBB-accredited). A separate construction supervisor number, CS-106226, appears on its own site and on Houzz but hasn't been checked against a registry. For a full kitchen or bathroom renovation, or a whole-house project on an older home, this is a business with a decade-plus paper trail of finished jobs and a returning cast of named subcontractors — worth asking who's currently on that crew and what lead times look like now, since the most detailed accounts of the actual work date to 2016-2022.
A little over a year ago, I made the decision to relocate my business. I didn't know what to expect, but I was referred to John and his company, COGS Construction—and I am so thankful that I was! From the very beginning, John walked me through every detail and step of the process. He was extremely responsive, answered all of my questions, and truly helped put me at ease. Our new location just opened last week, and it is absolutely beautiful! Our clients can't stop raving about the design and layout. Every aspect of the project was completed with care and a clear intention for long-term quality. I feel so lucky to have met John, and he will be a part of my network for a lifetime. I highly recommend COGS Construction to anyone looking to add lasting value and beauty to their space.
John and his team did a wonderful job on our renovation. We gutted and remodeled our kitchen and master bath. We loved working with him, Josh and Trey. John was always available when I needed him, was organized and responsive to my updates and last minute changes. His subs were efficient, did great work and always nice and respectful. We had a number of delays on cabinets (not related to John or his team) and they were so patient & understanding with the delays. The project was completed on budget and we couldn't have been happier with the work and finished product.
I don't know where to start, Cogs Construction was truly wonderful to work with. I wanted my bathroom remodeled; with John and his team my bathroom became more than what I could have imagined. I spent many a pleasant hour talking to John about what I was looking for in a bathroom besides showering, these conversations lead to Cogs Construction creating the serene sanctuary I desired. I was working from home throughout the renovation, so I had the opportunity to see the work being done and speak with everyone who came to my home to work. With Cogs Construction you do not get a general handyman - you get a General Contractor who sweats EVERY DETAIL so you don't have to. The sub-contractors he works with are all perfectionists, and masters of their craft. As a bonus, they are dog lovers, too - my two rambunctious dogs looked forward to greeting everyone every day! The communication was terrific, I never had to wonder what was happening or when it was going to happen. Everything happened on time and on budget. The contract is clear, well-written and spells out exactly what is going to happen. There were no surprises with the scope of work. I will miss the near daily visits for the bathroom renovation ,but have already talked to them about a future project. For any work I need/want done, Cogs Construction will be my first, and only call. They are true collaborators to make your dreams come true.
We had a fantastic experience with Cogs Construction. We completed a kitchen and bathroom remodel and it was an extremely smooth process. The whole team was responsive, organized and did great work. The subcontractors were well coordinated and everyone that came into our home was very considerate to our family as we lived through a renovation. We are extremely happy with the outcome and the effort Cogs put into our project to get us across the finish line!
John and his crew completely rebuilt the front porch on our Victorian from the ground up, and we couldn't be happier. The attention to every last detail was beyond compare, and we have not stopped reciecing compliments since it was finished. And, as always, John goes above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect. We have used Cogs Construction for a complete kitchen remodel a couple of years ago, which we love, and plan to use Cogs for all of our home improvement needs in the future. I could not speak more highly of John and his team.
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Certified attributes are verified against the public registry. Others are the business's own statement.
1 change recorded — last scanned Jul 31, 2026.
Deep review history4.6
Full in-house team4.6
142 projects, family-run since 19813.0
Fast response4.0