Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Donelan Contracting, Inc.. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$23,000 – $35,000
Typical remodeling project around $29,000
Donelan Contracting has been building and renovating homes around Jamaica Plain since 1987, according to the Better Business Bureau, where the firm — run by founder Paul Donelan — carries an A+ rating with no complaints filed. The company's own Houzz page frames it as a design-build firm for larger jobs: 15 projects listed across Newton, Brookline, Back Bay and Wayland running $40,000 to $500,000, plus historic-building conservation, additions, and porch and deck work. In a 2020 review, one repeat client described the pattern: over several years, Donelan installed hardwood floors, gutted a master bath, then came back for a guest bathroom, a walk-in closet, custom cabinetry and a foyer bench — crediting the firm with finding creative solutions for an awkward, historic condo layout. A 2016 Houzz review describes a similarly large project: a new entrance, an added bathroom, a gutted second bathroom, a mudroom, an opened-up kitchen and dining area, built-in bookshelves and central air. The written history also runs through two rougher jobs. In a 2020 Angi review, a homeowner called a $65,000 job overpriced, over budget and over time, with lower-than-average quality. An earlier 2018 Angi review described a different kind of trouble: an agreed price that Paul Donelan didn't revise until the end of the project — then for thousands more — along with disorganization during the renovation and an air conditioning system left not working. Those are Angi's two most recent reviews on file, pulling its own average to 3.0 from 4 ratings, evenly split between five, four, two and one stars. The written record here runs 2001 to 2020, so there's nothing current to point to either way — worth asking directly how a recent project went, and pinning down firm, written pricing before work starts.
I have used Donelan contracting for multiple jobs over a number of years. Initially it was to install hardwood floors and gut the master bath. We were so pleased with his work, we eventually had him renovate our guest bathroom add a walk-in closet, some custom cabinetry and bench in our foyer. I live in a historic building and other contractors just didn’t understand what I wanted. Paul really listened, had creative solutions to my quirky condo and made use of space I didn’t even know I had. He has exceeded my expectations with every project!
Awful awful awful experience all around. Terrible communication and incredibly unprofessional. Overpriced. Over budget and over estimated time. Lower than average quality of work.
When I first met Paul Donelan he was likable and charming, but there were problems immediately. I had the project price for several major elements. Right before starting work I took out one to save money. Within a day or two I added it back. It was clear it was supposed to be at the agreed price. But Paul didn't reprice this element until the end of the project, and then for thousands more. There was confusion and disorganization throughout the renovation, but I must admit the work turned out well, though somewhat less well for fine details. Now we come to the rub. The air conditioning system never worked as it was supposed to. A couple of feeble attempts were made to repair it, but when it became clear it would be difficult, Paul simply walked away. I highly recommend against using Donelan Contracting. If you do hold back as much money for as long as possible. That will be your only guarantee that Donelan stands behind his work.
We hired Donelan Contracting to do a major renovation of our house including putting in a new entrance, adding a bathroom and gut renovating another, adding a mudroom, gut renovating our lichen and opening up the kitchen to dining room. We also added built in bookshelves and air conditioning. We are very pleased with the outcome and found the whole process quite smooth. Donelan is experienced and has good subcontractors
WORK WAS DONE VERY WELL AND WAS COMPLETED A LITTLE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, TOO. THE FLOOR IS ROCK SOLID NOW AND WILL BE FOR YEARS TO COME!
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1 change recorded — last scanned Sep 19, 2026.
Decks and porches5.0
Clients returning for 10 and 20 years5.0
Detailed craftsmanship5.0
Renovates century-old structures5.0
Additions and renovations2.5
State-verified Home Improvement Contractor licenseNot yet rated
Architect on staff3.5
