# Hawthorn Builders

**Trade:** General Contractor / Remodeling · **Address:** 97 Chapel St #3, Needham, MA 02492, USA · **Phone:** (781) 707-6564 · **Website:** http://www.hawthorn-builders.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.8/5** (medium confidence) — from 14 reviews across 6 sources.
100% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 0 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Hawthorn Builders is a Needham luxury home builder that says it has constructed or renovated more than 250 properties in Greater Boston since 2005, when neighbors Mathew Roth and Ryan McDonnell started the company on Hawthorn Avenue — their first project, per the company's own account, was tearing down and rebuilding a Needham house in January 2007. BuildZoom now places the firm in the top 3% of Massachusetts contractors by its scoring, and both a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor license and a Home Improvement Contractor registration were verified active as of mid-2026.

The written record backs that up with real specifics, not just praise. In a November 2025 Google review, a family described a complete basement renovation — turning unfinished space into a rec room with a new bathroom — naming three team members by role and calling the process free of surprises and well managed to budget. A November 2024 review described a barn restoration and master bathroom renovation that stayed on budget with constant communication and met deadlines, and an August 2023 review detailed a Wellesley Zero Net Energy new-construction project that kept moving through COVID-era disruptions. A June 2023 reviewer, who said they had run five similar renovations with other contractors over the prior decade, wrote that Hawthorn's project management made procurement and construction actually enjoyable by comparison. Older Houzz reviews from 2012 describe a master bathroom renovation praised in detail for its carpentry and plumbing work, down to daily cleanup and a curbless shower done with care.

The firm has picked up recognition alongside the reviews: two Houzz Awards, IFDA wins for best bath and kitchen design in 2016, NKBA wins for best sustainable and best small kitchen, and Best of Boston Home honors in 2019 and 2022. BBB has accredited it with an A+ grade since May 2018.

Hawthorn reads like the call for a large, high-end custom build or whole-home renovation — Houzz lists a typical job cost of $250,000 to $5 million — rather than a small repair; the consistent theme across a decade-plus of reviews is steady communication and staying on budget and schedule through complex, multi-trade projects.

**Strengths:**
- Basement transformation — 2025 rec room and bath praised as surprise-free
- On-time and on-budget — 2024 barn and bath project met every deadline
- Net-zero new build — 2023 Wellesley home finished through COVID disruptions
- Repeat-comparison praise — 2023 client called it best of five renovations

