Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from McIntosh Carpentry. 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
James McIntosh's clients don't come back once. One reviewer says he's helped them over the last ten years across a string of separate projects, from a 2023 review; another says every job since 2019 has been "above and beyond." McIntosh Carpentry, out of Haverhill, is a one-man finish-carpentry operation — the reviews describe built-in cabinets and bookshelves, custom dressers and benches, crown molding and paneling, porches, decks, and fireplace mantles far more than anything requiring a general crew. The track record runs deep: 22 reviews from 2021 through 2026 across three sources, three of them in the last six months with none negative. A 2025 review describes built-in cabinets and bookshelves customized around a fireplace, with attention to small details like the shelf-peg spacing; a 2024 review recounts a fireplace mantle and barn door built from 160-year-old reclaimed pine salvaged from a local historical building. A 2021 review describes crown moldings run through a half-dozen rooms plus custom dining-room paneling, calling the whole process easy start to finish. More recently, a client who'd previously watched him rebuild a porch says he called James back for a kitchen project that involved removing walls and a stairway — recent reviews keep repeating the same notes: responsive, on time, and upfront about cost before work starts. One thing worth confirming directly: BuildZoom lists a Massachusetts home improvement contractor license (#195510) for James McIntosh as active as of March 2026, but the same listing separately carries a conflicting alert showing no active license on file. That's a directory-level inconsistency, not a verified state record either way, so it's worth asking him for his license number directly before signing anything. For built-ins, finish carpentry, decks and porches — and homeowners who want the same person coming back for the next project — this is a well-documented, long-running local carpenter; just confirm his current license status yourself.
I received Jame's contact info from one of his repeat clients who raved about his work. James has now replaced my small front porch, and constructed a new composite deck on the back of my house on top of old cement slab. He is a pleasure to work with, very detailed, does what he commits to and during the timeline he commits to. I recommend him highly for any project you have. He is very versatile, and an expert in his field of work. I am sure he will continue to receive my phone calls with other projects. Thank you James for your fine workmanship.
We’ve been working with James since 2019, and every experience has been above and beyond. His work is impeccable, he is reasonably priced, and his professionalism is top-notch. He is also extremely pleasant, helpful, and easy to work with. He has done projects for us ranging from building work tables and storage units for our clay studio, building a mug shelf onto an existing cabinet that looks like it was part of the original unit, putting in walls to clean up a bulkhead area, and numerous other odd jobs. He is our absolute go-to for everything. I couldn’t give a higher recommendation; wish I could give more stars.
We have worked with James for three house remodeling projects- our kitchen, bathroom, and four season porch- and we have loved all of the results. James is responsive, reliable, amazingly hard working, and skilled. He's our first call when we need help with a home project. He's spent so much time in our home in recent years that he's like a member of the family. We all look forward to seeing him- he's funny and kind to our kids. You won't regret working with James (just don't hog him, b/c our next home project is just around the corner).
James’ work is amazing. He is meticulous and creative. Highly recommend him!
We had an absolutely fantastic experience with McIntosh Carpentry! James built us three custom dressers in very tricky spaces and the finished product is just beautiful and highly functional. His design has given us abundant storage and looks very attractive in the spaces. James was wonderful to communicate with regarding the project and the installation was completed ahead of schedule. We will definitely work with James again in the future.
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1 change recorded — last scanned Jul 29, 2026.
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