Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from JJ Welch Construction. 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
JJ Welch Construction builds the places you eat, work out and shop in: Boston Provisions Market in the Seaport, a South Boston tavern rescued after another GC fell through, the Hilliards Chocolates flagship in a 100-year-old West Newton bank building opened in time for the 2025 holidays, a 15,000-square-foot volleyball and pickleball facility, a Picklr in Danvers, the first dedicated padel club in Massachusetts, Crunch Fitness clubs, Jaho Coffee. The Salem firm, formally James J. Welch & Co., calls itself a seven-generation construction manager established in 1852. Across 71 Google ratings averaging 4.9, the same two things come up: weekly reports with photos, and schedules that hold. A February 2026 reviewer described the weekly reporting; a November 2024 client wrote about transparent budgeting with no surprise costs; a multi-unit franchise owner said in November 2024 that the team had built 12 locations across seven states from Vermont to Tennessee over three years without missing a deadline. Justin Welch is named in review after review as the one who walks the space himself, and project managers Tom Finn, Joel and superintendent Fred get their own thanks. The BBB grades the company A+. The two one-star reviews are worth reading. In August 2020 a subcontractor's principal wrote that his company did good work on a JJ Welch project and was never paid, and had to walk away. In June 2024 a reviewer complained that the company does no residential work despite the website suggesting it, though a 2021 homeowner described a summer home renovation and another a bathroom gut that same year. There is also older regulatory history under the James J. Welch & Co. name. In January 2015 the U.S. Department of Labor reported OSHA citing the company, as a project's general contractor, for the majority of violations at a site, $110,670 in proposed penalties for one willful, one repeat and three serious workplace safety violations. In August 2013 trade press reported a proposed $28,125 EPA penalty for allegedly violating lead-paint rules meant to protect children during work at the former Frisbee School in Kittery, Maine. Both are more than a decade old and the reports do not say how they were resolved. For a commercial fit-out, restaurant, studio or gym on a tight opening date, this is one of the North Shore's most-reviewed general contractors. Ask up front whether they will take a residential job at all, and ask how subcontractor payment is handled.
“The project's general contractor, James J. Welch & Co. Inc., of Salem, was cited for the majority of the violations ... $110,670 by OSHA ... one willful, one repeat and three serious violations of workplace safety standards”
“James J. Welch & Co. Inc., based in Salem, Massachusetts, faces a penalty of $28,125 for allegedly violating a requirement designed to protect children from exposure to lead-based paint”
“James J. Welch & Co. Inc., based in Salem, Mass., faces a penalty of $28,125 for allegedly violating a requirement designed to protect children from exposure to lead-based paint ... former Frisbee School in Kittery, Maine”
We found ourselves in desperate need of a competent GC for our South Boston tavern after our initial GC didn’t work out. Justin came onsite and personally looked at the space. He immediately understood our vision and was genuinely excited to bring it to life. He worked very hard during the bidding process to meet our budget needs without sacrificing quality, which allowed us to work with some incredibly talented subs. Our project manager Shawn was patient and always available, maintaining great communication along the way. While we had a few Supers throughout the process, Russ was an absolute standout, ensuring important design aspects were installed perfectly. His attention to detail ensured visual design goals were met (and exceeded). We can’t wait to work with JJ Welch again on our next projects - Justin and his team are talented, kind and know how to get the job done. I couldn’t recommend them more!
JJ Welch Construction was an exceptional partner in bringing Boston Provisions Market to life in the Seaport. This project meant a lot to us—it’s the coming together of two legacy Boston brands—and the JJ Welch team treated it with the same level of care and ownership. They were responsive, thoughtful, and deeply committed to delivering a high-quality result. No buildout is without challenges, but what matters is how a team responds—and JJ Welch consistently stepped up, stayed solutions-focused, and kept things moving. We’re incredibly proud of the space we’ve created together and grateful to have had them as our construction partner.
These guys are the real deal. Save your time and energy and just go with the pros. JJ Welch was professional from start to finish. It really is such a peace of mind knowing you’re in the right hands when you’re making a large investment. They send weekly reports and keep communication clear from before you start, all the way up to even after you open for business. Thank you guys! It was a pleasure to work with you all.
I would strongly recommend JJ Welch. They did an outstanding job on our Hilliards Chocolates flagship location in West Newton. We had a very tight timeline to renovate a 100-year-old bank building and open in time for the holidays. JJ Welch got it done without sacrificing the construction quality and detail that were so important to us. Justin and his team were a pleasure to work with throughout. Strongly recommend.
We had a great experience with JJ Welch Construction! Our office renovation was tricky due to the age of the building (100 years old), but their team did an amazing job. Everything came out beautifully, and they stayed right on schedule. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, high-quality work.
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Certified attributes are verified against the public registry. Others are the business's own statement.
2 changes recorded — last scanned Jun 29, 2026.
Deep kitchen expertise4.6
Handles roofing, painting, carpentry, decks, additions4.5
Full fire rebuilds4.2
Custom carpentry3.8