## Claims & citations

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

- Self-reports building or renovating more than 250 properties in Greater Boston since 2005, founded by neighbors Mathew Roth and Ryan McDonnell _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.hawthorn-builders.com) — “Hawthorn Builders is a Needham, MA luxury home builder and renovator that builds custom and net-zero/passive homes, runs design-build and pr…”
  - [Official Website](http://www.hawthorn-builders.com) — “Company history (self-reported): Started in February 2005 by Mathew Roth and Ryan McDonnell, two neighbours on Hawthorn Avenue in Needham; i…”
  - [Official Website](http://www.hawthorn-builders.com) — “Ownership (self-reported): Co-founded and run by Mathew Roth and Ryan McDonnell”
- BuildZoom gives the firm a score placing it in the top 3% of Massachusetts contractors, with 38 permitted projects (13 in the last three years), a typical permit size near $155,000, and jobs including a $1,230,000 renovation and a $1,200,000 new house build _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders) — “38 project(s) shown on BuildZoom”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders) — “BuildZoom profile for Hawthorn Builders at 97 Chapel St, Needham, MA 02492, phone (617) 905-9651 (employee Mathew Roth): no customer reviews…”
- BuildZoom verified the company's Massachusetts Construction Supervisor license (#CS-103005) and Home Improvement Contractor registration (#166224) as active in mid-2026 _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders) — “Licence listed on BuildZoom: License #CS-103005, Status Active, State Massachusetts, Type Building Licenses, Construction Supervisor, Busine…”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders) — “Licence listed on BuildZoom: License #166224, Status Active, State Massachusetts, Type Home Improvement Contractor, Date Issued 07-14-2026, …”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders) — “BuildZoom profile for Hawthorn Builders at 97 Chapel St, Needham, MA 02492, phone (617) 905-9651 (employee Mathew Roth): no customer reviews…”
- In a November 2025 Google review, a family described a complete basement renovation — a new rec room and bathroom — calling the process free of surprises and well managed to budget _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25aWUxTMVRTM1pwTVcxTk5uWTNhVEJwVEU1VlVtYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x50ebf3b44a60ae63!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnZYLS1TS3ZpMW1NNnY3aTBpTE5VUmc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Hawthorn helped us with a complete basement renovation where they took our unfinished space and transformed it into a hangout space and r…”
- A November 2024 review described a barn restoration and master bathroom renovation that stayed on budget with constant communication and met deadlines _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQbElxSjdnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x50ebf3b44a60ae63!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICPlIqJ7gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We just completed a barn restoration and master bathroom renovation with Hawthorn Builders. From start to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed w…”
- An August 2023 review detailed a Wellesley Zero Net Energy new-construction project that continued moving through COVID-era disruptions _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwa2NqbmF3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x50ebf3b44a60ae63!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDpkcjnaw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had the pleasure of working with the Hawthorn Builders' team for the construction of our new home in Wellesley. Our Zero Net Energy pr…”
- A June 2023 reviewer, who said they had run five similar renovations with other contractors over the prior decade, wrote that Hawthorn's project management made the process enjoyable by comparison _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNKaUkyczN3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x50ebf3b44a60ae63!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICJiI2s3wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We hired Hawthorn to complete a full renovation/rebuild of a 4,000 SF home in the Western suburbs of Boston. It was truly a pleasure work…”
- An October 2012 Houzz review described a master bathroom renovation praised for detailed carpentry and plumbing work, including daily cleanup and a curbless shower _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “5★ Our complete master bathroom renovation with Hawthorn Builders was simply perfection. Once down to the "bare bones" Hawthorn's incredible…”
- Awards on record include two Houzz Awards, IFDA wins for best bath and kitchen design (2016), NKBA wins for best sustainable and best small kitchen, and Best of Boston Home honors in 2019 and 2022 _(confidence: high)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: 2 Houzz Awards”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: Best of Boston Home 2019 & 2022”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: IFDA Winner of Best Kitchen Design 2016”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: IFDA Winner of Best Bath Design 2016”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: NKBA Winner of Best Sustainable Kitchen”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: NKBA Winner of Best Small Kitchen”
- BBB has accredited the company with an A+ grade since May 2018 _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/needham/profile/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-0021-276915) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A+”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/needham/profile/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-0021-276915) — “Better Business Bureau: accredited / certified / member”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/needham/profile/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-0021-276915) — “Listed certification: BBB Accredited Business since 5/25/2018”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/needham/profile/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-0021-276915) — “BBB profile for Hawthorn Builders at 97 Chapel St #3, Needham, MA 02492, phone (781) 707-6564: BBB Accredited since 25 May 2018 with an A+ r…”
- custom home building _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.hawthorn-builders.com) — “Hawthorn Builders is a Needham, MA luxury home builder and renovator that builds custom and net-zero/passive homes, runs design-build and pr…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Services offered (Houzz): Custom Homes, New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Energy-Efficient Homes, Hou…”
- whole-home renovation _(confidence: high)_
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders) — “BuildZoom profile for Hawthorn Builders at 97 Chapel St, Needham, MA 02492, phone (617) 905-9651 (employee Mathew Roth): no customer reviews…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Services offered (Houzz): Custom Homes, New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Energy-Efficient Homes, Hou…”
- kitchen remodeling _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: IFDA Winner of Best Kitchen Design 2016”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: NKBA Winner of Best Sustainable Kitchen”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: NKBA Winner of Best Small Kitchen”
- bathroom remodeling _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQbElxSjdnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x50ebf3b44a60ae63!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICPlIqJ7gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We just completed a barn restoration and master bathroom renovation with Hawthorn Builders. From start to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed w…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “5★ Our complete master bathroom renovation with Hawthorn Builders was simply perfection. Once down to the "bare bones" Hawthorn's incredible…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: IFDA Winner of Best Bath Design 2016”
- net-zero home building _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.hawthorn-builders.com) — “Hawthorn Builders is a Needham, MA luxury home builder and renovator that builds custom and net-zero/passive homes, runs design-build and pr…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwa2NqbmF3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x50ebf3b44a60ae63!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDpkcjnaw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had the pleasure of working with the Hawthorn Builders' team for the construction of our new home in Wellesley. Our Zero Net Energy pr…”
- home additions _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/needham/profile/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-0021-276915) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Additions, Custom Homes, Design Build, Green Homes, High-Performance Building, Home Care, Home Co…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Services offered (Houzz): Custom Homes, New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Energy-Efficient Homes, Hou…”
- Specializes in General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.hawthorn-builders.com) — “Hawthorn Builders is a Needham, MA luxury home builder and renovator that builds custom and net-zero/passive homes, runs design-build and pr…”
  - [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders) — “BuildZoom profile for Hawthorn Builders at 97 Chapel St, Needham, MA 02492, phone (617) 905-9651 (employee Mathew Roth): no customer reviews…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Services offered (Houzz): Custom Homes, New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Energy-Efficient Homes, Hou…”
- Also offers Kitchen Remodel _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: IFDA Winner of Best Kitchen Design 2016”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: NKBA Winner of Best Sustainable Kitchen”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: NKBA Winner of Best Small Kitchen”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Services offered (Houzz): Custom Homes, New Home Construction, Home Remodeling, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Energy-Efficient Homes, Hou…”
- Also offers Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQbElxSjdnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x50ebf3b44a60ae63!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICPlIqJ7gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We just completed a barn restoration and master bathroom renovation with Hawthorn Builders. From start to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed w…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “5★ Our complete master bathroom renovation with Hawthorn Builders was simply perfection. Once down to the "bare bones" Hawthorn's incredible…”
  - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178) — “Listed certification: IFDA Winner of Best Bath Design 2016”

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search

## Sources

- [Official Website](http://www.hawthorn-builders.com): 21 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/needham/profile/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-0021-276915): Listed on this source
- [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders): Listed on this source
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hawthorn%20Builders&query_place_id=ChIJ2bGw4qaB44kRY65gSrTz61A): Listed on this source
- [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/hawthorn-builders-needham): Listed on this source
- [Porch](https://porch.com/providence-ri/dock-repair/cs): Listed on this source
- [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/hawthorn-builders-pfvwus-pf~184557178): Listed on this source
- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hawthorn%20Builders&query_place_id=ChIJ2bGw4qaB44kRY65gSrTz61A): 5.0★ from 20 ratings

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Casey Bechtel · 2025-11-03**: Hawthorn helped us with a complete basement renovation where they took our unfinished space and transformed it into a hangout space and rec room, including the addition of a bathroom, for our family. From our initial meeting with Matt, the financial updates with Ryan and our day to day interactions …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Rachel Busby · 2025-06-23**: Hawthorn is amazing to work with. We worked with them to build a new custom home, have used their home management services, and also are working with them on a renovation to a vacation home. The quality and durability of their work is unmatched and they are extremely responsive. We appreciate that e…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Nick BonhM · 2024-11-26**: We recently completed a master bath remodel, along with an extensive garage and barn project. From beginning to end everyone at Hawthorn was great to work with. After having a not so great experience with another contractor it was a breath of fresh air to work with Hawthorn. Highly recommend them!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Victoria Bonham · 2024-11-21**: We just completed a barn restoration and master bathroom renovation with Hawthorn Builders. From start to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed working with each member of the Hawthorn team. The project remained on budget, there was constant communication throughout, and deadlines were met.  The work is tru…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Mike Dolan · 2024-04-03**: We discovered Hawthorn as we were searching for a builder for our renovation. They had been working on another project in our town so we decided to reach out. From the first meeting onward, the level of service and honesty were outstanding. Every member of their team, whether the owners or others on…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Daniel Moll · 2024-03-20**: Highly recommend Hawthorn Builders! They completed a beautiful home renovation for us. The team is very professional, knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure to work with. Having gone through multiple other renovation projects in the past, we can truly say you are in good hands with Hawthorn! Upfront…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Patti Quigley · 2023-08-23**: We had the pleasure of working with the Hawthorn Builders' team for the construction of our new home in Wellesley. Our Zero Net Energy project started in June of 2020 and was immediately met with Covid pandemic challenges. We were highly impressed with Hawthorn Builders' ability to handle those chal…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Benjamin Moll · 2023-06-19**: We hired Hawthorn to complete a full renovation/rebuild of a 4,000 SF home in the Western suburbs of Boston. It was truly a pleasure working with their team. We have completed five similar renovation projects over the past decade with numerous other contractors and there is no doubt that Hawthorn st…
- **5/5 · Houzz · Mindy McGinn · 2017-05-09**: We worked with Hawthorn to build our home and we can't say enough good things about the process, people and final product. Every member of their staff was professional and friendly. The house is sturdy and beautiful. Their designer very accessible, creative, has great style and is lovely to work wit…
- **5/5 · Houzz · Anne Hertzberg · 2017-01-30**: We had a wonderful experience with Hawthorn. From the beginning they were professional, organized, and communicative. The end result is amazing and we are happy in our new home. We actually miss the building process because we had so much fun working with the Hawthorn team!

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-08-02T16:42:21.651Z.
Cite as: Hawthorn Builders — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders-needham)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/hawthorn-builders-needham